HALF DAY TOURS – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Please note: Visits to some of İstanbul’s most popular sites — including the Süleymaniye Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahçe Palace, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern, Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar — are experienced on both half- and full-day tours. Choose carefully to avoid duplicative tours.
HD-01 – Ottoman Grandeur and Flavors
Immerse yourself in the splendor of Ottoman history and flavors. Begin with a visit to the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and considered to be a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture designed by the architect Mimar Sinan. Then stroll downhill for a leisurely walk to the vibrant historical Spice Bazaar. Enjoy your free time exploring the fragrant stalls and indulge in traditional Turkish delights and spices, and experience the bustling atmosphere of one of the oldest bazaars in the city. (Note: This tour also operates with lunch as FD-16.)
Duration: 4 hours
Level: Level 1 – Accessible
HD-02 – Majestic İstanbul: History Beneath and Above Ground
AT CAPACITY
Step into the heart and heritage of İstanbul on the Historical Peninsula. Begin with a digital informative experience at the Hagia Sophia Experience Museum, followed by a tour of the majestic Hagia Sophia itself. Conclude with a visit to the cathedral-like Basilica Cistern, constructed in the 6th century with 336 columns, many of them recycled from abandoned capitals. This tour provides a brief introduction to İstanbul’s rich and storied past of the Roman era.
Duration: 4.5 hours
Level: Level 2 – Moderate
HD-03 – Bosphorus Breeze: Explore Eminönü and Ortaköy
AT CAPACITY
Begin your adventure with a transfer to Eminönü pier, where you’ll board a Bosphorus ferry for a tour through the heart of İstanbul. During the tour, pass by iconic landmarks such as the Dolmabahçe Palace and the Bosphorus Bridge, offering stunning views of the city skyline. Arriving at Ortaköy pier, enjoy free time to explore the engaging streets, vibrant markets, and beautiful baroque mosque. This tour offers a mix of activities, including leisurely cruising along the Bosphorus to admire historic landmarks and exploring the thriving markets and charming streets of Ortaköy.
Duration: 3 hours
Level: Level 1 – Accessible
HD-04 – Majesty by the Bosphorus: Discover Dolmabahçe
AT CAPACITY
Embark on an exploration of the opulent Dolmabahçe Palace, situated along the shores of the Bosphorus. Experience the grandeur of this magnificent palace with its stunning Neo-Classical architecture and significant role as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. This tour offers a seductive glimpse into the regal past of İstanbul, highlighting the elegance and splendor of the Ottoman Empire.
Duration: 3 hours
Level: Level 2 – Moderate
HD-05 – Cultural Stroll: İstiklal’s Landmarks and Delights
Start your exploration of the Beyoğlu District with a visit to the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM), located on lively İstiklal Street. A walking tour takes you to some of İstanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Discover the historic Galatasaray High School, marvel at the architecture of St. Antuan Church. Seek out the charming Narmanlıhan, a historic building that once served as the Russian Embassy — then a Russian prison, and later becoming a studio and residence to writers and artists. As you wander the streets, treat yourself to the famous Maraş Dondurması, a unique Turkish ice cream known for its chewy texture. With free time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, this tour offers a blend of cultural experiences in the heart of the city.
Duration: 3 hours
Level: Level 2 – Moderate
HD-06 – Ottoman Opulence: Discover Topkapı’s Splendors
AT CAPACITY
Delve into the heart of the Ottoman Empire on the Historical Peninsula. Visit the magnificent Topkapı Palace and explore the opulent Harem, where the sultans once resided. Marvel at the colorful stories of ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs that lived and worked here between the 15th and 19th centuries when it was the court of the Ottoman empire.
Duration: 4 hours
Level: Level 2 – Moderate
HD-07 – Sultan’s Grace and Maiden’s Gaze: Üsküdar Highlights
Discover the serene Asian side of İstanbul in Üsküdar, beginning with a visit to the elegant Mihrimah Sultan Mosque. This stunning mosque, built in the 16th century, showcases the exquisite work of the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and is known for its impressive dome and intricate tile work. Next, marvel at the legendary Kız Kulesi (Maiden’s Tower), a historic lighthouse offering sweeping views to both Asia and Europe. Enjoy free time to stroll through Üsküdar’s charming streets and along its picturesque waterfront, soaking in the district’s rich history and tranquil ambiance. This tour offers a glimpse into one of İstanbul’s most beloved areas.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Level: Level 2 – Moderate
HD-08 – Treasures of Time: Exploring İstanbul Archaeology Museums
Take a fascinating journey through time with a visit to the İstanbul Archaeology Museums. This impressive complex features 20 galleries filled with artifacts from across Türkiye and the broader East, celebrating 5,000 years of history. Explore exhibits that showcase the rich heritage of the Eastern Roman Empire, the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire, and the diverse civilizations of Anatolia and ancient Mesopotamia.
Duration: 4 hours
Level: Level 2 – Moderate
HD-09 – Grand Bazaar Adventure: A Journey through History and Trade
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of İstanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Wander through its historic alleys, discovering thousands of unique shops and artisans. Experience the rich tapestry of sights and sounds that define this centuries-old sprawling labyrinth of bustling lanes and hidden alleys. From traditional crafts to exquisite jewelry to choice carpets sourced from across Türkiye, this tour navigates the crossroads of İstanbul’s Silk Road trading heritage.
Duration: 4 hours
Level: Level 1 – Accessible
Note: Come prepared for walking, dressed for the season, and wearing suitable shoes. Due to stairs at many historical sites in İstanbul, some tours may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility or using wheelchairs.
Updated: July 12, 2024