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ISTANBUL ESSENCE : Private Full Day Guided City Tour

190 Reviews 4.98 out of 5 stars Based on 190 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.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Istanbul, Turkey
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from $22 per person

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ISTANBUL ESSENCE : Private Full Day Guided City Tour Image 1
ISTANBUL ESSENCE : Private Full Day Guided City Tour Image 2
ISTANBUL ESSENCE : Private Full Day Guided City Tour Image 3
ISTANBUL ESSENCE : Private Full Day Guided City Tour Image 4
ISTANBUL ESSENCE : Private Full Day Guided City Tour Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.
4 to 6 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Istanbul Signature: Private Full-Day Guided City Tour Offers

Complete, hassle-free experience – Enjoy a seamless full-day exploration of Istanbul’s most legendary and historic highlights

Door-to-door transfers included – Travel comfortably with round-trip transportation, eliminating planning and logistics, if the option is selected

Expertly paced full-day itinerary – Discover the city’s top attractions efficiently without feeling rushed

UNESCO World Heritage landmarks – Visit iconic sites including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern in one day

Grand Bazaar visit – Explore and shop at one of the world’s largest and oldest markets, featuring thousands of stalls offering carpets, jewelry, leather goods, bags, and ceramics

Ideal for key travelers – Perfect for first-time visitors, short-stay travelers, and cruise passengers seeking maximum sightseeing with minimal stress

What's Included

  • Private tour
  • Professional Tourist Guide
  • Lunch
  • Museum Tickets
  • Gratuities
See 3 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Tour guide will Pick up you at Istanbul Hotels, Airbnb Locations or ISTANBUL CRUISE PORT (GALATAPORT- Sali Pazari). If you choose option with transfer, you will be picked up by vehicleTuesdays Topkapi Palace is closed. Sundays Grand baazar is closed.

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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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Hippodrome

The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, was an ancient chariot racing stadium and a major social center of the Byzantine Empire. Built by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in the early 3rd century and later expanded by Emperor Constantine I, it could hold tens of thousands of spectators.Though much of the original structure is no longer visible, several historical monuments remain: - **The Obelisk of Theodosius**: A 3,500-year-old Egyptian obelisk brought to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius I. - **The Serpent Column**: Originally from Delphi, Greece, this bronze column commemorates a Greek victory over the Persians. - **The Walled Obelisk**: A less ornate stone obelisk built during the reign of Constantine VII.The Hippodrome was not only a place for races but also for political events and gatherings, making it a key hub in Byzantine social and political life.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks and a prime example of classical Ottoman architecture. It was built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, The mosque is located near Hagia Sophia, creating a stunning architectural contrast between the two iconic structures.The mosque gets its nickname "Blue Mosque" from the more than 20,000 handmade İznik ceramic tiles that adorn its interior walls, many of which feature blue hues. These tiles, along with the mosque's interior lighting from over 200 stained glass windows, create a serene and luminous atmosphere.It is also a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to admire its stunning architecture, intricate tile work, and historical significance. The mosque's proximity to other historic sites like Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace makes it a central part of Istanbul's cultural and historical landscape.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Hagia Sophia is one of the most iconic architectural achievements in history. Constructed between 532 and 537 AD under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it was the world's largest building and an engineering marvel of its time.The structure has a rich and layered history. It was an Eastern Orthodox cathedral for almost 1,000 years, converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, and then turned into a museum in 1935. In 2020, Hagia Sophia was reconverted into a mosque, although it still retains its status as a cultural and historical monument, welcoming people from all over the world.Hagia Sophia's architecture combines elements of both Christian and Islamic art and design. Inside, it features intricate mosaics, marble pillars, and large calligraphic panels added during the Ottoman era. Despite the changes in its religious function over centuries, it remains a symbol of harmony between cultures and religions.
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40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, located in Istanbul, is an ancient underground water storage facility built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. It is famous for its grand, cathedral-like architecture with 336 marble columns, arranged in 12 rows, that support the ceiling. The dimly lit, atmospheric space has vaulted ceilings and is partially filled with water, reflecting the columns beautifully. Two of the columns feature Medusa heads as their bases, adding a mysterious element to the cistern's allure.
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40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı in Turkish) is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, located in Istanbul, Turkey. Established in the 15th century, shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, it spans over 30,000 square meters and contains more than 4,000 shops.The bazaar is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, with a labyrinth of streets and alleys lined with stalls selling everything from carpets and textiles to jewelry, ceramics, and spices. Its architectural design reflects Ottoman aesthetics, featuring domed roofs, arched passages, and intricate tile work.The Grand Bazaar is not only a major tourist attraction but also a vital part of Istanbul’s commercial and cultural life, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant traditions.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

TopkapI Palace

Topkapi Palace was the primary residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Built by Sultan Mehmed II after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the palace sits on a promontory with stunning views over the Bosporus and the Golden Horn.Key features of the palace include: - **The Imperial Gate**: The grand entrance leading to the First Courtyard. - **The Harem**: A private section where the sultan's family and concubines lived, featuring intricately decorated rooms. - **The Treasury**: Housing a collection of precious items, including the famous Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker's Diamond. - **The Sacred Relics**: Artifacts of religious significance, including items attributed to the Prophet Muhammad.The palace is a sprawling complex of courtyards, pavilions, and gardens, showcasing Ottoman architecture, art, and culture. Today, it is a museum and one of Istanbul's most visited historical sites.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Free

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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
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the ISTANBUL ESSENCE : Private Full Day Guided City Tour?

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).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. 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?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5505898P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.98
190 reviews

Average 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 190 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
186
4 stars
4
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

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 ESSENCE : Private Full Day Guided City Tour?
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).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Private tour.
  • Professional Tourist Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
  • Museum Tickets.
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. 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 ESSENCE : Private Full Day Guided City Tour 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 ESSENCE : Private Full Day Guided City Tour 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 tour
  • Professional Tourist Guide
  • Lunch
  • Museum Tickets
  • Gratuities

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
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Report Product Issue

Activity name