Top Istanbul Half-day Tours

Admire Istanbul from a new angle as you cruise on the glorious Bosphorus Sea with this dinner tour. Indulge in an incredible dinner menu with dishes influenced by Europe and Asia alike, including Hors Doeuvres, salads and dessert, while watching the lights of Istanbul in the distance. Then relax and enjoy a range of cultural performances inspired by local cultures, such as the Belly, Folk and Latin-Flameno dance styles.

Visit four of Istanbul’s most visited attractions in one morning on this express tour. Skip the long lines and head straight inside Hagia Sophia for a guided tour of the museum; visit the magnificent Blue Mosque; and hear about Istanbul’s ancient history at the Hippodrome. End your tour at the Grand Bazaar, where you can enjoy a demonstration of traditional Turkish handicrafts and browse the stalls for souvenirs.

Explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic attractions during this small-group walking tour of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Take a walk through the vibrant Sultanahmet neighborhood and admire the beautiful Islamic architecture of the Blue Mosque. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the Hagia Sophia, where you learn about life under Ottoman and Byzantine rule.

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.

Istanbul is a city set on the water and to fully experience its beauty and diversity you need to get out onto the Bosphorus Strait. On this ninety-minute cruise you’ll see both the European and Asian halves of Istanbul, enjoy views of many picturesque mosques and palaces, and learn more about Istanbul’s centuries-long history through an audio guide app available in ten languages.

Fit all of Istanbul's attractions at the top of your bucket list into one packed day, with the help of an expert local guide. Stroll Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, brimming with iconic buildings and storied streets. Tour the Blue Mosque, one of the most important sites in the Muslim world. Delve into history of the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Istanbul Hippodrome as well as the 'sunken palace' of Basilica Cistern. And you won’t want to miss the bustling Grand Bazaar.

See Istanbul’s most notable landmarks and secret backstreets on this small-group walking tour. Learn about the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman history from an English-speaking guide. Pass by Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar. On this tour, learn about the attractions, but not venture inside. Discover where locals eat and drink.

Instead of driving around Istanbul all day in a stuffy tour bus, discover the city’s beauty in style on this relaxing sunset cruise down the Bosphorus, the waterway that marks the border between Asian Turkey and European Turkey. From the open-air deck of your luxury yacht, see riverside landmarks like the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Ortaköy Mosque and the Rumeli Fortress, all lit by the beautiful dusk light.

Book your evening cruise on the Bosphorus ahead of time; this must-do activity sells out quickly. Step on board the boat for views of Istanbul's top landmarks—including the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the Blue Mosque—lit up for the night. Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner with drinks, followed by entertainment.

Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace are two of the city’s unmissable cultural and historic sites. Focusing on these two places will allow you to concentrate on their beauty and unique histories at leisure, without rushing on to other sites. Save time by skipping the ticket line in Topkapı Palace with priority access, definitely a bonus whether it’s your first time in Istanbul or you’re a repeat visitor.

Experience Istanbul’s timeless sights on a full-day tour of the city’s history, with lunch and transfers. Listen for the ancient echoes of pounding hooves at the Hippodrome and admire the distinctive tiles of the Blue Mosque. See the Byzantine mosaics of Hagia Sophia, then follow in the footsteps of powerful sultans, courtiers, and generals at Topkapi Palace. Finish your tour in the vibrant Grand Bazaar, browsing handicrafts, carpets, and souvenirs.

Visit the historic ‘old town’ of bustling Istanbul on this tour. Photo opportunities await at Sultanahmet’s notable religious sites including the Underground Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque. Wander through aromatic spice markets after exploring the Byzantine heritage of the Hippodrome. Witness the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empire influences in this part of Turkey's great metropolis.

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. .

With a small group of just 15 people or fewer, enjoy an intimate atmosphere and personalized guide attention on this highlights tour of Istanbul. You'll have plenty of chances to ask questions as you travel around town in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan, stopping at sights such as the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and the Hagia Sophia.

Discover one of Istanbul’s most renowned landmarks during this Hagia Sophia history tour. Explore the mosque with a professional guide to learn about its history and the significance it played in daily life as a gathering place for religion, politics, and art during the Byzantine era. You’ll also discover insights into the architecture of the building and its golden domes.

Experience Istanbul like a pro, when you buy a combination ticket for the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern. Upon arrival at each location, your guide escorts you past the long queue for fast entrance (except at the Hagia Sophia) After a brief overview, you’re ready to explore at your own pace. Enjoy the freedom to see the three world-famous attractions in any order that works for you. (Note: Cistern admission at 11am only.)

Prepare to be awed by Istanbul’s magnificent architecture, rich history, and eclectic bazaars as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Old City on this 1-, 2-, or 3-day private tour. Marvel over the glorious Hagia Sophia, learn how the Blue Mosque earned its famous nickname, and see the ancient Basilica Cistern. Tour Topkapi Palace to gain an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman sultans and their harem, and browse the legendary Grand Bazaar, where you find everything from carpets to Turkish delight. Flexible daily itineraries: Day 1 - Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, German Fountain, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar. Day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside), Spice Market. Day 3 - Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill by Cable Car, Kadıkoy Market (or alternative sites).

Marvel at the vibrant city of Istanbul with this half day tour of the history Sultanahmet. This tour is perfect for those short on time, but looking to immerse themselves in the regions culture and traditions. Highlights including the iconic Hagia Sophia and the gorgeously tiled Blue Mosque. Adire the hundreds of columns underground at the Basilica Cistern, before finishing with the chance to shop at Kapali Carsi.

Discover Istanbul’s European and Asian sides—and taste a range of delectable Turkish delicacies—on this full-day, small-group tour. Meet your guide in the morning in Istanbul’s Old City, and be sure to come hungry: you have a day of feasting ahead of you. Explore a spice market, and enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast, before crossing the Bosphorus to trendy Kadikoy. Sip Turkish coffee, visit multiple restaurants, and discover Istanbul’s must-try dishes.

Make your Istanbul adventure totally unique with a 1- 2- or 3 day private sightseeing tour. Opt for a single day and see the whole of the Old City, plus the Grand Bazaar. Extend the tour to include a second day and visit the Spice Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim, and Istiklal Street, plus a Bosphorus cruise. Please note that your guide is happy to alter the itinerary completely to accommodate your personal interests.

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.

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.

Cruise the stunning Bosphorus Strait and Golden Horn and experience three of the best Istanbul sights on this adventure-filled full-day sightseeing tour. This tour takes you on a boat ride on the Bosphorus Strait to savor spectacular sights of bridges, palaces, mosques and fortresses. Stop at Dolmabahçe Palace for a guided tour and explore the alluring scents and colors of the Spice Bazaar. Plus, enjoy a delicious 3-course meal along the beautiful shoreline.