Top Istanbul Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises - page 5

Topkapi Palace, home of sultans for almost four centuries, and the Basilica Cistern, a subterranean marvel, are two of Istanbul’s top sights with often long lines. Enjoy skip-the-line entry (at your own expense) on this private tour. Your private guide tailors explanations to your interests, ensuring a fully personalized experience. This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems or serious medical conditions.

Get a great overview of Istanbul’s highlights in a day on this tour. In addition to visiting attractions like the Blue Mosque, learn about the city’s past, such as the distinctions between the Ottomans and the Byzantines. Since attraction entry fees aren’t included, you can choose what places you’d like to visit or skip.

Experience the captivating history of Istanbul with our meticulously crafted historic city tour. Delve into the past as you visit Istanbul's most renowned landmarks, each a testament to the city's extraordinary heritage. From the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, showcasing Byzantine magnificence, to the vibrant Grand Bazaar, where the tapestry of Istanbul's cultural legacy unfolds, our tour offers a journey through time. Led by our knowledgeable guides, you'll uncover the fascinating stories behind each site, gaining profound insights into the captivating history and the unique fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply curious to explore this remarkable city, our historic city tour is an essential experience to truly understand and appreciate Istanbul's past.

Our 2-3-hour Bosphorus cruise is perfectly timed to reveal the city’s unique charm, blending famous landmarks, scenic exploration, exceptional comfort, and warm hospitality. Iconic Landmarks Along the Way Glide under the Bosphorus Bridges and marvel at Istanbul’s celebrated sights: Galata Bridge, Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Maiden’s Tower, Topkapı Palace, and Süleymaniye Mosque. Every moment offers a perfect photo opportunity. Optional Asian Side Stop & Culinary Treats Upgrade your cruise with our special option: enjoy an approximately one-hour stop in the picturesque Beylerbeyi area on the Asian side. Explore the charming neighborhood, capture stunning photos, and savor a fixed-menu breakfast or lunch, making your journey both scenic and delicious. Comfort & Exceptional Service Relax on our modern, comfortable boat with friendly staff and English/Russian-speaking guides who provide engaging commentary and warm hospitality.

See more of Istanbul's Old City in less time with this convenient Segway tour where you whisk through the streets on an easy-to-ride personal transporter. After a quick review of how to handle your Segway, you glide through Istanbul at night, and follow your guide through Sultanahmet to see the area's top sights. Highlights include stops at Constantine’s column, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome.

Istanbul is a big city, so it can be hard to meet locals who aren’t in the tourist trade. Enjoy an authentic encounter with Istanbul’s culture, cuisine, and hospitality on this intimate walking tour through the Balat neighborhood. Soak up the atmosphere as you walk around and receive a guidebook with other tips and recommendations about Istanbul. The tour starts with a snack tasting; after that, pay as you go for what you choose to eat.

Explore the iconic sights of Istanbul on this half-day walking tour with a local guide. Stroll through Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet neighborhood and admire the gleaming mosaics of the Hagia Sophia. Learn about the Ottoman Empire and its mysterious Harem in Topkapı Palace and immerse yourself in the antiquity era at the Roman Cistern.

Begin your journey in the lively Sultanah met district, where you'll meet your expert guide at a convenient starting point. Your first stop is the famed Blue Mosque, renowned for stunning blue tiles. As your guide leads you through its fascinating history, you'll be immersed in the mosque's captivating atmosphere. Pause to admire the panoramic views of modern Istanbul from the mosque's courtyard before meandering through the ancient streets. Discover the Hippodrome, once the vibrant social and political center of the city. Explore the remarkable evolution of this site from a Greek Orthodox cathedral to a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Be awed by the harmonious blend of mosque and church architecture, featuring grand domes, towering minarets, exquisite mosaics. Continue your journey through the Hagia Sophia, where you'll learn about its ornate Iznik tiles, the iconic Virgin Mary mosaic, and the intriguing tradition of sultans being buried in its courtyard.

Embark on an unforgettable tasting adventure into the city’s lively heart of Taksim and Beyoğlu. You’ll join the locals to experience the city in the full-swing of the evening as you savour the best local street foods, specialties from Southeastern Anatolia and traditional desserts. If you want to get into the midst of local Istanbul buzz, this is your opportunity to experience Istanbul’s authentic evening life.

On the shores of the Golden Horn, the now-fashionable neighborhoods of Fener and Balat played host to a wealth of different cultures over the centuries, particularly Greeks, Bulgarians, and the Jewish community. Discover their rich heritage on this guided walking tour which takes in the Greek Orthodox patriarchate, a Bulgarian Orthodox church, a ruined church, Insta-famous stairs, gorgeous colored houses, a historic tavern, and more. Upgrade for a private experience.

See the sights of Istanbul by yacht on this group cruise at either sunset or during the day–whichever works out best for your schedule. You don’t have to do any of the planning, since your captain navigates, and you have an audio guide to listen to for explanation. Enjoy provided snacks, water, and coffee or tea, and enjoy the sights along the Bosphorus.

This intimate and in-depth Istanbul food tour focuses on lesser-known culinary hotspots and locally renowned backstreet locations. Eat your way around both European and Asian sides of the city, with stops in Karakoy, Kadikoy, and the up-and-coming Moda neighborhood. The full-day experience includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea and coffee, and bottled water.

Stroll through Istanbul with the guidance and commentary of a private guide on this food-focused excursion. Your guide will provide facts about the city's culinary culture and history, and you'll stop along the way to taste traditional Turkish delicacies. Highlights include the Spice Bazaar, the back streets of Eminonu, and the Kadikoy fish market.

Lined with palaces and mansions, the Bosphorus divides Europe and Asia, and its beauty comes into its own at sunset, when the fading sun paints the sky in spectacular colors. Experience it on this stylish yacht trip, with onboard Wi-Fi, nibbles, soft drinks, and hot drinks included. Private yacht options are available for your group.

Get to know the complex food culture of Istanbul on this guided street food walking tour. Explore the Pera neighborhood and visit some of the hidden passages and streets including the Flower Passage, Hazzopulo, and Asmali Mescit. Stop at traditional meyhanes and food markets and sample a wide range of cuisine, including snacks, desserts, and drinks.

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.

Istanbul looks at its most dazzling when seen from the water. Enjoy a private yacht trip on an all-weather vessel with a transparent tent for cooler evenings. Sip wine and soft drinks and nibble on snacks as you sail. Choose between a private Bosphorus trip, a sunset Bosphorus trip, and longer island voyages that include swimming stops.

Make the most of your time in Istanbul by booking this private tour, where all of your transport and admission tickets are included, saving you time from waiting in lines or dealing with taxis or public transportation. Instead, your guide takes you to all the top attractions in town, like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and more, and explains them all in rich detail.

Maximize your time in Turkey—and get up close and personal with one of its most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites—on this full-day tour to Izmir and Ephesus. Forget the stress of planning: This comprehensive tour includes your plane tickets, hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and a guide to accompany you. With just a small-group for company, you'll visit ancient Ephesus, The Virgin Mary's House, The Temple of Artemis, and more (tickets own expense).

Avoid the overwhelm of navigating Istanbul’s layered history and busiest landmarks on your own. This small-group tour streamlines the city’s must-see Byzantine and Ottoman sites into one well-paced experience, with expert guidance that brings each stop to life. Enjoy deeper insight and a more personal atmosphere while exploring iconic attractions without the stress of planning.

Float down the UNESCO-listed Bosphorus Strait-with a cold drink in hand-on a sunset cruise aboard a luxury yacht. Fun for solo travelers, couples, and families alike, this shared aquatic excursion is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. As you float past iconic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, Dolmahbace Palace, and Rumeli Fortress, snack on freshly prepared canapes and Turkish baklava.

Take in the highlights of Istanbul and maximize your time with skip-the-line entrance at the most popular attractions. Enjoy guided visits to the Hagia Sophia Museum and the Blue Mosque; browse the stalls at the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar; and tuck into tasty Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, discover Istanbul’s European and Asian sides on a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise.

Get the perfect introduction to Istanbul’s most iconic places during a half-day tour of the Old City with an experienced guide. Step into the world of Ottoman sultans and Byzantine emperors as you make your way from the Hippodrome to the Blue Mosque and the underground Basilica Cistern. Explore the gleaming mosaics at Hagia Sophia, then immerse yourself in the bright colors, vivid scents and bustling aisles of the Grand Bazaar. Enjoy the personal experience of a small-group tour, with insider tips and advice from a local.

Make the most of your visit to the Hagia Sophia Mosque by booking an official group tour, where you’ll learn much more about the site than if you were on your own. Note that entrance tickets are not included and must be paid in cash at the start. After, enter the mosque with your guide for your tour.