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Top Sites of Istanbul

2 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 2 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Istanbul, Turkey
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

5 to 7 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Spanish
Instant confirmation

Overview

Istanbul has such a diverse and rich history. It has been the capital of three great empires; the Roman, Byzantine (Eastern Roman) and the Ottoman. Although it is not the official capital anymore, it is still the cultural capital of the country.

There is so much to see or to do in this city. Visitors would normally need more than one day to explore Istanbul.
However, for those visitors who are coming to Istanbul for the first time and have rather limited time, we would recommend this tour for the first day of sightseeing in Istanbul.
The program will include visits to mosques, a cistern, a palace, a hippodrome, a bazaar and a panoramic terrace.

What's Included

  • Private Tour Guides
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance tickets for Topkapı Palace and Basilica Cistern 590 liras for per person90
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Your guide will bring you to Sultanahmet area by public transportation or walking

What To Expect

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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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Hippodrome

The word hippodrome comes from the Greek hippos (horse) and dromos (way). The Hippodrome of Constantinople was also home to gladiatorial games, official ceremonies, celebrations, protests, torture to the convicts and so on. Hippodrome functioned all in Roman (203-330 CE), Byzantine (330-1453 CE), and Ottoman (1453-1922) periods
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

a true wonder of the Byzantine world. Completed under Emperor Justinian in AD 537, this massive building (known best for its resplendent dome) was a Christian church for nearly 1,000 years, until Mehmet the Conqueror claimed it for Islam. Kemal Atatürk, the revolutionary leader and founder of the Republic, proclaimed it as a museum in 1934—but it has reverted back to a working mosque in 2020.
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1 hour 15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

TopkapI Palace

The complex of grand pavilions and courtyards was built by Mehmet II in the middle of the 15th century (just after his conquest of Constantinople) and served as the residence of Ottoman sultans—along with their wives and concubines—for the next 400 years. Today, it is one of the world's richest museums, and during our visit, we’ll behold a staggering collection of arms, porcelain, and priceless treasures that include the jewel-studded dagger made famous by the Hollywood heist film.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

It was built during the reign of Emperor Constantine in the 4th Century but greatly enlarged by Justinian in 537 AD, and used as water storage for the Great Palace during Byzantine times
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

Home to more than 4,000 shops today, this remarkable complex dates back more than 550 years.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Top Sites of Istanbul?

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.

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Activity code: C-224202P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
2 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
2
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Private Tour Guides
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance tickets for Topkapı Palace and Basilica Cistern 590 liras for per person90

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

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