Tour

Istanbul Highlights: Small-Group Tour with a Local Expert

5.0(459 reviews)
From $49
View Reviews & Availability
Opens Viator, our trusted affiliate partner
Istanbul Highlights: Small-Group Tour with a Local Expert
44 photos

About This Tour

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.

Photo Gallery

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia

Hippodrome

Hippodrome

Spice Bazaar

Spice Bazaar

Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque

Spice Bazaar

Spice Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

TopTours Insights

AI Generated

Istanbul Highlights: Small-Group Tour with a Local Expert

Let TopTours AI read the full tour details and generate a short insight about who this experience is best for and what stands out.

Calculating tour characteristics...

What's Included

Professional Guidance in English

What's Not Included

Pick up and drop off from the hotels are not included.
Lunch
Gratuities
Museum tickets will be an additional cost.

Additional Information

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."

Meeting Point

I'll be at the German Fountain (Hippodrome area), holding a yellow umbrella. It's the green-domed fountain by the Blue Mosque's Gate B. For your safety, only accept help from guides with a visible license around their neck.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

✓ Free cancellation due to bad weather

Tour Operator

Lütfullah Fındıkoğlu by Botanas Travel

Official supplier for this experience. Bookings are handled directly through Viator with verified partners.

Viator Certified

Trusted local operator

Are you the tour operator?

Get up to 15× more visibility by linking your tours together. Show travelers all your offerings on each tour page. Just one extra booking per month covers the cost. Starting at just $4.99/month.

Up to 15× More VisibilityPremium Badge & VerificationCross-Tour Discovery
Partner With Us

Guest Ratings

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Based on 459 verified reviews

5.0

Average rating

5
45399%
4
41%
3
10%
1
10%

Ready to Go?

Book Istanbul Highlights: Small-Group Tour with a Local Expert

Secure your spot instantly through Viator and receive flexible cancellation options plus verified customer support.

View Reviews & Availability
Opens Viator, our trusted affiliate partner

Trusted partner • Instant confirmation

Other Tours You Might Like

istanbul Food Tours

istanbul Food Tours

5.0(33)
From $149.99
View Details
3 Days Cappadocia Tour From Istanbul With Optional Balloon Ride

3 Days Cappadocia Tour From Istanbul With Optional Balloon Ride

5.0(3)
From $695
View Details
Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Istanbul Private Tour

Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Istanbul Private Tour

4.9(247)
From $133.22
View Details
Istanbul: Evening Private Food Tour In Kadikoy

Istanbul: Evening Private Food Tour In Kadikoy

4.9(9)
From $234.03
View Details
Luxury Small-Group Tour of Imperial Istanbul

Luxury Small-Group Tour of Imperial Istanbul

4.8(6)
From $215
View Details
Small-Group Topkapi Palace and Harem Tour: Highlights & History

Small-Group Topkapi Palace and Harem Tour: Highlights & History

4.8(239)
From $56.41
View Details
Istanbul Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Tickets

Istanbul Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Tickets

4.8(4)
From $124.82
View Details
Small Group - Best of Istanbul Tour with Guide & Lunch

Small Group - Best of Istanbul Tour with Guide & Lunch

4.8(4)
From $168.02
View Details
Private & Mini Group Istanbul 7 hours Tour with TRAM. Save time

Private & Mini Group Istanbul 7 hours Tour with TRAM. Save time

4.7(35)
From $69
View Details
Dest ID: 585 (Istanbul)
Slug: istanbul