Istanbul City Tours

The essential first day in Istanbul — Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar in one unforgettable loop. This is the tour every visitor remembers. In a single, well-paced day your clients walk through fifteen centuries of empire, from the soaring dome of Hagia Sophia to the exquisite tilework of the Blue Mosque, across the ancient chariot-racing ground of the Hippodrome and into the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar. A licensed guide brings the stones to life — the intrigues of Byzantine emperors, the ambition of Ottoman sultans, the secrets hidden in the mosaics overhead. It is the perfect introduction to the city and the tour your agency can sell with total confidence.

Istanbul after dark from the water — dinner, unlimited soft drinks and a live Turkish night show as the palaces glide by. When the sun goes down, Istanbul puts on its finest show, and there is no better seat than a table on the Bosphorus. Your clients cruise between two continents while illuminated palaces, waterfront mansions and floodlit bridges slide past the window. Dinner is served with unlimited soft drinks, and a colourful live programme — Turkish folk dance, the whirling dervishes and a belly-dance finale — keeps the evening moving. Transfers are included, making it the effortless, crowd-pleasing night out that sells itself.

One classic day through the imperial heart of Istanbul — Byzantine glory and Ottoman splendour, side by side. The Heritage Tour is our most complete introduction to old Istanbul. Under the guidance of a professional storyteller, your clients stand beneath the vast dome of Hagia Sophia, admire the blue İznik tiles of the Sultanahmet Mosque, and cross the Hippodrome where chariots once thundered past the Serpent Column and the Obelisk of Theodosius. The day closes in the Grand Bazaar with a hands-on look at Turkish craftsmanship. Lunch is included and the small-group format keeps it relaxed — a dependable, richly rewarding full day that agencies can sell to almost any client.

History in the morning, the Bosphorus in the afternoon — the best of Istanbul in a single, brilliantly balanced day. This combination tour is designed for clients who have only one full day and want to see it all. The morning belongs to the great monuments — Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar — with a licensed guide setting the scene. After lunch the pace changes: you stroll the fragrant Spice Bazaar and board a boat on the Golden Horn and Bosphorus, watching palaces and waterfront mansions drift past from the deck. Ottoman grandeur and shimmering sea views, all in one unforgettable day.

Cruise the strait, cross to Asia and step inside a sultan's summer palace — a full day devoted to the Bosphorus. For clients who love the water, this is the day to book. It opens with the Spice Bazaar and a boat cruise up the Golden Horn and Bosphorus, passing the old city walls and the fortresses of Rumeli and Anadolu from the sea. Crossing to the Asian side, you climb Çamlıca Hill for the finest panorama in Istanbul, visit the grand Çamlıca Mosque, and tour the marble-and-mother-of-pearl Beylerbeyi Palace, the sultans' summer residence on the shore. A four-course lunch is included in this beautifully varied day.

A breezy morning on the strait — the Spice Bazaar and a Bosphorus cruise past palaces and fortresses. Short on time but longing to see the Bosphorus? This half-day morning cruise is the answer. It begins in the aromatic Spice Bazaar, then sets sail from the Golden Horn along the strait, gliding past the old sea walls and the mighty Rumeli and Anadolu fortresses. It is a relaxed, camera-friendly few hours that leaves the rest of the day free — an ideal add-on for clients with a packed itinerary or an afternoon flight.

Cross to Asia in an afternoon — the best city panorama and a sultan's waterfront palace. This relaxed afternoon takes clients across the Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian shore, where Istanbul reveals a different, calmer face. The highlight is Çamlıca Hill, the highest point in the city, with a sweeping view over the whole skyline and the sea. You visit the vast, modern Grand Çamlıca Mosque and then the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace, the sultans' seaside summer retreat with its dazzling interiors. A short, satisfying half day that pairs perfectly with a free morning.

Istanbul, exactly the way your client wants it — a private licensed guide and a day built entirely around them. Some clients want the freedom to set their own pace, and this is the tour for them. A private, multilingual licensed guide shapes the whole day around their interests — great monuments one hour, hidden neighbourhoods, cafés and shopping the next. Available in English, Arabic, Russian, German, Spanish, Japanese, French and Italian, and offered as a half or full day, it is the flexible, high-margin option for VIPs, families and repeat visitors who want something personal.

A private table on the moonlit Bosphorus — dinner, unlimited soft drinks and a full Turkish night show. This is the premium evening cruise, and it feels special from the first moment. Guests are collected from their hotel between 19:00 and 20:00 and welcomed to their own reserved table as the boat slips beneath the illuminated bridges, past Ottoman waterfront mansions and glowing palaces. Dinner is served with unlimited soft drinks while a lively Turkish night show — folk dance, dervishes and belly dance — fills the deck. A midnight transfer brings everyone home. It is romance, spectacle and easy logistics rolled into one very sellable night.

The full Turkish night out on the Bosphorus — dinner, local drinks and a colourful live show at your private table. For clients who want the celebration to flow, this cruise adds local alcoholic drinks to the classic Bosphorus night. From a reserved private table they take in the illuminated shoreline while dinner is served and the entertainment builds. A programme of Turkish folk dance, the whirling dervishes and a belly-dance finale keeps spirits high, and a midnight transfer wraps up the evening. It is the lively, festive option groups love.

A mesmerising Sema ceremony inside a 550-year-old Ottoman bathhouse — spiritual, hypnotic and unforgettable. The whirling dervishes are one of the most moving sights in Turkey, and the Hodjapasha Culture Centre is the perfect place to witness it. Set within a beautifully restored 15th-century Ottoman hamam, the circular hall wraps the audience around the ritual. Over roughly an hour, the Mevlevi dervishes turn in their flowing white robes to live sacred music, re-enacting a centuries-old ceremony of devotion. It is a short, powerful, deeply authentic experience that lingers long after the last turn.

Escape the city to green mountains, waterfalls and a mirror-still lake — a nature day Gulf families adore. When clients want to trade minarets for pine forests, Sapanca and Masukiye deliver. The day heads out to the lush hills east of Istanbul, where mountain streams tumble past the riverside restaurants of Masukiye and the Naturland resort sits among the trees. There is time by the tranquil Sapanca Lake, a stop at Kartepe in the cooler months, and a relaxed lunch with a soft drink included. Especially popular with Gulf visitors, it is a refreshing full-day contrast to the city.

A day trip to the first Ottoman capital — a sea crossing, the Green Mosque and the slopes of Mount Uludağ. Bursa is where the Ottoman story began, and reaching it is half the pleasure: your clients cross the Bosphorus Bridge to Asia and sail across the Marmara Sea by ferry to Yalova before continuing to the old capital. In Bursa they visit the exquisite Green Mosque and the Green Tomb of Sultan Mehmet I, take in the city beneath Mount Uludağ, and enjoy an included lunch. With English- and Arabic-speaking guides, it is a rich, rewarding escape from Istanbul.

Historic hot springs, Atatürk's forest lodge and a hidden waterfall — a restorative day by the Marmara. Yalova has drawn people to its healing thermal waters since Roman times, and this day trip makes the most of it. After the coastal town of Çınarcık, clients reach the famous Yalova Thermal Springs set in a wooded valley. The itinerary also visits the Atatürk Mansion — the extraordinary "Walking Kiosk" moved to save a tree — and the pretty Sudüşen Waterfall, with an included lunch along the way. Popular with Gulf guests, it is a relaxed, health-and-nature escape.

Taste your way through the real Istanbul — charming Asian-side neighbourhoods and the flavours locals actually eat. This is the tour for curious foodies. Away from the tourist trail, clients wander the leafy waterfront villages of the Asian side — Çengelköy, Kanlıca and Anadolu Hisarı — pausing to taste the specialities each is famous for, from cucumbers to yoghurt. With views back across the Bosphorus and a stop up at Çamlıca, it blends neighbourhood atmosphere, local food and easy walking into one delicious, authentic day. Lunch and tastings are included.

A guided journey through Ottoman grandeur — the imperial monuments of the Historic Peninsula in one elegant day. For clients drawn to the age of sultans, this tour focuses on the finest Ottoman legacy of the old city. A licensed guide leads them through the great imperial monuments of the Historic Peninsula, unfolding the stories of the dynasty that ruled three continents. Rich in architecture, atmosphere and history, it is a satisfying full day for culture lovers, with hotel transfers and entrance fees included.

The Bosphorus, all to yourselves — a private yacht for celebrations, proposals and unforgettable days at sea. Nothing says exclusivity like your own yacht on the Bosphorus. Whether it is a birthday, a wedding, a cocktail party or simply a spectacular private day, clients cruise the strait in complete privacy, palaces and mansions sliding past on both shores. Pick-up and drop-off are included and food and drinks can be tailored to the occasion. It is the ultimate high-value upsell for VIP and celebration bookings.

A centuries-old Turkish bath ritual in a palace hamam — steam, foam and total relaxation. Between two of Istanbul's greatest monuments stands the Hürrem Sultan Hamam, built for the wife of Süleyman the Magnificent. Stepping inside is stepping into living history, all warm marble and soft light. Guests enjoy the classic ritual — the scrub (kese), a cloud of foam and a gentle exfoliation — emerging relaxed and glowing. It is an authentic, sensory experience that turns a city break into a treat, with bath options tailored on request.

The old city's greatest hits in half a day — guaranteed departures, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. This guaranteed-departure, seat-in-coach tour is the smart, reliable way to see the essentials of old Istanbul without committing a whole day. From hotel pick-up, a licensed guide walks clients through Sultanahmet Square, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The Hippodrome — with the Obelisk of Theodosius, the German Fountain and the Walled Column — and the Grand Bazaar complete a compact, well-organised morning that leaves the afternoon free.

The complete old-city day, Topkapı Palace included — where Byzantine and Ottoman emperors ruled the world. This guaranteed-departure full day is the definitive Historic Peninsula experience, and its trump card is Topkapı Palace, the opulent seat of the Ottoman sultans for four centuries. Alongside it come Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome. A licensed guide connects the two great empires that were governed from this single peninsula, and an included lunch keeps the day comfortable. For clients who want everything in one organised day, this is it.

Admire the finest İznik tiles, then make your own — a hands-on blend of sacred architecture and Turkish craft. This creative half day pairs Istanbul's tile-clad mosques with a workshop that lets clients try the art themselves. It begins at the jewel-box Rüstem Paşa Mosque, famous for its dazzling İznik tiles, then the New Mosque, before a tram ride to the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet. The highlight is hands-on: a ceramic tile-painting session and a turn at the potter's wheel, guided by an expert. It is a memorable, interactive experience that stands apart from the usual sightseeing.

Byzantium's finest mosaics and the rainbow streets of Fener & Balat — a private half day off the tourist trail. This private tour reveals the multicultural soul of the Golden Horn. It centres on the Chora (Kariye) Church, whose late-Byzantine mosaics and frescoes are considered among the greatest in the world — a quiet marvel most visitors never reach. From there a licensed guide leads clients through the photogenic lanes of Fener and Balat, past the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the cast-iron Bulgarian St. Stephen Church, weaving together Byzantine, Ottoman and neighbourhood stories. Intimate, cultured and wonderfully photogenic.

Walk the most colourful, multicultural quarter of old Istanbul with an art historian as your storyteller. Fener and Balat are where Greeks, Armenians, Jews and Turks lived side by side for centuries, and it shows — a mosque, a church and a synagogue can sit on the same street. This walking tour, led by a professional art historian, decodes it all. Over about two and three-quarter hours clients pass the Marashli Greek School, the Cantemir House, the Church of St. Mary of the Mongols and the UNESCO-listed old Balat houses, ending with the atmosphere of the Çıfıt Bazaar. Deeply human, richly told and utterly photogenic.

Turkish flavours and skyline views after dark — a relaxed rooftop evening of food and atmosphere. This is the easy, atmospheric evening for clients who want to taste real Turkish food without a formal tour. On a rooftop with the city glittering below, they sample local specialities and soak up the night-time energy of Istanbul. It is a laid-back, social experience — perfect after a day of sightseeing — with the exact programme confirmed to suit the group.

Skip the queue and descend into Byzantium's haunting underground palace of water and columns. Beneath the streets of Sultanahmet lies one of Istanbul's most atmospheric sights: the Basilica Cistern, a vast 6th-century underground reservoir where hundreds of columns rise from still water, softly lit and famously home to two carved Medusa heads. With a skip-the-line ticket your clients walk straight past the queue and into the cool, cinematic hush below — a short, easy, high-impact experience that slots into any itinerary.

Turn a trip into a keepsake — a professional photo shoot at Istanbul's most beautiful backdrops. Istanbul is made for photographs, and a private shoot is the loveliest souvenir a client can bring home. A professional photographer meets them at the city's most iconic spots and captures the moment — couples, families, honeymooners and solo travellers alike. The team handles the locations and the timing for the best light, and delivers a set of beautifully edited images afterwards. An easy, feel-good upsell that clients treasure.

A private rooftop photo shoot with flowing "flying dresses" and Istanbul's skyline as your stage. This private photo experience turns Istanbul into a fashion set. On an exclusive rooftop, a professional photographer captures your clients in flowing flying dresses against four iconic concepts — the carpet corner with seagulls, a swing in the sky, the Galata Tower view and more. Everything is arranged for them, from styling to the best light, with several package tiers and optional dress hire. The result is a gallery of striking, share-worthy images — a standout upsell for couples and content-loving travellers.

A Bosphorus cruise and one of Europe's largest aquariums — a fun, family-friendly day out. This crowd-pleasing day combines Istanbul's signature cruise with a walk through the underwater world. Clients sail the Bosphorus past palaces and mansions, then explore a spectacular themed aquarium that journeys from the Black Sea to the tropics. Easy, varied and great for all ages, it is an ideal choice for families and first-time visitors who want a relaxed mix of sightseeing and entertainment.

Ferry to a car-free island of pine woods and Belle Époque mansions — plus the aromatic Spice Bazaar. A world away from the city bustle, the Princes' Islands are Istanbul's favourite escape. After a stroll through the fragrant Spice Bazaar, clients board a ferry across the Marmara Sea to Büyükada, the largest island, where cars give way to bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. Pine forests, sea views and grand wooden mansions make for a wonderfully relaxed day, with time to wander, eat by the water and simply breathe. A refreshing change of pace that clients love.

Thrilling rides and family fun at Istanbul's biggest theme park — a full day of smiles. When families want a break from museums, VIALAND delivers pure fun. Istanbul's largest theme park packs roller coasters, thrill rides and gentler attractions into one lively complex, alongside shopping and dining. It is the easy answer for clients travelling with children and teenagers — a full day of entertainment that keeps everyone happy.

A perfect 4-day introduction to Istanbul covering the Old City, Bosphorus cruise, and modern Istanbul.

A day designed around kids — attractions, activities and easy logistics for a happy family in Istanbul. Travelling with children calls for the right kind of day, and this family package is built for exactly that. It brings together Istanbul's most child-friendly attractions and activities into one smooth, stress-free itinerary. With comfortable transfers and a pace that suits younger travellers, parents relax while the kids have the time of their lives — a reliable seller for family bookings.

Five days exploring every corner of Istanbul including the Princes Islands and Dolmabahçe Palace.

Combine the best of Istanbul with magical Cappadocia. City tours, Bosphorus cruise, fairy chimneys, and optional balloon ride.

An extended Istanbul & Cappadocia experience with extra time to explore both destinations at a relaxed pace.

City meets coast! Experience Istanbul's culture and history then fly to Antalya for Mediterranean sun, ancient ruins, and stunning waterfalls.

The perfect Türkiye trio - Istanbul's imperial history, Cappadocia's fairy-tale landscapes, and Antalya's Mediterranean paradise, all in 8 days.