Top Istanbul Religious Tours

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.

Enter the world of the Ottoman Classical Era with this guided tour of Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome. Famous for its six minarets, the Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul's is especially equipped to bring the region's culture, history and religious influences to life. Led by an experienced guide, meet in front of the Hippodrome before exploring these iconic sites.

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.

Learn about the multilayered history of the Hagia Sophia on this private walking tour. In the company of a guide, explore the historic building, which served as a church, mosque, and museum. Get to know the ancient and modern history of Hagia Sophia, including the story of how it recently reverted to its status as a mosque.

Experience somber battlefields and historic World War I memorial sites during this guided day trip to Gallipoli from Istanbul. With an expert guide, visit heartbreaking sites on the Gallipoli peninsula where Australian, New Zealand and Turkish soldiers lost their lives during a merciless WWI campaign. Hear rare stories about the fallen troops at famous sites including Lone Pine, ANZAC Cove, Ari Burnu Cemetery and the Nek.

Uncover the sacred practice of the mystical Sufis at an authentic Mevlevi Sema ceremony held at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha Culture Center, and witness the 750-year-old tradition that has been preserved on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Be mesmerized by the bizarre yet beautiful sight of the whirling dervishes as they perform their unique spiritual rituals during a show with a live orchestra.

Marvel at the mystique of whirling dervishes as they gracefully dance the ceremonial ‘sema’ Mevlevi at the emblematic Hodjapasha Dance Theater in Istanbul. Enjoy a cultural evening in Istanbul during this age-old performance of choreographed spiritual dancing accompanied by traditional music and Persian chanting. Before the show, set the mood with Turkish delight and a drink at the bar. Then, admire the dervishes as they elegantly twist and turn in their white flowing gowns.

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.

Explore the top attractions in Sultanahmet (the old city) on a full-day tour with a knowledgeable guide. Take in UNESCO World Heritage sites and famous monuments in Istanbul including the stunning Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome. Then follow your guide through the Grand Bazaar, browsing the shops of hundreds of vendors with an array of textiles, jewelry, perfumes, spices and more. Your guide shares the long history of Istanbul with your small group, which is limited to 10 participants to ensure a more intimate experience.

Experience a traditional Turkish bath at a hamam in Istanbul — a must-do activity when visiting Turkey. Choose from three options: the standard, massage, or full package. The full package includes the exfoliating full-body scrub and foam bath, a 20-minute oil massage, and a face mask, and lasts about two hours. Towels, slippers, and tea are provided.

Discover Istanbul on a full-day tour that travels on foot and public transit to historic landmarks and local cultural hubs. Start by touring the Hippodrome, Serefiye Cistern and Grand Bazaar, then take a break for Turkish coffee, pastry and hookah (tobacco pipe). Visit the book and paper market Sahaflar Çarşısı, which started in the Byzantine era, then tour Istanbul University. Continue to Suleymaniye Mosque, the Spice Bazaar and the Church of St George before winding through the districts of Fener and Balat — the old Greek and Jewish neighborhoods.

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).

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.

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.

Learn about the culture and history of Turkey’s Jewish minority community during this half-day, small-group tour through Istanbul’s Karaköy and Balat neighborhoods. Listen to information from your English-speaking guide as you move through the city on foot. Highlights include the city’s Jewish museum, an Ashkenazi synagogue, and the famous Kamondo Stairs, an art nouveau staircase.

Discover Istanbul’s art, architecture, history, culture, and faith in some of the city’s most beloved places of worship Visit Hagia Sophia, one of the country’s most iconic landmarks Snap photos of the Blue Mosque and learn how this grand building got its nickname See Suleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architect Mimar Sinan Enjoy the intimacy of a private/small group tour Last-minute booking is available for the meeting point option

Experience the historical center of Istanbul with ease on this full-day group tour. Skip the lines with all entry fees included and visit Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, and more. Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle and learn about the city from your guide.

This service has a passion for uncovering Istanbul’s lesser known historical treasures on foot. Visitors will first be taken to the imposing Galata Tower which overlooks Bosphorus and the Old City, then off the tourist trail to multi-cultural Fener, Balat, and Ayvansaray. The tour will finish with a relaxing ferry journey along the Golden Horn.

Discover the ‘Seven Churches of Revelation’ on a tour of Christian sites in Turkey that includes Smyrna, Thyatira, Permamum, Sardes, Philadelphia, Laodicea, and Ephesus. Round-trip flights between Istanbul and Izmir save you long hours on the road, and with tours designed around Biblical sites, the 4-night tour is a fascinating glimpse of Christian history.

If you are looking for something off the beaten path, consider our walking tour from Galata Tower, through backstreets of Galata and Karaköy, then across the Golden Horn to Balat and Fener neighborhoods, two of the most interesting on the old city side of the Golden Horn, followed by a ferry boat ride back to Karaköy. Home to Greek and Jewish communities for centuries, Fener and Balat are fascination places, an area that is largely still "undiscovered" by tourists. Starts by exploring the Galata tower, learning it's history and that of the area surrounding it , seeing the beautiful views from the top of the tower; then take a ferry across to explore the charming neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, a very architecturally colorful area. Enjoy delicious Turkish desserts and tea at a local cafe; relaxing on the final leg on the ferry ride home.

Pay tribute at the tombs of the Sahaba, the companions of the prophet Mohammed, on this private tour. Learn about the historical period and why the Sahabas came to Istanbul or, as it was known then, Constantinople. This tour is ideal for muslims or those who simply want to learn more about the history of Islam.

Experience another side of multi-cultural, multi-faith Istanbul and uncover the city’s fascinating Jewish heritage on this 4-hour small-group walking tour. With numbers limited to 15, you’ll have plenty of chance to ask questions and deepen your knowledge as you explore the streets and synagogues of colorful Galata, the heart of Istanbul’s Jewish community. Learn about the city’s rich Jewish history at the Jewish Museum, then visit beautiful landmarks like the Ari Ashkenazi Synagogue and the Camondo Buildings.

Watch ancient history take shape before you on this 10-day Mini Group tour, featuring historic churches that date back to Biblical times. Departing from Istanbul, combine the early history of Christianity with pre-Christian heritage, including Cappadocia and 7 Churches of Asia Minor (Ephesus, Pergamum, Sardis, Smyrna, Thyatira, Philadelphia and Laodicea) with your Bible-oriented tour guide. Do not miss this opportunity to see all these wonders in 10 days. This tour takes you to a huge variety of distinct and antique sites. Perfect for travelers who are short on time or people who hate planning, all logistical details, including domestic flights, accommodation, and most meals, are included and accounted for. * Selected centrally Located Boutique and 4 star Hotels * Small group ensures personal service * Informative, friendly and professional guide * Small-group tour by minibus * Domestic flight included. * Option with Private Tour for your family