ITINERARY

• Embark on a personalized journey through Istanbul, tailored to your schedule and interests. Choose between a private guide only, Hotel, Airbnb or port pickup drop off by minivan or full day guide and minivan options. Your guide meets you at your centrally located hotel, allowing for flexible departure times and a fully customizable itinerary. Immerse in the UNESCO-listed Historic Areas, visiting landmarks like Hagia Sophia, TopKapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome, Extend your adventure with a Bosporus cruise and the Grand Bazaar. Your guide's insights deepen your connection with each site.
• The Blue Mosque is not only a religious site but also a masterpiece of art and architecture. Taking the time to explore its beauty and historical significance can be a highlight of your layover in Istanbul.
• You will start to visit main attraction from Sultanahmet District.
• Topkapi Palace: Founder by Fatih Sultan Mehmed Han at 1473. Topkapı Palace used almost 380 years as a Empire administrative centre and residential place of Ottoman Sultans and his families. 4000 People used to live insight. Now it is one of the biggest museum in Istanbul.
• The oldest and most famous biggest antique mall of the World built around 4000 square meters land.There are lot of Turkish traditional shops insight as u can find hand made carpets,jewelleries ,antique stuffs ,silk products and spices shops.
• Meaning of Hagia Sophia is holly wisdom Church.Built by Byzantium king I. Justinanus.Converted to a mosque during Ottoman time. Used as a museum almost 75 years nowadays using as a mosque. One of the most amazing architecture of Istanbul. Throughout its history, Hagia Sophia has been admired for its architectural beauty and the innovative engineering used in its construction. It is renowned for its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and historical significance, reflecting both Christian and Islamic heritage.
• Basilica Cistern
• Dolmabahçe Palace, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is a grand Ottoman palace built between 1843 and 1856 by Sultan Abdülmecid. It served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire until 1922. The palace combines Ottoman, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical architectural styles, showcasing luxurious interiors with crystal chandeliers, gold leaf decorations, and high-quality marble. It covers an area of 45,000 square meters with 285 rooms, 46 halls, and six hammams. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, also used the palace and passed away there in 1938. Today, it is a museum open to visitors.
• Taksim Square is a major cultural and political hub in Istanbul, Turkey. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere, historical significance, and central location. The square features the Republic Monument, which commemorates the foundation of the Turkish Republic in 1923. It is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and hotels, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals. Taksim Square is also a key site for public events, celebrations, and demonstrations. The nearby Istiklal Avenue, a famous pedestrian street, is lined with historic buildings, cafes, and cultural venues.
• İstiklal Caddesi (Istiklal Avenue) is one of the most famous and lively streets in Istanbul, Turkey. Stretching about 1.4 kilometers from Taksim Square to Galata, it is a bustling pedestrian avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues. The street is known for its vibrant atmosphere, street performers, and nostalgic red tram, which runs along its length. İstiklal Caddesi is a key destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife, attracting both locals and tourists. It also houses historical landmarks such as churches, consulates, and art galleries, reflecting Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.
• Galata Tower is a historic landmark in Istanbul, Turkey, built in 1348 by the Genoese. Standing 67 meters tall, it offers panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus. Originally used as a watchtower, it later served various purposes, including as a fire observation post. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and museum, showcasing Istanbul’s rich history.
• Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage) is a historic arcade in Istanbul, located on İstiklal Avenue. Built in 1876, it features elegant European-style architecture with a glass-covered ceiling. Originally home to flower shops, it later became famous for its lively restaurants, taverns, and cafés. Today, it is a popular spot for dining and enjoying traditional Turkish mezes in a vibrant atmosphere.
• The Mısır Çarşısı (Spice Bazaar) in Istanbul is one of the city's oldest and most famous covered markets. Built in 1664 as part of the New Mosque complex, it was historically a hub for the spice trade, with goods arriving from Egypt—hence its name, "Egyptian Bazaar." Today, the bazaar offers a variety of spices, dried fruits, nuts, sweets, and traditional Turkish products. Located in the Eminönü district, it remains a vibrant and aromatic destination for both locals and tourists.
• Süleymaniye Mosque, built between 1550 and 1557 by architect Mimar Sinan for Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, is one of Istanbul’s most iconic mosques. It features classical Ottoman architecture and offers stunning views of the Golden Horn. The mosque complex includes a madrasa, library, and the tombs of Sultan Süleyman and Hürrem Sultan.
• The Fener Greek Patriarchate (Fener Rum Patrikhanesi) is the spiritual center of the Eastern Orthodox Church, located in the Fener district of Istanbul. It has been the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarch since the 17th century. The patriarchate is housed in the Church of St. George, which features religious relics, ornate icons, and historical artifacts. It remains an important religious site for Orthodox Christians worldwide.
• Balat is a historic neighborhood in Istanbul, known for its colorful houses, narrow streets, and vibrant cultural heritage. Once home to Jewish, Greek, and Armenian communities, it offers a mix of Ottoman, Byzantine, and modern influences. Today, Balat is popular for its charming atmosphere, antique shops, cafes, and historic sites, including the Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Church of St. George. The area is a reflection of Istanbul’s rich multicultural past.
• The Golden Horn (Haliç) is a natural harbor in Istanbul, separating the city's European side into two parts. It has historically been a key waterway for trade, transportation, and defense. The Golden Horn is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the Galata Bridge, the Süleymaniye Mosque, and the Fener and Balat neighborhoods. Today, it remains an important part of the city’s landscape, offering scenic views, recreational areas, and a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich history.
• The Bulgarian Orthodox Church, also known as the Church of St. Stephen, is located in the Fener district of Istanbul. It is famous for being constructed entirely of cast iron and was built in 1898 for the Bulgarian Orthodox community. The church is notable for its unique, striking appearance, with its exterior resembling a metal structure, and its rich religious and cultural significance for the Bulgarian community in Istanbul. It remains an important religious site and a symbol of the diverse heritage of the city.
• Istanbul's historic areas are a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a rich tapestry of cultural and architectural landmarks.
• Pierre Loti Hill is a famous hill located in the Eyüp district of Istanbul, known for its stunning views of the Golden Horn. It is named after the French writer Pierre Loti (real name: Julien Viand), who frequently visited Istanbul during the Ottoman period and fell in love with the city. He spent time on this hill writing and enjoying the scenery, which led to the hill being named after him.