Your day begins in the historic Sultanahmet district with a visit to Hagia Sophia, a monumental symbol of Istanbul’s layered history. Built in the 6th century by Emperor Constantine, this building has been a church, mosque, and museum, and is now a mosque once again. You'll have the opportunity to enter and view the interior of the impressive dome and its rich mosaics from the upper galleries. 

Next, you’ll explore the nearby Blue Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its thousands of blue Iznik tiles. Your guide will explain key features of Ottoman architecture and the mosque’s role in Istanbul’s spiritual life. Depending on your interests, the tour may include a stop at the Nakilbent Cistern or the Hippodrome’s 4th-century ruins, where you’ll hear stories of Byzantine Constantinople and its rise.

When hunger calls, your guide will steer you clear of tourist traps to a handpicked spot favored by locals, where you can enjoy authentic flavors without the guesswork. Whether you prefer a quick street food bite or a sit-down meal, your guide will help you navigate the menu and choose dishes that suit your tastes.

The afternoon centers on Topkapi Palace, the sumptuous home of Ottoman sultans filled with tales of power, intrigue, and daily life. From the palace grounds to the famous Harem, your guide will reveal the stories behind the architecture and the inner workings of the Empire, the machinations of court life, and the broad power of the sultans. The experience ends with a richer understanding and appreciation of Istanbul’s complex history and personalized local tips to carry with you beyond the tour. 

The price of the tour includes tickets to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace for all participants. Headsets will be provided for the mosque portion of the tour.

Hagia Sophia tickets grant access to the Hagia Sophia Mosque and the History & Experience Museum. The Museum is not included in this tour, but you can visit on your own at your convenience after the tour if you are interested. The guide will provide these tickets at the conclusion of the tour. 

Tickets for Topkapi Palace will be purchased by your guide at the commencement of the visit. 

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

Hagia Sophia offers wheelchair accessibility, and the majority of the Palace, including the Harem, is accessible. However, the Portrait Chamber within the Palace is not wheelchair accessible. Neither Hagia Sophia nor the Palace provide wheelchairs for rent; therefore, guests requiring a wheelchair must bring their own or arrange for a rental prior to the tour.

While this tour does not involve extensive walking, we advise clients with mobility challenges to contact us in advance. This will enable us to inform the guide and customize the tour to accommodate specific concerns.

Can we visit the Grand Bazaar or the Cistern Basilica?
Istanbul is a vast city with a wealth of attractions. To optimize your experience within the tour's duration, we have carefully curated a selection of key venues. Please note that the Grand Bazaar and the Basilica Cistern are not typically included in the standard itinerary. However, if you have a strong interest in visiting either of these sites, kindly inform us in a note prior to checkout. We will ensure your guide is aware of your preference and incorporates it into the itinerary. Please be advised that the tour will remain 8 hours in length. Consequently, to accommodate visits to the Grand Bazaar or Basilica Cistern, your guide will need to reduce the time allocated to other stops, though no venues will be replaced.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included, as we believe in giving you the freedom to choose what suits your taste and mood. After all, it’s your vacation, we’re not here to box you into a set menu. Whether you’d like a full sit-down meal or something quick and casual, your guide will be happy to offer recommendations and assist with arrangements. The choice is entirely yours, based on what you and your travel companions prefer.

The sites visited on this tour are considered holy places. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Dresses and shorts must be below knee level, and shoulders must be covered (zip-on jackets or scarves are acceptable). We recommend bringing along scarves or shawls to be able to cover those body parts. 

While this tour is not specifically designed for children, its extended duration may be challenging for younger participants. However, it offers numerous educational opportunities for young learners. Please inform us if you are traveling with your family, and we will arrange for a guide experienced in family-friendly tours.

Access to the mosque is currently limited to the general public. Only the galleries on the upper floor can be visited.

Hagia Sophia offers wheelchair accessibility, and the majority of the Palace, including the Harem, is accessible. However, the Portrait Chamber within the Palace is not wheelchair accessible. Neither Hagia Sophia nor the Palace provide wheelchairs for rent; therefore, guests requiring a wheelchair must bring their own or arrange for a rental prior to the tour. While this tour does not involve extensive walking, we advise clients with mobility challenges to contact us in advance. This will enable us to inform the guide and customize the tour to accommodate specific concerns.

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.