You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Small Group Tour - Monuments of Istanbul (Morning or Afternoon)

29 Reviews 4.45 out of 5 stars Based on 29 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Istanbul, Turkey
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 2 more
German, Spanish
Instant confirmation

Overview

Tour Itinerary – Highlights of Old Istanbul

Begin your journey in the very heart of old Istanbul: Sultanahmet Square. Once the grand hippodrome of Constantinople, where chariot races and imperial ceremonies took place, today it remains a lively square filled with history and charm.

✨ What You’ll See:

Hippodrome of Constantinople – once the sporting and social center of the Byzantine Empire

Serpentine Column & Obelisk of Theodosius – ancient monuments that still stand proudly

German Fountain – a 19th-century gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) – an iconic masterpiece of Ottoman architecture

Hagia Sophia – admire from the outside (inside visit optional with extra ticket)

Grand Bazaar – one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets

(Optional) Stop at a local outlet store before the Grand Bazaar to compare prices

This route combines Istanbul’s must-see landmarks with hidden stories of history, making it perfect for first-time visitors.

What's Included

  • Hotel pickup is possible only for morning tour from selected city center hotels
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines
  • Professional guide
  • Gratuities
  • Drop Off
  • Landing and facility fees
See 1 moreSee 4 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

We offer hotel pickup for accommodations located along our pickup route. However, if your hotel is situated on a narrow street or in an area inaccessible to our vehicle, we kindly ask that you make your way to the designated meeting point, which will be provided after your booking is confirmed

OR
Meeting point

Sultan Ahmet
Küçük Ayasofya Cd. No:14, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Beyazıt
34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Hagia Sophia, also known as the Church of Divine Wisdom, is one of the world’s greatest architectural masterpieces. Originally built as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, it has served as a church, mosque, and museum throughout its remarkable history. Today, Hagia Sophia functions both as an active mosque and a visitor attraction open to tourists. Guests can admire its magnificent dome, impressive Byzantine mosaics, and unique blend of Christian and Islamic heritage, making it one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.
Read more

45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

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

30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome

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.
Read more

40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar Jewelers

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

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Bilgin Rug House

You will have the chance to visit a leather and Turkish carpet factory outlet for shopping before or after the Grand Bazaar.
Read more

20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 4 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
  • Please confirm your reservation for pick up time and your hotel details

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Small Group Tour – Monuments of Istanbul (Morning or Afternoon)?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-103596P6

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.45
29 reviews

Average 4.45 out of 5 stars based on 29 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
20
4 stars
4
3 stars
4
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Semi-Private Cappadocia Day Tour from Istanbul, Cappadocia Hotels

The Red tour is most popular daily tour in Cappadocia and you will be exploring the top sites of this fascinating destination. The tour will …More

The Red tour is most popular daily tour in Cappadocia and you will be exploring the top sites of this fascinating destination. The tour will...

7 to 15 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (4)
from
$101

Guided Full Day Dolmabahce Palace and Bosphorus Tour

Experience the vibrant soul of Istanbul in just one day! This all-inclusive full-day tour offers a captivating blend of history, culture, panoramic views, and authentic …More

Experience the vibrant soul of Istanbul in just one day! This all-inclusive full-day tour offers a captivating blend of history, culture, panoramic views, and authentic...

9 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (6)
from
$57

Private Istanbul Tour - Customazible for Groups

We design your Istanbul tour exactly the way you want it. The itinerary is tailored to match the interests of you and your family or …More

We design your Istanbul tour exactly the way you want it. The itinerary is tailored to match the interests of you and your family or...

7 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (9)
from
$287

Grand Bazaar Shopping Tour

Are you in lstanbul just for a Layover? No problem, you can still discover highlights in a limited time. You will be picked up from …More

Are you in lstanbul just for a Layover? No problem, you can still discover highlights in a limited time. You will be picked up from...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$250

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul

Discover the beauty of Istanbul on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise Tour and enjoy spectacular views from the water as you sail between Europe and Asia. …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Discover the beauty of Istanbul on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise Tour and enjoy spectacular views from the water as you sail between Europe and Asia....

1 to 2 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (1,049)
from
$7

Istanbul E-pass: Top Istanbul Attractions with Skip The Ticket Line

Istanbul E-pass is a fully digital sightseeing pass that covers over 100 top Istanbul Attractions. Choose your E-pass 1,2,3,5 or 7 days and enjoy the …More

Istanbul E-pass is a fully digital sightseeing pass that covers over 100 top Istanbul Attractions. Choose your E-pass 1,2,3,5 or 7 days and enjoy the...

1 to 7 days Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,421)
from
$143

Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Discover the history and culture of the famous Whirling Dervishes during this 1-hour at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha. Wander the Whirling Dervishes’ museum and learn about their …More

Discover the history and culture of the famous Whirling Dervishes during this 1-hour at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha. Wander the Whirling Dervishes’ museum and learn about their...

1 hour Free Cancellation
4.1 (438)
from
$26

Istanbul Mega Lufer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show Pvt Table

With the magical view of the Bosphorus, the historical silhouette of Istanbul, the sea and the unique beauty of the night, we are at your …More

With the magical view of the Bosphorus, the historical silhouette of Istanbul, the sea and the unique beauty of the night, we are at your...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.7 (2,617)
from
$32

What's Included

Activity name

  • Hotel pickup is possible only for morning tour from selected city center hotels
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines
  • Professional guide
  • Gratuities
  • Drop Off
  • Landing and facility fees
  • Hagia Sophia Museum entrance fee is not included

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
  • Please confirm your reservation for pick up time and your hotel details
  • Grand Covered Bazaar is closed on Sundays and replaced with and authantic shops around Grand Bazaar
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name