Daily Istanbul Tours

Tour of "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi), once the Church of Divine Wisdom, with its innovative architecture, rich history, religious significance and extraordinary characteristics has been fighting against time for centuries, was the largest Eastern Roman Church in İstanbul. Constructed three times in the same location, it is the world’s oldest and fastest-completed cathedral.

Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.

Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome.

Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir. (Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request)

Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Live guide commentary is not allowed in special sections. (Harem is not included in the program)

The Hagia Irene located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine). It was also the second largest church in İstanbul after Hagia Sophia. It’s a typical Byzantine structure with its materials and architecture, was built on the site of an old temple in 330.

Sultan Tombs, there are five tombs of Ottoman Sultans within the graveyard at Hagia Sophia. The ceramic panels are the most beautiful examples of the 16th century with purple, red, green and blue flower motives. Prince robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers are displayed
on the sarcophaguses.

Tour of "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi), once the Church of Divine Wisdom, with its innovative architecture, rich history, religious significance and extraordinary characteristics has been fighting against time for centuries, was the largest Eastern Roman Church in İstanbul. Constructed three times in the same location, it is the world’s oldest and fastest- completed cathedral.

Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.

Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome.

Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir. (Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request)

Lunch at a Turkish Restaurant.

Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Live guide commentary is not allowed in special sections. (Harem is not included in the program)

The Hagia Irene located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine). It was also the second largest church in İstanbul after Hagia Sophia. It’s a typical Byzantine structure with its materials and architecture, was built on the site of an old temple in 330.

Sultan Tombs, there are five tombs of Ottoman Sultans within the graveyard at Hagia Sophia. The ceramic panels are the most beautiful examples of the 16th century with purple, red, green and blue flower motives. Prince robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers are displayed on the sarcophaguses.

Golden Horn (from the bus), the arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbour of the historical peninsula separating the old and the new parts of İstanbul where the first colonies settled during the Byzantines. The residential area for Byzantine Jews, Italian traders and other non-muslim minorities. Drive along the traces of history at Balat viewing Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim), Fener Orthodox Patriarchate and 22 kms. long Byzantine City Walls, strongest fortification of the middle age.

Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers etc.

Bosphorus Cruise on Plan Tours’ private boat, through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials and luxurious apartments.

Rumeli Fortress (from the boat - no interior visit), historical armament built by the Conqueror to control and protect the Bosphorus. A unique example of military architecture.

also visioned during the tour
IMPERIAL GARDENS OF ROYAL YILDIZ PALACE
BOSPHORUS BRIDGE connecting EUROPE & ASIA continents • BEYLERBEYİ PALACE
from the boat

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Bosphorus Tours are practiced with regular boat if minimum number of attendants
is not provided for the private boat

Dolmabahçe Palace, recent residence for Ottoman Sultans built by two Ottoman architects Karabet and Nikogos Balyan on a 110.000 m² area and served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. Famous with great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4.5 tons chandelier, the palace has 285 rooms and 46 halls.

Bosphorus Bridge, unique chance to step from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in 2 minutes.

Çamlıca Hill, famous for its widest bird’s eye panoramic view of İstanbul from Marmara Sea to the Black Sea, gives a chance to see the Bosphorus and Golden Horn from one of the best point of the highest and most appealing places of the city.

Golden Horn (from the bus), the arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbour of the historical peninsula separating the old and the new parts of İstanbul where the first colonies settled during the Byzantines. The residential area for Byzantine Jews, Italian traders and other non-muslim minorities. Drive along the traces of history at Balat viewing Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim), Fener Orthodox Patriarchate and 22 kms. long Byzantine City Walls, strongest fortification of the middle age.

Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers etc.

Bosphorus Cruise on Plan Tours’ private boat, through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials and luxurious apartments.

Rumeli Fortress (from the boat – no interior visit), historical armament built by the Conqueror to control and protect the Bosphorus. A unique example of military architecture.

(Visit to a leather showroom if time permits)

Lunch at a Turkish Restaurant.

Dolmabahçe Palace, recent residence for Ottoman Sultans built by two Ottoman architects Karabet and Nikogos Balyan on a 110.000 m² area and served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. Famous with great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4.5 tons chandelier, the palace has 285 rooms and 46 halls.

Bosphorus Bridge, unique chance to step from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in 2 minutes.

Çamlıca Hill, famous for its widest bird’s eye panoramic view of İstanbul from Marmara Sea to the Black Sea, gives a chance to see the Bosphorus and Golden Horn from one of the best point of the highest and most appealing places of the city.

also visioned during the tour
IMPERIAL GARDENS OF ROYAL YILDIZ PALACE
BOSPHORUS BRIDGE connecting EUROPE & ASIA continents • BEYLERBEYİ PALACE
from the boat

This tour ends approximately at 17:00

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Bosphorus Tours are practiced with regular boat if minimum number of attendants
is not provided for the private boat

Watching one of the best silhouettes in the world with Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque and the Leander' s Tower will be your exceptional experience to enjoy this imperial elegance and the unique panoramic view of the Bosphorus waterway which brings the two continents Europe and Asia, face to face…

UNFORGETTABLE BOSPHORUS CRUISE… DINNER… UNLIMITED LOCAL DRINKS…
BELLY DANCERS… FOLKLORE SHOW…

Dinner with a rich variety of specialities from the Turkish and international cuisine including unlimited local drinks on board of a Bosphorus yacht.

Cruise in the Marmara Sea to Princes' Islands by boat. Stop at Büyükada, the popular summer resort with pinewood scenery and wooden mansions, once the pleasure island of Byzantine Princes.

Tour of the island by horse-drawn carriages before lunch at a fish restaurant.

Evening return to İstanbul and transfer to hotels.

also visioned during the tour
TOPKAPI PALACE • MAIDEN’ S TOWER • ÜSKÜDAR
from the boat

THE STORY OF TURKISH JEWS who were deported from Spain in 1492, now living in Türkiye for more than 500 years in peace & harmony.

Start after breakfast for a tour in Galata, the centuries-old Jewish neighborhood with its famous tower built by the Genoese. Visit to Neve Shalom Synagogue or Ashkenaz Synagogue (upon availability)

Drive to Balat along the Golden Horn, residential area of the Ottoman Jews where the “Star of David” still appears on the facades of some buildings. Visit to Ahrida Synagogue, built in the 15th century and from outside Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim).

Visit to Zülfaris Jewish Museum of the Quincentennial Foundation and the “Oldies House” at Hasköy.

The Jewish Cemetery where the martyrs of Neve Shalom are buried. Stop at Ortaköy, first disembark point of Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Spain by the religious disturbance of the Spanish King and the Queen, desperate on the ships in the middle of the sea, not being accepted by any European country except the Ottoman Sultan Beyazid Khan The Second who welcomed them offering a safe and peaceful life. Last visit to Etz Ahayim Synagogue in Ortaköy.

HALF DAY MORNING TOUR
Neve Shalom Synagogue or Ashkenaz Synagogue (upon availability)
Galata & Balat, the oldest Jewish settlement
Golden Horn

• Aboveprivate tour rates include round trip transfers from/to congress center, private A/C transportation, English speaking professional private guide (other languages are available on request), donations to synagogues, museum entrance fees, lunch in full day tours, excludes drink and %18 VAT
• Photocopy of the passport page with photo is needed in advance (4 days) for visit permits. Passports required for security during the tour.
• 30% discount for children below the age 7, free for the ages of 0-2.

The Patriarchate at Fener, by the Golden Horn, is the heart of Orthodox Christianity. After Constantine the Great' s declaration of Christianity as the religion of Roman Empire, the capital was moved from Rome to Byzantium. With the conquest (1453) of Ottoman Empire, the seat of Patriarchate remained in İstanbul.

Church of Panagia of Blachernae, the best known and most celebrated shrine of the Holy Virgin located near Golden Horn, famed with the hagiasma (fountain of holy water), good to cure health problems, and the Hagion Lousma (sacred bath) good to clean the soul where the emperor also came to purify himself.

St. Savior in Chora (Kariye Museum), originally a Byzantine monastery, dedicated to Jesus Christ the Savior, survived with fantastic mosaics and frescoes, portraying scenes from the Bible, the life and miracles of Jesus.

Pantocrator (Zeyrek Mosque), the monastic complex was one of the largest and best organized of the Byzantine period, comprising two churches and a funerary chapel, baths, a hospice for the aged, a hospital and a medical school, a hostel for travellers and a library. (from outside)

Church of St. Mary Pammacaristos (Fethiye Mosque), built in the 11th century by John Comnenus, displaying the aesthetic refinement attained to Paleologan Age, originally belonged to a convent of nuns. Housed the Patriarchate for a while after the conquest. (from outside)

Zoodochos Pege at Balıklı, dedicated to the Mother of God at Pege, with an underground cistern, full of gold fishes related to a well-known miracle, and the fountain of holy water.

St. Sergius & Bacchus, a landmark in Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture. Today it is known as the "Little Hagia Sophia” because its general plan is a precursor of the Hagia Sophia.
(from outside)

Hagia Eirene, the old patriarchal church with its impressive size stands next to Hagia Sophia.
(from outside)

Hagia Sophia, for many centuries was the largest church of Christendom, dedicated to Divine Wisdom, an attribute of Christ. Hagia Sophia played an important role as emperors were crowned and many victories were celebrated in this remarkable building.

HALF DAY MORNING or AFTERNOON TOUR
Patriarchate * Church of Panagia of Blachernae * St. Savior in Chora
Pantocrator (from outside) * Church of St. Mary Pammacaristos (from outside)
Zoodochos Pege at Balıklı * St. Sergius & Bacchus (from outside)

• Aboveprivate tour rates include round trip transfers from/to central hotels, private A/C transportation, English speaking professional private guide (other languages are available on request), donations, museum entrance fees, lunch in full day tours, excludes drinks and %18 VAT
• 30% discount for children below the age 7, free for the ages of 0-2.
  

CLOSED
Church of St. Mary Pammacaristos on Wednesday