Small-Group Full-Day Guided Top Sights of Istanbul

Exploring the historic sights of Istanbul in a small group setting allows visitors to fully enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage. This guided tour takes travelers on a journey through iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, providing skip-the-line access and personalized insights from a licensed guide. With convenient transportation, museum tickets, and a lunch break included, the experience offers a hassle-free way to discover the best of Istanbul’s top attractions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this small-group tour promises an unforgettable encounter with the city’s past and present.

Key Points

• This small-group guided tour focuses on Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including the Roman Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar.
• The tour is led by an officially licensed guide and includes skip-the-line entry, museum tickets, and a 1-hour lunch break.
• The itinerary covers the key highlights of Istanbul’s historical and cultural heritage, with a maximum group size of 15 for a personalized experience.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but it is near public transportation, and free participation is available for children aged 16 and under.
• Pricing starts at £148.08 per person, with free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours before the tour, and a reserve now, pay later option available.

Overview of the Tour

This small-group guided tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and historic sites.

Led by an officially licensed guide, the tour takes travelers to key attractions like the Roman Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.

With a maximum of 15 participants, the experience is personalized, allowing for a more intimate and engaging journey.

The tour includes skip-the-line entry to sights, museum tickets, and a 1-hour lunch break, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience.

Transportation is also provided, making it convenient for participants to navigate the city.

Highlights of the Itinerary

The tour kicks off at the iconic Roman Hippodrome, where guests can envision the lively chariot races that once took place. Next, they’ll step inside the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a former church and mosque now transformed into a museum, admiring its stunning Byzantine architecture. Nearby, the Blue Mosque’s iconic six minarets create a breathtaking silhouette. Delving into the opulent Topkapi Palace, travelers discover lavish courtyards and the renowned Harem. The final highlight is the bustling Grand Bazaar, where a myriad of shops sell enticing handicrafts, carpets, and tantalizing Turkish delights.

Sight	Significance
Roman Hippodrome	Former center of Byzantine life
Hagia Sophia	Architectural marvel with Byzantine legacy
Blue Mosque	Iconic Istanbul landmark with 6 minarets
Topkapi Palace	Opulent former residence of Ottoman Sultans
Grand Bazaar	Historic shopping hub for local crafts

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour’s inclusions encompass an officially licensed guide, skip-the-line entry to the key sights, museum tickets, a 1-hour lunch break, and transportation.

Travelers aged 16 and under can participate for free. The meeting point is at Küçük Ayasofya, and the tour ends at Mollafenari. The tour starts at 8:30 am.

However, the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and will be replaced by the Arasta Bazaar. Children aged 11 and under visit museums for free, but passport copies are required for age verification.

Annual closures include January 1, Ramadan Celebrations, Eid Celebrations, and October 29. The maximum group size is 25 travelers, and the price starts from £148.08 per person, with free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience.

Meeting and End Points

Küçük Ayasofya serves as the meeting point for this guided tour of Istanbul.

Located in the Fatih district, travelers will gather at Üçler Sk. No:3, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul at 8:30 am to begin their exploration of the city’s top sights.

The tour concludes at Mollafenari, Ç. Nuruosmaniye Cd. No:20, 34120 Fatih/İstanbul. This end point is conveniently situated near public transportation, making it easy for participants to continue their journey.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Travelers should also note that the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems and requires moderate physical fitness.

Age and Accessibility Considerations

As part of the tour, travelers aged 16 and under can participate for free.

However, it’s important to note that infants must sit on laps during the tour.

The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, as it requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

The tour is also not wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation.

Visitors should keep in mind that certain museums and bazaars may be closed on specific holidays, so it’s best to check the schedule in advance.

Closure Dates and Restrictions

Certain dates throughout the year see the closure of key sites on this tour. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, and visitors will instead explore the nearby Arasta Bazaar.

Plus, the tour doesn’t operate on the following dates:

1. January 1
2. Ramadan Celebrations
3. Eid Celebrations
4. October 29

It’s important to note that children aged 11 and under can visit museums for free, but passport copies are required for age verification.

Travelers should keep these closure dates and restrictions in mind when booking their tour to ensure an enjoyable and seamless experience.

Group Size and Pricing

The tour accommodates a maximum of 25 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. Pricing for the guided tour of Istanbul’s top sights starts at £148.08 per person, with variations based on group size. To help you plan your budget, here’s a breakdown of the pricing:

Group Size	Price per Person
1-5	£ 158.00
6-10	£ 148.08
11-15	£ 139.00
16-20	£ 132.00
21-25	£ 125.00

The tour includes an officially licensed guide, skip-the-line entry, museum tickets, a lunch break, and transportation, making it a comprehensive and convenient way to explore the city’s highlights.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking for the Guided Tour of Istanbul is straightforward. The tour offers free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing travelers with maximum flexibility.

The key points regarding booking and cancellation policy are:

1. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.
2. Travelers can reserve now and pay later, allowing for greater convenience.
3. The tour has a maximum of 25 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
4. Annual closures of the Grand Bazaar and museums are noted, with alternative sights offered when necessary.

This policy allows travelers to book with confidence, knowing they can easily adjust their plans if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Language Is the Tour Conducted In?

The tour is conducted in English. The tour guide is officially licensed and provides a personalized experience for up to 15 participants, ensuring excellent customer service and easy communication throughout the day’s activities.

Can Participants Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, visitors should check with the guide for any restrictions or special instructions, as photography may be prohibited in certain areas or limited for conservation reasons.

Are There Any Health or Dietary Requirements to Consider?

The tour has moderate physical fitness requirements. Travelers with back problems should reconsider. Infants must be held on laps. Dietary needs can be accommodated during the 1-hour lunch break.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders are recommended, as many sites are religious in nature. Dressing respectfully is important for entry to the mosques.

Can Participants Explore the Sites Independently During the Tour?

Participants can’t explore the sites independently during the tour. The tour is a small-group guided experience, and travelers are expected to stay with the group at all times to ensure a personalized and efficient sightseeing experience.

The Sum Up

This small-group tour of Istanbul’s top sights provides an immersive cultural experience. Travellers can skip the lines at iconic landmarks, enjoy personalized insights from a licensed guide, and experience the city’s vibrant history and architecture. With convenient transportation, museum tickets, and a lunch break included, it’s an efficient and enjoyable way to discover the best of Istanbul in a single day.