Istanbul Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More!

This highly-rated Istanbul highlights tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the city’s iconic landmarks. Small group tours guide you through the old Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Museum, showcasing the captivating history and rich cultural heritage. You’ll marvel at the stunning architecture, explore the blending of Christian and Islamic influences, and immerse in the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of the bustling Grand Bazaar. The tour includes a delightful Turkish cuisine lunch, all fees, and knowledgeable English-speaking guides – providing an ideal way to uncover Istanbul’s transformative past and gain a deeper appreciation for the city.

Key Points

• This comprehensive Istanbul highlights tour takes visitors to iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Museum, and the bustling Grand Bazaar.
• Participants can marvel at the stunning architecture, intricate interiors, and the blending of Christian and Islamic influences in these historic sites.
• The tour includes a delicious 3-course Turkish cuisine lunch, with a choice of mixed kebab or vegetarian options.
• Small group sizes (maximum 10 travelers) ensure an intimate and personalized experience, guided by knowledgeable experts.
• The tour covers all fees and taxes, and provides complimentary refreshments, postcards, and a convenient pickup and drop-off service.

Overview of the Tour

This highly-rated Istanbul highlights tour provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and enjoy its rich history and culture.

With 374 glowing reviews and a Badge of Excellence, the tour expertly guides small groups through the highlights of Istanbul in a single day.

Travelers will explore the city’s past as they visit the old Hippodrome, the stunning Blue Mosque, the magnificent Hagia Sophia, and the extravagant Topkapi Museum.

The tour also includes a stop at the bustling Grand Bazaar and a delicious Turkish lunch, allowing participants to savor the flavors of the local cuisine.

Throughout the day, the knowledgeable guide shares insights and stories that bring the city’s rich culture and history to life.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour kicks off at the iconic old Hippodrome, where visitors explore Istanbul’s storied past as the former center of Byzantine and Ottoman life.

From there, the group makes its way to the breathtaking Blue Mosque, marveling at its stunning architecture and intricate interior decorations.

Continuing the journey, the tour then ventures to the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a magnificent structure that seamlessly blends Christian and Islamic influences.

The highlights continue as the group explores the opulent Topkapi Museum, marveling at the grandeur of the Ottoman imperial palace.

Next, they venture into the bustling Grand Bazaar, where they can enjoy the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of this iconic Turkish marketplace.

Throughout the tour, travelers savor a delicious 3-course lunch, providing a delightful taste of Turkish cuisine.

Inclusion Details

The tour includes a 3-course lunch, featuring either a mixed kebab meal or a vegetarian option, to provide travelers with a delightful taste of Turkish cuisine.

All fees and taxes are covered, and the tour is guided in English.

Complimentary coffee, tea, and bottled water are also provided, along with postcards as gifts for participants.

Travelers will be picked up and dropped off at the German Fountain, just a short walk from the Sultan Ahmet Tram Station.

The tour is accessible to most, with the exception of wheelchair users, and infants must sit on laps.

Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness, as the group size is limited to 10 travelers.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet at the German Fountain, just a 2-minute walk from the Sultan Ahmet Tram Station, where the tour begins.

The tour concludes with a return to the same meeting point. This convenient meeting location allows for easy access to public transportation and ensures a smooth start and end to the day’s adventures.

The key details regarding the meeting and pickup are:

1. Meeting point: German Fountain, 2 minutes walk from Sultan Ahmet Tram Station
2. End point: Returns to meeting point
3. Confirmation received at booking

With these logistics taken care of, travelers can focus on seeing the rich history and vibrant culture of Istanbul during this comprehensive, small-group tour.

Additional Information

This tour is fully confirmed upon booking, ensuring a seamless experience for participants. Stroller access is available, making it suitable for families with young children. It’s conveniently located near public transportation, allowing for easy navigation to and from the meeting point. While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, travelers with moderate physical fitness can comfortably participate. Group sizes are kept small, capped at a maximum of 10 travelers, fostering a more personalized and intimate exploration of Istanbul’s highlights. Lastly, a generous cancellation policy offers a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, providing travelers with added flexibility.

Feature	Details
Wheelchair Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller Accessibility	Stroller accessible
Group Size	Maximum 10 travelers

Cancellation Policy

A generous cancellation policy allows travelers to receive a full refund if they cancel their booking at least 24 hours in advance. This provides flexibility and peace of mind for those who may need to adjust their plans.

The cancellation policy for this Istanbul highlights tour is as follows:

1. Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours prior to the tour.
2. No refunds for cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour.
3. Rescheduling isn’t available, but travelers can cancel and rebook if desired.

This straightforward and fair policy ensures that travelers can book with confidence, knowing they can receive a full refund if their plans change. The tour operator’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in this transparent cancellation policy.

Turkish Cuisine Sampling

During the included 3-course lunch, tour participants can savor the flavors of traditional Turkish cuisine, with a choice between a mixed kebab meal or a vegetarian option.

The mixed kebab meal features a delightful selection of grilled meats, such as juicy lamb and seasoned chicken, served alongside fragrant rice and a variety of fresh vegetables.

Vegetarians can opt for a satisfying spread of meatless delights, including seasonal produce, creamy hummus, and flavorful vegetable dishes.

As they enjoy this culinary experience, travelers can enjoy the vibrant culture of Istanbul, gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich gastronomic heritage of Turkey.

Exploring Istanbul’s History

Embarking on the Istanbul Highlights tour, visitors explore the captivating history and rich cultural heritage of this vibrant city, uncovering its transformative past through a guided exploration of its renowned landmarks.

The tour begins at the ancient Hippodrome, where chariot races once electrified crowds, and continues to the iconic Blue Mosque, an architectural marvel adorned with intricate tiles and towering minarets.

Next, the group ventures to the Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine cathedral and Ottoman mosque that now stands as a museum, showcasing its remarkable blend of Christian and Islamic influences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Historical Sites?

Photography is generally allowed inside the historical sites, but visitors may need to follow certain rules or restrictions. Some sites may prohibit flash photography or limit access to specific areas. It’s best to check with the site staff for specific guidelines.

Can I Buy Souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar?

Yes, visitors can purchase a wide variety of souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. The historic marketplace offers an abundance of traditional Turkish handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and other unique items for visitors to browse and buy.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Tour Package?

The tour package does not mention any option to upgrade. The tour includes key highlights and amenities like a 3-course lunch, entrance fees, and transportation. Travelers interested in additional experiences would need to inquire about customization options directly with the tour provider.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Small Group?

Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a small group tour. Private tours offer a more personalized experience and allow you to explore the highlights at your own pace. Additional fees may apply for a private tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour provider does offer discounts for seniors and students, though the specific discount amount is not specified. Interested customers should inquire about any available discounts when booking the tour.

Recap

This captivating Istanbul Highlights tour immerses you in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

From the grand Blue Mosque to the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, you’ll uncover the stories that have shaped this ancient metropolis.

Indulge in authentic Turkish cuisine, explore the bustling Grand Bazaar, and discover the hidden gems that make Istanbul a true gem of the Bosphorus.

This unforgettable experience will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the city’s timeless allure.