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Highlights
- Immerse yourself in this guided day tour of Istanbul with hotel pick-ups accompanied by a guide as you discover the highlights of Istanbul.
- Visit the Hippodrome, a former center of chariot races during the Roman Empire with a Serpentine Column from Delphi and an obelisk from Egypt.
- Admire the iconic blue tiles and minarets of the Blue Mosque, and learn about the Ottoman Empire at their former imperial residence, the Topkapi Palace.
- See the tombs of the Sultans in Hagia Sophia and shop for souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar, followed by lunch at a local Turkish restaurant.
- Did you know? During the Ottoman period, the Hippodrome was used for festivals, banquets, and even the execution of deposed emperors during the Byzantine period.
Your Experience
Visit all the major landmarks in Istanbul on this highlights tour with a licensed English-speaking tour guide. Get picked up in an AC vehicle from your hotel and make your way to your first destination, the Hippodrome.
Byzantine and Ottoman Landmarks
The Hippodrome was an ancient stadium during the Byzantine era that could hold 100,000 spectators, where an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of 3 entwined serpents from Delphi reside. Listen to stories and facts about horse and chariot racing held here from your guide. Your next stop will be the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Admire the blue tiles of the interior, 6 towering minarets, and 260 windows that reflect the architectural genius of the Byzantine era.
Shop in the Streets of the Grand Bazaar
Stop by the Topkapi Palace and learn about the Ottoman Sultans who lived here, and enter the Palace at your own cost to stroll across the pavilions and courtyards. This tour is not complete without a visit to Hagia Sophia with several small buildings that look like miniature mosques and contain lavishly-decorated tombs of 5 sultans and their extended families.
Take home memorable souvenirs from this tour by shopping at the Grand Bazaar. With nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewelry, pottery, leather goods, and carpets, this is one of the world’s largest covered markets! End your tour by enjoying a full-course sumptuous lunch at an authentic Turkish restaurant.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Full-day tour of Istanbul highlights
- English-speaking guide
- Hotel pick-ups from select areas
- AC vehicle
- Entry to Hippodrome
- Entry to Blue Mosque
- Lunch at a Turkish restaurant
- Topkapi Palace entrance fee (1500TL)
- Entry to Hagia Sophia
- Hotel drop-offs
This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.
Ticket Delivery
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID during the pick-up.
Hotel Transfers
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This ticket includes hotel pick-ups and drop-offs.
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Hotel pick-up can be done from centrally located hotels in Taksim, Beyoglu, Besiktas, Sisli, Sultanahmet, and Fatih areas.
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While booking, please provide the name of your hotel.
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If your hotel is not in the pick-up zone, you will be provided with the nearest pick-up location.
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On the day of your tour, please arrive at your hotel lobby 10-15 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time.
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If your hotel does not have a lobby, please wait at the entrance of your hotel.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.