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Istanbul Essentials: 1-Day Private Guided Tour (Pick-up/Drop-off)

5 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 5 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Istanbul, Turkey
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from $23.65 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Istanbul Essentials: 1-Day Private Guided Tour (Pick-up/Drop-off) Image 1
Istanbul Essentials: 1-Day Private Guided Tour (Pick-up/Drop-off) Image 2
Istanbul Essentials: 1-Day Private Guided Tour (Pick-up/Drop-off) Image 3
Istanbul Essentials: 1-Day Private Guided Tour (Pick-up/Drop-off) Image 4
Istanbul Essentials: 1-Day Private Guided Tour (Pick-up/Drop-off) Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
6 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

An Istanbul tour covering highlights like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus cruise, Galata Tower, Fener-Balat district & Spice Bazaar. Tour offers a chance to see important landmarks, historical sites, rich cultural heritage, a range of periods & architectural styles, daily life in Istanbul through visits to bazaars and panoramic view of the city.

This tour offers the opportunity to see the most important landmarks and historical sites in Istanbul, and to experience the city's rich cultural heritage, it covers a wide range of historical periods and architectural styles, from the ancient Byzantine to the Ottoman Empire, and gives a glimpse of the daily life in Istanbul with the visits to the bazaars, and the opportunity to take a Bosphorus cruise and enjoy the panoramic view of the city.

What's Included

  • Private Guided Tour
  • Meeting in your accommodation
  • Professional Licensed Local Tour Guide
  • Lunch and Drinks
  • Entrance Fees: Topkapi Palace: €55 / Basilica Cistern: €45
  • Transportation (Unless the option chosen)
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
OR
Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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TopkapI Palace

Topkapi Palace is a historic palace in Istanbul, Turkey that was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for approximately 400 years. It is located on the Seraglio Point, a promontory overlooking the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. The palace is a complex of buildings, courtyards, and gardens, and includes several important structures such as the Harem, the Imperial Council Hall, and the Treasury. The palace also houses an extensive collection of Ottoman art and artifacts, including manuscripts, weapons, and jewelry. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the early 17th century during the rule of the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque is famous for its blue tile work, which gives it its name, and its six minarets, which is a feature that sets it apart from other mosques. The Blue Mosque is considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. The mosque is still an active place of worship and visitors are asked to dress modestly and take off their shoes before entering. The mosque is also famous for its intricate tile work, calligraphy, and decoration, which is a blend of Ottoman and Islamic architectural styles.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome

The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a public space in Istanbul, Turkey, that was built during the Roman period. It was used for chariot races and other public events, and it was considered the social and cultural center of the city. The Hippodrome was located in the center of the ancient city of Constantinople, and it was surrounded by important structures such as the Emperor's Box, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Serpent Column.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is an ancient underground water storage system located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 6th century AD during the Byzantine Empire to provide water for the city. The cistern is located beneath the city and covers an area of approximately 9,800 square meters. It is supported by 336 marble columns, each 9 meters high, arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns each. The cistern is famous for its two Medusa head columns, which were used as a base for two of the cistern's columns. The cistern was rediscovered in the 16th century and it is open to the public as a tourist attraction. It is one of the most famous cisterns in Istanbul and it is a popular tourist destination due to its unique design and historical significance.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is a historic market in Istanbul, Turkey that dates back to the 15th century. It is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 60 streets and 4,000 shops. The bazaar is a labyrinth of shops and stalls selling a wide variety of goods, including textiles, jewelry, ceramics, spices, and souvenirs. The bazaar is also known for its beautiful architecture, with many of the shops and buildings dating back to the Ottoman period. The Grand Bazaar is a major tourist attraction and an important cultural and economic center in Istanbul. It is also a vibrant place where locals and tourists alike can shop, socialize, and experience the local culture. Visitors to the bazaar should be prepared to haggle over prices and to navigate the crowded and busy streets.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Bosphorus Strait

The Bosphorus is a narrow strait that separates Europe and Asia and connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. The cruise offers stunning views of the city's landmarks, such as the Ottoman palaces, the Bosphorus Bridge, and the European and Asian coastlines. During the cruise, visitors can also see the historic wooden mansions and the Ottoman-era fortresses, as well as the modern skyline of Istanbul.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Show 5 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • If you're booking at the last minute or departing later in the day, keep in mind that some museums and sites close at 5:30 PM. Your guide will suggest alternative options. Meet-up will be at central Istanbul hotels or Galata Port. If your hotel is not centrally located, the meeting point will be Vogue Hotel Supreme Istanbul. If you don't choose van service, the guide will come by foot to the centrally located hotels. Please note that surcharge may apply for hotels located on the Asian side or outside the city center if private van service is booked.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Essentials: 1-Day Private Guided Tour (Pick-up/Drop-off)?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-15459P12

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
5 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 5 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
5
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Essentials: 1-Day Private Guided Tour (Pick-up/Drop-off)?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Private Guided Tour.
  • Meeting in your accommodation.
  • Professional Licensed Local Tour Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch and Drinks.
  • Entrance Fees: Topkapi Palace: €55 / Basilica Cistern: €45.
  • Transportation (Unless the option chosen).
  • Gratuities.
  • Tipping for Guide and Driver (Suggested).
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 7. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Istanbul Essentials: 1-Day Private Guided Tour (Pick-up/Drop-off) is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Istanbul Essentials: 1-Day Private Guided Tour (Pick-up/Drop-off) will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Private Guided Tour
  • Meeting in your accommodation
  • Professional Licensed Local Tour Guide
  • Lunch and Drinks
  • Entrance Fees: Topkapi Palace: €55 / Basilica Cistern: €45
  • Transportation (Unless the option chosen)
  • Gratuities
  • Tipping for Guide and Driver (Suggested)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • If you're booking at the last minute or departing later in the day, keep in mind that some museums and sites close at 5:30 PM. Your guide will suggest alternative options. Meet-up will be at central Istanbul hotels or Galata Port. If your hotel is not centrally located, the meeting point will be Vogue Hotel Supreme Istanbul. If you don't choose van service, the guide will come by foot to the centrally located hotels. Please note that surcharge may apply for hotels located on the Asian side or outside the city center if private van service is booked.

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Activity name