Top Istanbul Half-day Tours - page 4

Taste your way around Istanbul’s bustling and history-filled Bazaar Quarter during this five-hour, small-group food-tasting tour. Sample delicacies with origins from around the country, from a traditional Konya wedding soup to the Ottoman-era dessert kadayıf from Gaziantep. Understand the neighborhood’s melting pot food culture with explanations and stories from your guide. A full Turkish breakfast spread, lunch, refreshments, and coffee are tea are included.

Fit all of Istanbul's top attractions into one activity-packed day, with the help of a guide for insider tips. Rather than missing out on details as you explore in a vehicle, stroll Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, brimming with iconic buildings and storied streets. Tour the Blue Mosque, delve into the history of the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Istanbul Hippodrome, as well as the 'sunken palace' of Basilica Cistern.

Sail between two continents and visit the extravagant Küçüksu Palace or Rumeli Fortress on this Bosphorus sightseeing cruise in Istanbul. Learn about the sights and Istanbul’s history from the onboard guide, and admire splendid views of top Istanbul attractions as you sail the strait that divides Europe from Asia. Gaze out over the domes, towers and minarets of the historic peninsula, cruise under the vast Bosphorus Bridge, float by Dolmabahçe Palace, and go ashore for a tour of either the picturebook Rumeli (Mondays and Thursdays only) or Ottoman Küçüksu.

Don’t just cross Istanbul on this full-day sightseeing tour – cross-continental lines as you explore the city’s past wonders and present attractions. The centerpiece of this tour is an easygoing cruise down the Bosphorus, the river that separates Europe and Asia. Complement your cruise with highlights on both sides of the divide. Sample Turkish Delights at the Spice Bazaar and step back into Turkey’s past at Dolmabache Palace.

Embark on a culinary adventure through Istanbul's Kadikoy district, guided through hidden alleyways to savor authentic local flavors. Meet your guide and take the ferry across the Bosphorus Strait, taking inn the view of Istanbul’s European and Asian sides. Wander through the Kadikoy and Spice market to indulge in several tastings such as freshly baked simit, börek, baklava, lahmacun, and street food favorites like mussel dolma. Conclude at a coffeehouse, for a classic Turkish ending.

Immerse in Istanbul’s spiritual and cultural heritage with a half-day tour. Visit the vibrant Spice Bazaar, sail the Bosphorus, explore historic mosques in Uskudar, and marvel at Dolmabahce Palace’s grandeur. Enjoy a delightful local lunch and discover the city’s rich architectural wonders, including masterpieces by Mimar Sinan.

See the major attractions of Istanbul as they were meant to be seen: from the water.  Comfortable transportation takes you from the Sultanahmet district to the docks, where you’ll enjoy a slow paced 1.5-hour boat tour along the Bosphorus. Listen to commentary as you photograph sights, such as Dolmabahce Palace and Rumeli Fortress, without your shots getting crowded by tourists or street traffic.

Go back in time to the Byzantine times when Istanbul was Constantinople and enjoy an 8-hour small-group guided tour of monasteries and churches. On this tour, uncover the impressive history of Christian sanctuaries that peaked during the reign of the Byzantine Empire. Visit Kariye Museum, once Chora Church, and ogle its frescoes and mosaics. See mosques converted from churches such as Pammakaristos and Pantocrator. Immerse with your guide to discover the history of palatial remains plus enjoy lunch included on this tour. Numbers on this small-group tour for a more intimate experience.

When visiting Istanbul, see four of the ancient capitol's top attractions on a guided half-day tour of the old city of Sultanahmet. Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern, and time to browse the shops at the Grand Bazaar. Your guide shares the history of Istanbul and Constantinople throughout your tour.

Explore Sultanahmet by night during this small-group evening walking tour in Istanbul’s heritage district. Enjoy an attraction-packed three-hour itinerary, with stops at the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and the landmark nicknamed “Little Hagia Sophia.” Enrich your visit with detailed context from your guide. A complimentary tea or coffee in the garden of the Blue Mosque is provided.

Experience the main attractions of Istanbul, as well as the small but equally wonderful details of the city on this small-group tour.  Your guide takes you on an in-depth tour of both Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. You'll hear interesting stories that other tours fail to mention. .

Explore Istanbul by bus and boat on this group tour. Board your Bosphorus cruise and sail past Dolmabahce Palace and other historic waterside sites. Learn about the city's history from your guide. Stop at the Spice Bazaar to shop for dried fruit, caviar, honey, and more. Enjoy free hotel pickup from centrally located city center hotels.

Explore the heart of Istanbul in just a half day on this comprehensive tour with a small group. Traveling with a group of just 15 people or fewer means you'll get personalized attention from your guide and the chance to ask questions. Highlights include Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.

Discover the hidden gems and highlights of the Old City of Istanbul. Hear the stories of the Greeks, Romans and Ottomans. Visit the Hagia Sophia, a former cathedral and now a mosque. Walk through the streets of the Grand Bazaar, the world's largest covered souk. Explore Süleymaniye and Rüstempaşa Mosques, and learn about Islam from a local perspective. Finally, taste spices and Turkish delight in the Spice Market.

Lose yourself in the vibrant sights, scents and sounds of Istanbul’s legendary bazaars on this 4-hour small-group shopping tour. Marvel over the eye-popping colors of the spices and sweets at the exotic Egyptian Bazaar then browse the staggering 4,000 stalls of the Grand Bazaar, stopping to enjoy demonstrations of traditional crafts, like carpet-making, calligraphy and ceramics. With numbers limited to 15, you’ll enjoy personal attention from your guide, who can help you seek out the perfect souvenir and hone your haggling skills so you can shop like a local.

Don’t get overwhelmed exploring a new city and areas surrounded by big tourist crowds. This Istanbul private tour is led by a local host who knows how to avoid the tourist traps, but still see main attractions and must-sees, too. Plus, since this is a personalized experience, it’s also tailored to your own interests and needs.

Embark on a stroll through the heart of Istanbul with audioguide on your smartphone. Immerse yourself in the charming streets and picturesque cityscapes without the constraints of a tour group. You will discover: The realities of being a sultan and the implications of maintaining a harem; The reasons behind Istanbul's affection for cats; How a Roman emperor embraced Christianity and established the Byzantine Empire; Insights Dracula gained from the Ottomans; Our tips on what to try and what to buy as souvenirs in Istanbul The tour features 20 points of interest, each accompanied by engaging audio commentary. Feel free to pause for a coffee break or explore a captivating side street at your leisure and return to the tour path whenever you're ready.

Visit four of Istanbul’s most important sights in one day with this private or small-group tour. Admire the Blue Mosque, visit Hagia Sophia, and see the ancient Basilica Cistern, as you learn about Istanbul’s history, cultural heritage, and religious traditions from your guide. Finally, take a walk through the spice bazaar, before ending the tour with a traditional Turkish coffee. Admission tickets are not included.

Venture to imperial monuments rich with history and discover the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar during this half-day guided tour in Istanbul. Gaze at the Hagia Sophia’s massive columns and dome during a visit to one of the world’s largest basilicas and most popular museums in Turkey. This tour will take you underground to Basilica Cistern which was once the backbone of the Great Palace of Constantinople. Enjoy a trip to the Grand Bazaar where you can barter for souvenirs and feel the pulse of one of the oldest and largest covered markets on the planet.

See Istanbul’s minarets, mansions, mosques and palaces from the water as you sail between two continents on this long lunch cruise. Glide up to Anadolu Kavagi, a pretty fishing village near where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea, then scale the hill to an old fortress to capture dramatic photos. As you sail, savor a 2-course lunch with coffee, tea, water, snacks and fruit: alcoholic drinks are available for an extra charge.

Get a taste of Turkish culture and see the city from the water on this night-time dinner cruise. Depart from your European-side hotel and sail down Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait. Admire the views of Ottoman palaces and transcontinental bridges. Enjoy dinner and watch a Turkish Night show featuring belly dancing, folk dancing, a henna ceremony, and more.

Make it a night to remember in Istanbul when you book this all-inclusive dinner cruise package, with transfers and a show. Dine on a 3-course feast of Turkish cuisine, with fresh fruit, salad, soft and alcoholic drinks, and a choice of mains (including vegetarian and seafood options). Soak up the atmosphere as whirling dervishes, belly dancers and folk dancers strut their stuff. A professional DJ helps the party spirit along.

Stroll the atmospheric streets of Istanbul on a private walking tour that features four of the city’s most significant landmarks. See the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace while a knowledgeable guide provides informative commentary about each architectural treasure of the Ottoman Empire. Then browse for goods in the covered Grand Bazaar, which dates back to the 15th century.

Devour Istanbul’s juiciest, sweetest, and most satisfying dishes on a private food tour. This culinary adventure is perfect for hungry travelers who want to avoid tourist-trap restaurants. See how lahmacun (Turkish pizza) is prepared, then sample the thin-crust dish yourself. Later, feast on a traditional kebab at a streetside restaurant and enjoy kunefe for dessert. Cap off the epicurean experience with a cup of classic tea or Turkish coffee.