Istanbul Highlights: Small-Group Tour with a Local Expert
Overview
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Your Authentic Istanbul Adventure: Guided by a Local Expert!
Ready to truly experience Istanbul? This immersive tour, led by a licensed professional, offers a unique window into the city's heart. You'll leave with a profound connection, unlike any other visit.
Our day begins in Sultanahmet, where we'll be captivated by the architectural wonders of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Next, discover the opulent Topkapi Palace and its rich narratives of empires past.
After a delightful lunch break, we'll embark on an unforgettable 90-minute Bosphorus cruise (public boat), showcasing Istanbul's stunning beauty from the shimmering waters. These major sights are just the start of your adventure!
Your exclusive itinerary features:
Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque
Hippodrome
Basilica Cistern
Grand Bazaar
Topkapi Palace
Bosphorus cruise (90 mins, public boat)
Private tour option is available
If you're at Galataport (Cruise Terminal), reaching our meeting point is a breeze with a 20-minute tram ride.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
"This is an all-day walking tour, so comfortable shoes are a must to fully enjoy your experience."
**You can skip any of the places from the list; but if you book the group tour you have to wait us until we visit .***
"Choosing an early tour time is a great way to minimize your wait in line at the mosques, allowing for a more enjoyable experience. We highly recommend this option."
*** Please note that there isn't any priority entrance with the guides at the mosques.***
"Getting to Your Meeting Point (from Galataport Cruise Terminal): The easiest way to reach our meeting point is by tram (T1 line), a journey that takes approximately 30 minutes. Walk to Tophane Tram Stop: Upon exiting Galataport, turn left and walk for about 10 minutes until you see the Tophane tram stop. Take the Tram: Board the T1 tram in the "Bağcılar" direction. Exit at Sultanahmet: Get off at the Sultanahmet tram stop. Walk to German Fountain: From the Sultanahmet stop, the German Fountain (Alman Çeşmesi) is just a 1-minute walk away. Our guide will be waiting there. Tram Fare Payment: You can conveniently pay for your tram fare using your contactless Visa or Mastercard credit card (American Express is not accepted). There's no need to purchase a separate travel card."
"Museum Tickets: If you book the without tickets option, please do not buy tickets online. We will purchase them together at the guide kiosks. Warning: Tourist Passes, Mega Passes, E-Passes, and similar programs are not valid for this tour and should not be purchased."
During the winter times, we may not able to do the Bosphorus boat the trip because of the bad weather conditions.
"This is a full-day tour with a comprehensive itinerary. To ensure we cover all planned locations, our visit to Topkapı Palace Museum will focus on its main, most significant collections. If you desire a more in-depth exploration of Topkapı Palace, we recommend booking a dedicated tour specifically for the palace."
"Please note that museum entrance fees are subject to change. I'll keep you updated closer to your tour date if there are any adjustments."
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmet Camii, the Blue Mosque, is a breathtaking, majestic Ottoman mosque. Its cascading domes and six slender minarets pierce Istanbul's skyline. Completed in 1616 under Sultan Ahmet I, it rivaled Hagia Sophia's splendor. Inside, serene beauty awaits. Over 20,000 blue Iznik ceramic tiles adorn walls. These intricate floral tiles create its ethereal glow as sunlight filters through 200+ stained-glass windows. The soaring central dome, on four massive fluted pillars, evokes immense spiritual calm. Every detail, from mihrab's mother-of-pearl to minbar's carved marble, highlights exquisite craftsmanship. It's an immersive experience, a testament to Istanbul's rich heritage. Important Visitor Information: Note: No priority entrance for guides at mosques. We only skip lines at museums. Be cautious of contrary claims.
Hippodrome
The Hippodrome of Constantinople, nestled in Istanbul's vibrant Sultanahmet district, was ancient Byzantium and Constantinople's bustling public arena, primarily famed for its exhilarating chariot races. Its name, fittingly, combines the Greek words hippos (horse) and dromos (way). Far more than just a race track, this vast space was the epicenter of city life. It hosted grand gladiatorial games, elaborate official ceremonies, joyous celebrations, and even fervent public protests. Darker chapters saw it used for the torture of convicts, reflecting its complex role in the city's history. The Hippodrome seamlessly functioned through three monumental eras: the Roman (203-330 CE), Byzantine (330-1453 CE), and Ottoman (1453-1922) periods, bearing witness to centuries of imperial power, public spectacle, and profound societal change. Today, though much reduced, its spirit lives on in Sultanahmet Square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, still inviting visitors to imagine its storied past.
What‘s Included
Professional Guidance in English
Pick up and drop off from the hotels are not included.
Lunch
Gratuities
Museum tickets will be an additional cost.
Options
Small Group Tour W/O Tickets
Please note that:: Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
Topakapı Palace Museum is closed on Tuesdays and we visit Dolmabahce Palace
Museum tickets aren't included
Reviews
471 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome Time!
Cruiser34719358752,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lütfullah did a great job. Friendly, funny, knowledgeable, and efficient. We had an awesome time and saw so much. I’d definitely recommend him if you had a day in Istanbul.
Amazing tour of all the most beautiful parts of Istanbul.
477zoel,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lütfullah was the best guide for seeing all the most important landmarks in Istanbul. He was so friendly and fun, and knew everything about the city. He was prepared with tickets , transport, everything. Would really recommend him!!! We loved the tour and loved him! If you are in Istanbul, make sure to book with him!!!
Solo traveler in Istanbul
myriammF5402AI,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had nothing but great experience visiting Istanbul with Lutfullah. He made my time there memorable to enjoy and learn from sites I was interested in visiting. He’s good at what he does, tailors visits to your liking, and I’m glad to get to learn about their history and culture. I recommend him to other visitors.
Ludvig is the best tour guide!!
sanelag2026,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ludvig was amazing!! He was well spoken and knew everything about the sights! Highly recommend his tours since it’s small group and friendlier.
Istanbul Highlights with Ludviq
odettem2026,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was amazing and paced properly Ludviq was my guide and he was truly amazing. His recommendations for food was excellent. He truly made everything super easy payment wise and I truly appreciated his flexibility to accommodate my time constraints. I had a fabulous time and he was great company. He takes excellent pictures as well.
Great experience
carmenlA8164KO,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was our first time in Istanbul, Turkey and exploring the city with Lütfullah tour guide made it a truly great experience.
Highly recommend
Andrew H,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour. Our guide Lütfullah was excellent, knowledgeable, and ran a good tour. This tour hit all the major highlights of Istanbul.
Highly recommend Lütfullah’s tour!
Kathryn B,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My daughter and I loved this tour. There were a total of 10 in the group on a rainy and windy day, but we were mostly indoors. Lutfullah has a microphone and we all had an earbud so could hear him quite well even in crowded places. We went at a comfortable pace and covered 6 miles. Due to weather, the boat trip was cancelled but that gave us more time at Topkaki Palace museums and the Grand Bazaar. Lutfullah is a wealth of information, and we learned so mush about Istanbul’s history. And, he has a great sense of humor, too.
The tour was excellent...
Amy D,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was excellent and our guide Lutfullah was very knowledgeable and a had a great sense of humor! 😊 I highly recommend him!
Beautiful Istanbul! Thank you Lutfi!
Maureen471,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.0023 Oct 2025! What a wonderful, fascinating day we had - our small group of 10...lots of laughs, great food and delightful company for the whole 9-hour tour! Lutfi shared so much history and many humorous anecdotes, and I cherish the wonderful sites and memories of that day! He was the most special host and made sure we were comfortable and engaged - and is now a new friend I will remember, always! Thank you for a fantastic experience Lutfi...visiting beautiful Istanbul is a precious memory!
From US$49.00
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