3-Day Small-Group Istanbul Tour: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace

Exploring the enchanting city of Istanbul has never been easier with this compact 3-day small-group tour. Enjoy the timeless grandeur of iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, while uncovering the intricate history and cultural richness that permeates every corner. With a maximum group size of 16 travelers, this Fez Travel experience promises personalized attention and professional guidance, ensuring an unforgettable journey. From comfortable accommodations to convenient transfers, this tour provides a well-rounded itinerary that’s sure to captivate even the most discerning traveler. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to discover the hidden gems of this vibrant city, this 3-day adventure may just…

Good To Know

• A comprehensive 3-day small-group tour exploring Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
• Guided tour with professional services, 2 nights’ accommodation, select meals, and airport transfers.
• Non-refundable tour with a well-rounded itinerary and efficient exploration of Istanbul’s key attractions.
• Closed on Tuesdays, Topkapi Palace may be replaced with Basilica Cistern and Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum.
• Overall positive reviews with some concerns regarding hotel accommodations and communication about schedule changes.

Tour Overview

Offering a comprehensive 3-day exploration of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, this small-group tour provides travelers with the opportunity to enjoy the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Operated by Fez Travel, the tour takes visitors to must-see attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, with a maximum group size of 16 travelers.

Priced from $488.76 per person, the tour includes professional guide services, two nights of accommodation, select meals, and hotel/airport transfers.

While the tour is non-refundable, it offers a well-rounded itinerary to help travelers make the most of their time in Istanbul.

Inclusions

The tour includes a professional guide to lead the group throughout the 3-day itinerary. Accommodation is provided for two nights, with breakfast included on both mornings. Hotel/airport pickup and drop-off services are also part of the package. Entrance fees to the major sites, such as the Topkapi Palace Harem, are covered.

Inclusions	Details
Professional Guide	Leads the group throughout the 3-day tour
Accommodation	Two nights of lodging
Meals	2 breakfasts
Transfers	Hotel/airport pickup and drop-off
Entrance Fees	Includes Topkapi Palace Harem

The tour offers a comprehensive experience, ensuring travelers can focus on exploring the iconic landmarks of Istanbul without worrying about logistics.

Pickup and Schedule

The tour provides convenient pickup options for travelers, with pickup available from the International Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gökçen Airport, or centrally located hotels in the city.

The tour starts at a confirmed time, which travelers should check with the local provider. The tour operates year-round, with available dates from March 16, 2024, to December 28, 2024, and is open for visitors Monday through Sunday, 24 hours a day.

Travelers should plan their arrival and departure accordingly to maximize their time during the 3-day small-group Istanbul tour.

Important Information

Travelers booking this 3-day small-group Istanbul tour will receive confirmation at the time of booking, unless the reservation is made within 9 days of the travel date, in which case confirmation will be provided within 48 hours. This tour is not wheelchair accessible, and accommodation is based on availability. It’s important to note that Topkapi Palace is closed every Tuesday, and in such cases, the tour will visit the Basilica Cistern and Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum instead.

Important Information
Confirmation	Booking	Within 48 hrs
Wheelchair Access	Not Accessible
Accommodations	Based on Availability
Topkapi Palace Closure	Tuesdays	Alternatives
Refund Policy	No Refunds

Reviews and Feedback

Reviews and feedback for this 3-day small-group Istanbul tour are generally positive, with an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 from 5 total reviews.

Travelers praise the great tour, service, and hotel experience. However, some have reported issues with hotel accommodations and lack of communication regarding the Topkapi Palace closure on Tuesdays.

Guests are advised to confirm tour details and schedule changes with the local provider prior to the trip.

Destination Highlights

During this 3-day small-group tour, visitors explore some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.

They’ll marvel at the stunning Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque now transformed into a museum.

Next, they’ll visit the iconic Blue Mosque, known for its beautiful blue tiles and impressive architecture.

The tour also includes a visit to the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, where travelers can discover the palace’s opulent interiors and learn about the region’s rich history.

With a professional guide leading the way, this tour offers an in-depth look at Istanbul’s most famous sights, providing an unforgettable cultural experience.

Tour Itinerary

On the first day, the tour begins with a visit to the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque that now serves as a museum.

Next, the group will explore the iconic Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue tile interior.

The day concludes with a tour of the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, including a visit to the Harem quarters.

The following days feature:

• Exploring the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world
• Visiting the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir
• Discovering the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum

Booking and Contact

Booking this 3-day Istanbul tour can be done through the tour operator, Fez Travel. The tour is priced from $488.76 per person, with the final cost varying based on group size.

Travelers can book directly through Fez Travel’s website or by contacting their team. Upon booking, customers will receive a confirmation within 48 hours, unless the trip is within 9 days of travel.

The tour is available from March 16 to December 28, with pickup from Istanbul’s airports or centrally located hotels. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, Fez Travel will accommodate travelers’ needs based on availability.

Customers should note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, and an alternative visit to the Basilica Cistern and Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum will be arranged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Specific Hotel?

While you can’t request a specific hotel, the tour operator will provide accommodation based on availability. You can let them know your preferences, but the exact hotel may not be guaranteed.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a dress code to visit the religious sites. Visitors should wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. This is to respect the cultural and religious customs of the locations.

Can I Add Extra Activities to the Tour?

You can add extra activities to the tour, but they’d need to be arranged with the tour operator. They may offer optional add-ons or you can request customized activities, though this may incur additional costs.

How Many Hours per Day Is the Tour?

The tour duration is not explicitly stated, but it’s likely a full-day tour covering the key sights. Most small-group Istanbul tours run for approximately 8-10 hours per day, allowing ample time to explore the major attractions.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The tour has a non-refundable cancellation policy, but there’s no mention of rescheduling. Travelers should contact the local provider directly to inquire about any flexibility in the cancellation or rebooking policy.

The Sum Up

This 3-day small-group tour of Istanbul is the perfect way to take in the city’s rich history and culture. With a professional guide, comfortable accommodations, and a carefully curated itinerary, travelers can discover iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. The personalized experience and intimate group size guarantee an unforgettable exploration of Istanbul’s treasures.