Istanbul Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Bosphorus Small-Group Tour
Overview
Make the most of your time in Istanbul on a comprehensive small-group tour covering the city’s essential landmarks in one carefully planned day.
Explore the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace, and the colorful Grand Bazaar. Throughout the tour, your licensed local guide will bring Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman history to life, coordinate the day’s itinerary, and assist with ticket arrangements so you can focus on the experience.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour offers a personal and engaging way to discover the city. End the day with a relaxing 90-minute public Bosphorus cruise and enjoy memorable views of Istanbul’s European and Asian shores.
An ideal choice for first-time visitors who want to experience Istanbul’s major highlights in a single day.
What's Included
- Professional licensed guiding service in English
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch and drinks
- Gratuities
- Museum admission fees and Bosphorus cruise ticket
Meeting Location
Binbirdirek
At Meydanı Caddesi, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Book Online
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Blue Mosque
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Hippodrome
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Istanbul
40 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Basilica Cistern
45 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Topkapi Palace Museum
2 hours Admission Ticket Free
Grand Bazaar
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Bosphorus Strait
1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Dolmabahce Palace
2 hours Admission Ticket Free
Buyuk Mecidiye Camii (pass by)
Rumeli Fortress (pass by)
Kucuksu Pavilion (pass by)
Beylerbeyi Palace (pass by)
Galata Tower (pass by)
Anadolu Hisari Fort (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- This is a full-day walking tour, so comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
- Guests may choose not to enter one or more of the paid attractions. However, as this is a small-group tour, the itinerary and scheduled meeting times must be followed. Guests who skip an attraction may enjoy free time nearby and rejoin the group at the agreed meeting point.
- Selecting an earlier departure time helps reduce waiting times at the mosques and allows for a more comfortable experience.
- Please note that licensed guides do not have priority access at active mosques. All visitors must pass through the standard security lines.
- Getting to the Meeting Point from Galataport Cruise Terminal: The easiest way to reach the German Fountain is by taking the T1 tram, which takes approximately 30 minutes in total. After leaving Galataport, turn left and walk for about 10 minutes to Tophane tram stop. Take the T1 tram in the direction of Bağcılar and get off at Sultanahmet. The German Fountain is approximately a one-minute walk from the tram stop, and your guide will be waiting there. You may pay the tram fare with a contactless Visa or Mastercard. American Express is not accepted, and there is no need to purchase an Istanbulkart.
- Museum Tickets: Museum admission fees are not included in the tour price. To keep the group together and avoid ticket-counter delays, the required tickets will be arranged in advance by your licensed guide and paid for separately by the guests. Please do not purchase separate tickets online unless you plan to visit the attractions independently. Current admission fees and payment details will be provided before the tour.
- During winter, the Bosphorus cruise may be cancelled if weather or sailing conditions make the journey unsafe.
- This is a comprehensive full-day tour. To ensure that all scheduled attractions can be visited, the Topkapı Palace tour focuses on its main courtyards and most significant collections. Guests seeking a more detailed exploration of the palace may prefer to book a dedicated Topkapı Palace tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Istanbul Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Bosphorus Small-Group Tour?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-328634P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.99 out of 5 stars based on 525 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- 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.
- Professional licensed guiding service in English.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Lunch and drinks.
- Gratuities.
- Museum admission fees and Bosphorus cruise ticket.
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 2025There 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 2025If 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 2025Accessibility information for the Istanbul Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Bosphorus Small-Group Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Istanbul Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Bosphorus Small-Group 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 2024Once 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 2026What's Included
- Professional licensed guiding service in English
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch and drinks
- Gratuities
- Museum admission fees and Bosphorus cruise ticket
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- This is a full-day walking tour, so comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
- Guests may choose not to enter one or more of the paid attractions. However, as this is a small-group tour, the itinerary and scheduled meeting times must be followed. Guests who skip an attraction may enjoy free time nearby and rejoin the group at the agreed meeting point.
- Selecting an earlier departure time helps reduce waiting times at the mosques and allows for a more comfortable experience.
- Please note that licensed guides do not have priority access at active mosques. All visitors must pass through the standard security lines.
- Getting to the Meeting Point from Galataport Cruise Terminal: The easiest way to reach the German Fountain is by taking the T1 tram, which takes approximately 30 minutes in total. After leaving Galataport, turn left and walk for about 10 minutes to Tophane tram stop. Take the T1 tram in the direction of Bağcılar and get off at Sultanahmet. The German Fountain is approximately a one-minute walk from the tram stop, and your guide will be waiting there. You may pay the tram fare with a contactless Visa or Mastercard. American Express is not accepted, and there is no need to purchase an Istanbulkart.
- Museum Tickets: Museum admission fees are not included in the tour price. To keep the group together and avoid ticket-counter delays, the required tickets will be arranged in advance by your licensed guide and paid for separately by the guests. Please do not purchase separate tickets online unless you plan to visit the attractions independently. Current admission fees and payment details will be provided before the tour.
- During winter, the Bosphorus cruise may be cancelled if weather or sailing conditions make the journey unsafe.
- This is a comprehensive full-day tour. To ensure that all scheduled attractions can be visited, the Topkapı Palace tour focuses on its main courtyards and most significant collections. Guests seeking a more detailed exploration of the palace may prefer to book a dedicated Topkapı Palace tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
