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About This Tour
Step into the heart of history with our **Istanbul Full Day Old City and Bosphorus Tour** — the perfect experience for first-time visitors and history lovers. This 10-hour guided tour will take you through the most iconic landmarks of ancient Constantinople and modern Istanbul, from majestic mosques and palaces to vibrant markets and the stunning Bosphorus coastline.
Begin your day with spiritual and architectural marvels, such as the **Süleymaniye Mosque**, **Saint Stephen's Church**, and **Saint George's Orthodox Cathedral**. Wander through the charming streets of **Balat and Fener**, admire the ancient Hippodrome, and gaze at the beauty of **Hagia Sophia**, **Blue Mosque**, and the **German Fountain**. Visit the monumental **Topkapi Palace**, explore the colorful **Sights**, and cap off the day with a scenic **2-hour Bosphorus Cruise** — sipping tea and watching Istanbul glow from the water.
Enjoy expert commentary from your professional English-speaking guide, a traditional Turkish lunch, and hotel transfers. This full-day journey is designed to leave you with a profound appreciation for Istanbul's soul — a city where East meets West, and empires still echo through its streets.
Tour Program:
🕌 **Süleymaniye Mosque**
Start the day with one of Istanbul's grandest mosques, designed by the master architect Mimar Sinan. Enjoy stunning views of the Bosphorus and discover the brilliance of Ottoman architecture.
⛪ **Saint Stephen's Church (Iron Church)**
Visit this rare prefabricated iron church built in the 19th century, a unique symbol of Eastern European Christianity.
⛪ **Patriarchal Church of Saint George**
Discover the spiritual heart of the Greek Orthodox community, rich in religious significance and historic artifacts.
🏘️ **Balat and Fener**
Wander the colorful, culture-rich streets of Balat and Fener, famous for their old wooden houses, synagogues, churches, and street cafés.
🍽️ **Lunch in Eyüp**
Enjoy an authentic Turkish meal, complete with dessert and a soft drink, in one of Istanbul's oldest Islamic districts.
🕌 **Hagia Sophia (Outside Visit)**
Learn the story of this architectural masterpiece from the outside. Guests will have time to enter independently if desired.
🏟️ **Hippodrome of Constantinople**
Explore the open-air square that was once the heart of Byzantine public life. See monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column.
⛲ **German Fountain**
Admire this elegant gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II, a blend of Ottoman and European design.
🕌 **Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)**
Step into one of Istanbul's most iconic mosques, known for its stunning interior of over 20,000 blue tiles.
🏛️ **Topkapi Palace (Outside Visit)**
Hear fascinating stories about Ottoman sultans while viewing this monumental palace from the outside. (Guests have time to enter on their own if they choose to buy a ticket.)
🛳️ **2-Hour Bosphorus Cruise**
End the day with a peaceful boat ride between two continents — see palaces, mosques, mansions, and bridges from the water with complimentary tea and Wi-Fi onboard.
Tour Duration:
- 🌸 **Spring–Summer (April 1 – July 31):** ~9:00 PM (≈ 12 hours)
- 🍂 **Autumn (August 1 – September 30):** ~8:00 PM (≈ 11 hours)
- ❄️ **Winter (October 1 – March 31):** ~7:00 PM (≈ 10 hours)
Tour Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions
Customer Reviews
Jennifer Martinez
The Bosphorus cruise was absolutely stunning! Seeing Istanbul from the water is a completely different experience. The guide was excellent and the views were breathtaking.
Robert Taylor
One of the best tours we've ever taken. The combination of history, beautiful scenery, and comfortable boat made for a perfect afternoon. Highly recommended!
Lisa Anderson
The cruise exceeded our expectations. The palaces along the shore are magnificent, and learning about the history while enjoying the views was wonderful.
James Wilson
Great experience overall. The boat was comfortable and the guide knowledgeable. Would have liked a bit more time at the fishing village, but still a great tour.
What's Included
- Professional licensed guide
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off
- Entrance tickets included
- Comfortable transportation