Top Istanbul Sightseeing Passes

Step into the golden ages of the Ottoman, Byzantine and Roman empires with a full-day, private walking tour through Istanbul’s Old City. See the monuments and historic sites of Hippodrome Square, where Roman charioteers raced in ancient times, then explore St. Sophia's stunning architecture and museum. See the iconic tiles, mosaics and slender minarets of the Blue Mosque and browse traditional handicrafts inside the Grand Bazaar. Learn about the lives of sultans and courtiers at Topkapi Palace, which contains a remarkable collection of Turkey's greatest holy relics, imperial treasures and artwork.

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).

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.

Take the time to explore Istanbul’s most magnificent sites at your own pace with a full-day, guided tour of the city's historic places and landmarks. Follow in the footsteps of charioteers and Roman soldiers at the Hippodrome, then see the arcing tiles of the Blue Mosque. Listen for the whispers of courtiers and sultans inside Topkapi Palace, then see Hagia Sophia’s stunning murals and minarets. Browse the vibrant displays at the iconic Grand Bazaar, with inside tips on the best places to find carpets, handicrafts and local souvenirs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Save time and money on Istanbul’s top attractions with an Istanbul Tourist Pass, with a choice of 1- to 10-day digital city passes. This comprehensive sightseeing pass grants you: a guided tour of Hagia Sophia, skip-the-line admission and a tour of Topkapi Palace; and a hop-on hop-off city bus tour. Catch views of Istanbul from the water on an included Bosphorus Strait boat tour that includes dinner and Turkish dancing.

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.

Sail between two continents and into the Black Sea on this full-day cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, with an onboard guide plus a delicious meze lunch on deck. Gaze over the shores of Europe and Asia as you cruise the Bosphorus; stop to visit the pretty Ortaköy neighborhood; and enjoy guided tours of the ornate Küçüksu Palace and Rumeli Fortress. There’s even a chance to swim in the Black Sea.

Tick through Istanbul’s highlights without hassles or getting lost, and with a guide to reveal their history on this tour. Admire and hear tales of the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome that you’d probably miss alone, and clearly hear the guide’s commentary.

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.

Escape from the chaotic city for the relaxing waters and fascinating mountains of Lake Sapanca with this private full-day tour from Istanbul. Have a picnic on the lakefront and a hike to the Masukiye waterfall, then ride the cable car (not included) to Mt Kartepe for impressive views over the surrounding countryside. During the summer visit Darica Zoo instead of Kartepe.