Small Group Tour - Monuments of Istanbul (Morning or Afternoon)
Overview
Tour Itinerary – Highlights of Old Istanbul
Begin your journey in the very heart of old Istanbul: Sultanahmet Square. Once the grand hippodrome of Constantinople, where chariot races and imperial ceremonies took place, today it remains a lively square filled with history and charm.
✨ What You’ll See:
Hippodrome of Constantinople – once the sporting and social center of the Byzantine Empire
Serpentine Column & Obelisk of Theodosius – ancient monuments that still stand proudly
German Fountain – a 19th-century gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) – an iconic masterpiece of Ottoman architecture
Hagia Sophia – admire from the outside (inside visit optional with extra ticket)
Grand Bazaar – one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets
(Optional) Stop at a local outlet store before the Grand Bazaar to compare prices
This route combines Istanbul’s must-see landmarks with hidden stories of history, making it perfect for first-time visitors.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup is possible only for morning tour from selected city center hotels
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines
- Professional guide
- Gratuities
- Drop Off
- Landing and facility fees
- Hagia Sophia Museum entrance fee is not included
Meeting and Pickup
We offer hotel pickup for accommodations located along our pickup route. However, if your hotel is situated on a narrow street or in an area inaccessible to our vehicle, we kindly ask that you make your way to the designated meeting point, which will be provided after your booking is confirmed
Sultan Ahmet
Küçük Ayasofya Cd. No:14, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
Beyazıt
34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
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Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
45 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Blue Mosque
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Hippodrome
40 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Grand Bazaar Jewelers
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Bilgin Rug House
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Please confirm your reservation for pick up time and your hotel details
- Grand Covered Bazaar is closed on Sundays and replaced with and authantic shops around Grand Bazaar
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Small Group Tour – Monuments of Istanbul (Morning or Afternoon)?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-103596P6
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.45 out of 5 stars based on 29 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 (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- 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.
- Hotel pickup is possible only for morning tour from selected city center hotels.
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines.
- Professional guide.
- Gratuities.
- Drop Off.
- Landing and facility fees.
- Hagia Sophia Museum entrance fee is not included.
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 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 Small Group Tour - Monuments of Istanbul (Morning or Afternoon) is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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 Small Group Tour – Monuments of Istanbul (Morning or Afternoon) 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
- Hotel pickup is possible only for morning tour from selected city center hotels
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines
- Professional guide
- Gratuities
- Drop Off
- Landing and facility fees
- Hagia Sophia Museum entrance fee is not included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Please confirm your reservation for pick up time and your hotel details
- Grand Covered Bazaar is closed on Sundays and replaced with and authantic shops around Grand Bazaar
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
