Full-Day Istanbul Tour: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace & Bazaar

Pick up from your hotel at 09:00 AM for a full-day tour exploring the historic heart of Istanbul. Your first stop is Hagia Sophia (St. Sophia), an ancient basilica built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century. This architectural masterpiece is one of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul. Next, visit Topkapi Palace, the grand residence of Ottoman sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries. Explore its exquisite collections, including crystal, silver, Chinese porcelain, sultans’ robes, Imperial Treasury jewels, miniatures, and the Holy Mantle, which enshrines relics of Prophet Mohammed. Across from Hagia Sophia, admire the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque, famous for its magnificent interior decorated with blue Iznik tiles, built in the 16th century by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan. Then, explore the Ancient Hippodrome, once the site of chariot races, featuring the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Continue to the Underground Cistern (Basilica Cistern), built after the Nika revolt in 532 AD. Rediscovered in 1545, it was once used to water the gardens of Topkapi Palace. Today, its mystical ambiance is enhanced by clever lighting that makes the water shimmer with colorful reflections. Finally, wander through the Grand Covered Bazaar, a labyrinth of over 4,000 shops. Discover goldsmiths’ streets, carpets, hand-painted ceramics, copperware, brassware, onyx items, and meerschaum pipes.

Please note that inside mosques, visitors should cover shoulders and knees. Hagia Sophia is open every day, Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

At the end of this full-day historical tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. We hope your Old Istanbul Historical Day Tour was a memorable experience, and we look forward to seeing you on another TravelShop Booking tour. Have a safe trip back home, and thank you for choosing TravelShop Booking.