Daily Historical Sites of Istanbul Tour

Highlights of the Historical Sites of Istanbul Day Tour

See the greatest monuments of imperial Istanbul in a single, perfectly planned day on this daily historical sites of Istanbul tour, a full-day guided excursion through the heart of old Constantinople. From the soaring dome of Hagia Sophia to the treasure-filled halls of Topkapi Palace, the tile-clad Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome, the mysterious Basilica Cistern and the bustling Grand Bazaar, this Istanbul day tour brings together six unmissable landmarks with an expert English-speaking guide and comfortable transport.

Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers in Istanbul

Cruise passengers docking in Istanbul can book the Historical Sites of Istanbul Tour as a convenient Istanbul shore excursion during their port call. This shared tour suits cruise passengers with a full day in port; let us know your ship’s schedule and we will confirm the pickup point at the cruise terminal or offer a private alternative. Tell us how many hours your ship stays in port and we will confirm that the full programme fits comfortably. Just tell us the ship and the day it calls at Istanbul — we take care of the rest.

• Hagia Sophia — the sixth-century basilica of Emperor Justinian, one of the greatest buildings ever raised
• Topkapi Palace — the opulent court of the Ottoman sultans, with the Imperial Treasury, sacred relics and Chinese porcelain
• Blue Mosque — the Sultanahmet Mosque, famous for its cascade of domes and blue Iznik tiles
• Hippodrome of Constantinople — the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine
• Basilica Cistern — the atmospheric underground water palace with its forest of columns and Medusa heads
• Grand Bazaar — one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, with thousands of shops

This classic full-day tour follows the story of two empires. Hagia Sophia served as the cathedral of Byzantine Constantinople for almost a thousand years before becoming a mosque, while Topkapi Palace was the nerve centre of the Ottoman Empire for close to four centuries, home to its sultans, its harem and its most sacred relics. Between them lies the great square of Sultanahmet, laid out over the Hippodrome where chariot races once thrilled the Byzantine crowds and where the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius still stands.

A short walk away, the sixth-century Basilica Cistern hides beneath the streets, its columns reflected in still water, before the day finishes amid the colour and clamour of the Grand Bazaar. This daily excursion in Istanbul is the ideal introduction for first-time visitors who want to cover the essentials with a knowledgeable guide — an efficient, rewarding Istanbul day trip through the living history of the old city. Please note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and the Grand Bazaar on Sundays, and the programme is adjusted accordingly.