12 hours
Daily Tour
20 people
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Step into the heart of history with our Istanbul Full Day Old City And Bosphorus Tour — the perfect experience for first-time visitors and history lovers. This 12-hour guided tour will take you through the most iconic landmarks of ancient Constantinople and modern Istanbul, from majestic mosques and palaces to vibrant markets and the stunning Bosphorus coastline.
Begin your day with spiritual and architectural marvels like the Süleymaniye Mosque, Saint Stephen’s Church, and Saint George’s Orthodox Cathedral. Wander through the charming streets of Balat and Fener, admire the ancient Hippodrome, and gaze at the beauty of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the German Fountain. Visit the monumental Topkapi Palace, explore the colorful Spice Bazaar, and cap off the day with a scenic 2-hour Bosphorus Cruise — sipping tea and watching Istanbul glow from the water.
Enjoy expert commentary from your professional English-speaking guide, a traditional Turkish lunch, and hotel transfers. This full-day journey is designed to leave you with a deep appreciation for Istanbul’s soul — a city where the East meets the West, and empires still echo through the streets.
🕌 Süleymaniye Mosque
Start the day with one of Istanbul’s grandest mosques, designed by the master architect Mimar Sinan. Enjoy views of the Bosphorus and learn about Ottoman architectural brilliance.
⛪ Saint Stephen’s Church (Iron Church)
Visit this rare prefabricated iron church built in the 19th century, a unique symbol of Eastern European Christianity.
⛪ Patriarchal Church of Saint George
Explore the spiritual center of the Greek Orthodox community, filled with religious significance and historic artifacts.
🏘️ Balat and Fener
Wander the colorful, culture-rich streets of Balat and Fener, famous for their old wooden houses, synagogues, churches, and street cafés.
🍽️ Lunch in Eyüp
Enjoy an authentic Turkish meal with dessert and a soft drink in one of Istanbul’s oldest Islamic districts.
🕌 Hagia Sophia (Outside Visit)
Learn the story of this architectural masterpiece from the outside. Guests will have time to enter independently if desired.
🏟️ Hippodrome of Constantinople
Explore the open-air square that was once the heart of Byzantine public life. See monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column.
⛲ German Fountain
Admire this elegant gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II, a blend of Ottoman and European design.
🕌 Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Step into one of Istanbul’s most iconic mosques, known for its stunning interior of over 20,000 blue tiles.
🏛️ Topkapi Palace (Outside Visit)
Hear fascinating stories about Ottoman sultans while viewing this monumental palace from the outside.
(Guests have time to enter on their own if they choose to buy a ticket.)
🛍️ Spice Bazaar
Enjoy a sensory overload at the Egyptian Bazaar, where spices, sweets, and souvenirs abound.
🛳️ 2-Hour Bosphorus Cruise
End the day with a peaceful boat ride between two continents — see palaces, mosques, mansions, and bridges from the water with complimentary tea and Wi-Fi onboard.
You can make reservations via the site or WhatsApp and pay during the tour.
For a tour response, we recommend you contact us on WhatsApp.
Your day begins with a warm welcome and hotel pickup around 08:10 AM, where you'll meet your guide and fellow travelers.
The adventure starts in one of Istanbul's most majestic landmarks — the Süleymaniye Mosque. Designed by the legendary architect Mimar Sinan, this architectural wonder offers rich Ottoman history and panoramic city views.
From there, we go to the extraordinary Saint Stephen's Church, famously built from iron panels shipped from Europe. It's a rare example of 19th-century innovation and Eastern Christian tradition.
Then, we continue to the Patriarchal Church of Saint George, the spiritual heart of the Greek Orthodox world, rich with icons and ancient relics.
The tour then winds through the timeless streets of Balat and Fener, districts known for their colorful homes, religious diversity, and historic character. As the cobblestone paths lead us forward, each corner offers a photo-worthy moment and a story waiting to be told.
Midday, we pause in the Eyüp district, where you'll enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch accompanied by a traditional dessert and a refreshing soft drink. It's the perfect moment to relax before continuing deeper into the city's layered past.
In the afternoon, we visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque, one of the world's most iconic structures. Though we won't enter as a group, your guide will provide a detailed introduction from outside, and you'll have time to explore on your own if you choose.
Just steps away is the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the social hub of the Byzantine Empire, where emperors once watched races and ceremonies.
Nearby, we'll pause at the German Fountain, a royal gift from Germany with shimmering mosaics beneath its domed roof.
We continue to the Blue Mosque, named for its stunning interior of over 20,000 blue İznik tiles. Even today, it is one of the city's most beloved symbols.
Then, we approach the Topkapi Palace gates, the vast Ottoman sultan's residence for nearly four centuries. While entrance is not included, you'll learn about its rich legacy and can explore inside independently.
The day concludes at the lively Spice Bazaar, where cinnamon, saffron, and Turkish delight fill the air — a vibrant tribute to Istanbul's trading past.
Finally, as the sun sets, you'll board a 2-hour Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia. With the city's skyline glowing around you, enjoy complimentary Turkish tea or Nescafé, connect to free Wi-Fi, and relax as the guide shares stories of the palaces, mosques, and fortresses lining both shores.
Around 9:00 PM, you'll return to the pier, where your vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel, bringing an unforgettable day to a perfect close.
Yes, round-trip transfers are included from central hotels.
A quality Turkish lunch with dessert and a soft drink is provided.
No. You will receive information outside, and can choose to purchase tickets if you wish to enter independently.
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Yes, guests who prefer to skip the cruise can end their tour after the Spice Bazaar around 5:00 PM.
Yes! Families are welcome. The itinerary is balanced and enjoyable for all ages.
Yes, the cruise includes multilingual broadcasting guidance and an audio guide website.
For group tours, only English is available. Private tours may offer other language options upon request.
Suppose Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday or Süleymaniye Mosque on Monday. In that case, your guide will provide adjusted alternatives or more time at other stops.
You can book through our website or WhatsApp and pay during the tour.
Member Since 2023
Tour