Small Group Tour: Essential Istanbul

Meet your guide in the morning for this full-day small-group tour of Istanbul. Travel by air-conditioned minivan to the old city peninsula. Visit Topkapi Palace and explore the museum, including the large collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain.

Move on to the Hippodrome, where sporting and political events took place during the Byzantine Empire. Here, you see the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain. Continue on to the Hagia Sophia, formerly a Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque, now a secular museum. Cross the square and visit the Blue Mosque.

Finally, spend some time at the Grand Bazaar, which offers 4,000 shops selling antiques, jewelry, gold, carpets, and leather goods. At the end of your tour, relax on the ride back to your hotel.

• Enjoy hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your hotel
• A small group size means you can ask lots of questions
• Explore the varied collection at Topkapi Palace’s museum

Many of Istanbul’s highlights are in the old city, and this tour allows you to visit all of them while leaving the navigation to an expert. Explore Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, hearing commentary from your guide about the history and importance of each site. A small group size means plenty of personal attention, and hotel pickup and drop-off adds extra convenience. 

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Please Note:Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and replaced with Underground Cistern. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and will also be replaced with Underground Cistern.
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Infant seats available
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers