Full-Day Istanbul City & Museums Tour: History & Culture Experience
|Daily, 3 Destinations |Starts from İstanbul
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Best price guaranteed
No booking fees
Earn €20 in travel credits
Duration

daily

Max Group Size

40

Departure Type

Scheduled

Guiding Method

Fully guided

Physical level

relax

Operated In

English

Age Requirement

11 - 99 Ages

Tour Overview

Uncover the rich history and cultural treasures of Istanbul on this full-day guided tour, featuring the city's most iconic landmarks and renowned museums. Explore the heart of Old Istanbul (Sultanahmet) as you walk through centuries of Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern history, visiting architectural marvels, ancient relics, and bustling marketplaces.

Begin your journey at the Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking masterpiece that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum. Marvel at the intricate tilework of the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most famous religious sites. Wander through the historic Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine chariot races, and see its impressive monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, the German Fountain, and the Serpentine Column.

Delve into Istanbul’s imperial past at Topkapi Palace, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans, where you’ll explore its opulent courtyards, sacred relics, and treasury. Visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, home to an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, including relics from Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Anatolia. Finally, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets, where you can browse thousands of stalls selling handcrafted goods, jewelry, spices, and traditional Turkish souvenirs.

With an expert local guide leading the way, this tour offers a comprehensive look into Istanbul’s fascinating history and artistic heritage. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, culture lover, or first-time visitor, this full-day tour is the perfect way to experience the city's top attractions and museums in one unforgettable day.

Join us and explore the timeless wonders of Istanbul!

DailyHistoricalFamilySolo TravelMuseumExplorerIn-depth CulturalDiscoveryPhotography

Route

Starts from

İstanbul

Ends in

İstanbul

Pickup Location

Istanbul, 09:00

Dropoff Location

Istanbul, 18:00

Tour route map

Highlights

Istanbul, Istanbul Old City, Sultan Ahmet Square, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome.

Itinerary

Pick up at 09:00am from your hotel for the full day tour of old Istanbul city.

*  09:30 AM – Visit to Hagia Sophia 
Explore the Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel that has stood as a cathedral, mosque, and museum.
Admire its stunning Byzantine mosaics, massive domes, and Ottoman calligraphy.

*  10:30 AM – Visit to the Blue Mosque 
Step inside the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks.
Marvel at the breathtaking blue İznik tiles, impressive domes, and six towering minarets.

*  11:00 AM – Walk Through the Hippodrome 
Discover the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the center of chariot races and imperial events.
See historical monuments, including:
The Obelisk of Theodosius
The Serpentine Column
The German Fountain of Wilhelm II

* 11:30 AM – Visit to Topkapi Palace 
Explore the Topkapi Palace, the grand residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years.
Visit its lavish courtyards, the Imperial Treasury, and the sacred relics of Islam.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Bosphorus from the palace gardens.

* 01:00 PM – Lunch Break (Optional, Not Included) 
 
Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant (your guide can recommend great options).

*  02:00 PM – Explore the Grand Bazaar  
Step into the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets.
Wander through thousands of shops selling carpets, jewelry, ceramics, spices, and souvenirs.

Enjoy some free time to shop, bargain, or sip Turkish tea in a local café.
After your tour, transfer back to your hotel.

Please Note: Inside the mosques, please cover your shoulders and knees.

Hagia Sophia is open on every day, Topkapi Palace closed on tuesdays, Grand Bazaar closed on sundays.

We hope your tour was a memorable one and we look forward to seeing you in the future on another TravelShop Booking Tour. Have a safe trip back home and thanks for choosing TravelShop Booking.

Trip includes

Included

Professional English-speaking tour guide

Guiding Method
Fully guided

English

Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach

Pick up and return transfer from/to hotel

Coach / BusMini-coachPrivate Vehicle

Guided Full Day Istanbul City Tour
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary


Full-Day Istanbul City & Museums Tour: History & Culture Experience – Good to Know

Before embarking on your full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s top landmarks and museums, here are some essential details to help you prepare for an enjoyable and hassle-free experience.

 Important Information
✔ Tour Duration: Approx. 8 hours (including walking and sightseeing)
✔ Tour Type: Small-group or private guided tour
✔ Availability: Operates daily (except on museum closure days)
✔ Language: Professional English-speaking guide (other languages available upon request)

Museum & Attraction Closures
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. If your tour falls on this day, an alternative museum visit will be arranged.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums are closed on Mondays. A different cultural site may be included instead.
The Blue Mosque is closed during prayer times; visitors may enter at designated times.
The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays; the tour will include an alternative bazaar or local shopping experience.

Entrance Fees & Tickets
Entry fees to included museums and attractions are covered in the tour price unless stated otherwise.
Visitors should carry a valid ID or passport for certain museum entries.

Walking & Accessibility
This tour involves moderate walking over cobbled streets and uneven surfaces.
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Not wheelchair accessible due to some staircases and historical sites.

Meals & Refreshments
Lunch is not included but can be arranged at a recommended local restaurant.
Turkish cuisine is diverse, with vegetarian and halal options available.

Shopping & Souvenirs
The Grand Bazaar offers an excellent opportunity to buy authentic Turkish goods.

Photography & Dress Code
Photography is allowed in most areas but restricted in some museum sections.
Modest attire is recommended when visiting mosques (women may need a headscarf, which is usually available at the entrance).

Pickup & Drop-off
Hotel pickup from central areas is available (confirm at booking).
Drop-off is not included but your guide can assist with directions or transportation options.

Best Time to Take This Tour
Ideal year-round, but spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) offer pleasant weather.
Summer months (July–August) can be hot and crowded; sun protection is recommended.
Winter (December–February) is cooler, with fewer tourists at major attractions.

Ready to explore Istanbul’s fascinating history and culture? Book your Full-Day Istanbul City & Museums Tour today! 

Excluded

International or Domestic flights

Lunch

Vegetarian Halal Meat

Insurance: All types

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

City tax
Lunch
Turkey entry visa
Personal expenses: Extras at hotel or additional meals
Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the "included" section

Availability

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Request a Private, Customizable Departure

By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:

Personal

Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.

Protected

Travel withing your own bubble.

Professional

Access our Travel Specialists insider knowledge.

Privacy

Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.

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