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 12-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 like 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 Spice Bazaar, 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 deep appreciation for Istanbul’s soul — a city where the East meets the West, and empires still echo through the streets.
🏆 Tour Highlights
- Visit iconic religious sites: Süleymaniye Mosque, Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Saint George Cathedral, and Saint Stephen’s Iron Church.
- Marvel at ancient structures: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, German Fountain, Hippodrome
- Explore Balat and Fener, two of Istanbul’s most colorful and historic neighborhoods.s
- Enjoy a Turkish lunch in the historic Eyüp district
- Discover Topkapi Palace (from outside) and the Spice Bazaar
- Relax on a 2-hour Bosphorus cruise, viewing both continents from the water
- Learn from a professional, licensed guide
- Take amazing photos and capture unforgettable moments
✅ What’s Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off (A/C, non-smoking tour vehicle)
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Quality Turkish lunch with a soft drink
- 2-hour Bosphorus cruise with tea/Nescafé and free Wi-Fi
- Service charges and local taxes
❌ What’s Not Included
- Entrance tickets for Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
🕙 Tour Schedule
- Hotel Pickup: Starts around 08:20 AM
- Tour Start: Around 9:00 AM
- Boat Tour: Begins around 7:00 PM
- Tour End: Approx. 9:00 PM, with hotel drop-off
🌍 Languages Available
- Professional tour guide in:
English- (Additional languages available upon request for private tours)
🛣️ Istanbul Full Day Old City And Bosphorus Tour Program
🕌 Süleymaniye Mosque
Start the day with one of Istanbul’s grandest mosques, designed by the master architect Mimar Sinan. Enjoy views of the Bosphorus and learn about Ottoman architectural brilliance.
⛪ 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
Explore the spiritual center of the Greek Orthodox community, filled with 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 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.)
🛍️ Spice Bazaar
Enjoy a sensory overload at the Egyptian Bazaar, where spices, sweets, and souvenirs abound.
🛳️ 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.
