Istanbul Classics (Sultanahmet Tour (Full Day)
09.11.2026
180 Euro/per person
At 09:00 am, we will pick you up from Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel (Yesilkoy) and drive to the Historical Peninsula. The tour will start at 09:30 am and we will visit Istanbul’s most iconic historical highlights in the Old Town area, including Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar.
This tour is finished with a transfer back to the hotel.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace served as the residence of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Today, it is a museum where you can see the imperial collections, treasury, and remarkable examples of Ottoman court life.
(Harem section visit is optional and subject to an additional entrance fee.)
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is one of the most significant monuments in Istanbul, representing a unique architectural and historical heritage from both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is an impressive underground water reservoir from the Byzantine era, famous for its mystical atmosphere and remarkable columns.
Hippodrome & Blue Mosque
The Hippodrome was once the center of public life in Constantinople, hosting chariot races and major ceremonies. During the visit, we will see the German Fountain, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine.
The Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most elegant imperial mosques, well known for its impressive architecture and beautiful İznik tiles.
Grand Bazaar
One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar offers a great opportunity to explore traditional shops and purchase local crafts, souvenirs, jewelry, and textiles.
Programme
Time | Activity |
09:00 | Pick-up from Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel (Yesilkoy) |
09:30 | Tour Start |
10:00 | Topkapi Palace |
12:30 | Hagia Sophia |
13:30 | Basilica Cistern |
14:00 | Lunch |
15:00 | Hippodrome – Blue Mosque |
16:00 | Grand Bazaar |
17:15 | End of the tour & transfer to the hotel |
Istanbul Experience – Galata / Istiklal / Balat & Local Bazaars Tour
05.11.2026
130 Euro per/person (Full Day)
At 09:00 am, we will pick you up from Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel (Yesilkoy) and drive to the city center.
The tour will start at 09:45 am and offers a perfect mix of iconic landmarks, lively streets, panoramic viewpoints, and authentic local markets. We will visit Galata Tower, enjoy a walk along Istiklal Street to Taksim Square, and continue to Pierre Loti and the colorful district of Balat.
In the afternoon, we will explore Istanbul’s traditional shopping areas including the Spice Bazaar, Mahmutpaşa Local Market, and visit the impressive Rüstem Pasha Mosque.
At the end of the tour, we will transfer you to the dinner venue.
Galata Tower
Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, located in the lively Galata district. It is famous for its historical charm and panoramic views over the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus area.
Istiklal Street & Walk to Taksim
Istiklal Street is Istanbul’s most famous pedestrian avenue, full of shops, cafés, historical passages, and cultural life. We will enjoy a pleasant walk through the heart of the city towards Taksim Square.
Pierre Loti & Balat
Pierre Loti is a well-known viewpoint offering a beautiful panorama over the Golden Horn. Balat is one of the city’s most authentic and colorful neighborhoods, known for its charming streets, historic atmosphere, and great photo opportunities.
Lunch at Galataport
Lunch will be planned at Galataport, one of Istanbul’s newest waterfront areas, offering a variety of restaurants and a modern seaside atmosphere.
Traditional Baklava Tasting in Karakoy
After lunch, we will stop in Karakoy for a traditional Turkish dessert experience, featuring one of the most famous local specialties: baklava.
Spice Bazaar & Mahmutpaşa Local Market
The Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) is one of Istanbul’s most popular traditional markets, famous for spices, teas, Turkish delights, and local products.
Mahmutpaşa is a lively local market area where you can experience authentic Istanbul street shopping and explore traditional shops.
Rüstem Pasha Mosque
Rüstem Pasha Mosque is considered a hidden gem of Ottoman architecture, especially well known for its beautiful İznik tiles and elegant interior design.
Programme
Time | Activity |
09:00 | Pick-up from Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel (Yesilkoy) |
09:45 | Galata Tower |
11:15 | Istiklal Street & walk to Taksim |
12:15 | Departure from Taksim to Pierre Loti & Balat |
13:00 | Lunch at Galataport |
14:30 | Traditional Baklava Tasting in Karakoy |
15:30 | Spice Bazaar & Mahmutpaşa Local Market |
16:30 | Rüstem Pasha Mosque |
17:15 | End of the tour & transfer to the hotel |
If you are requesting a tailored offer please contact with [email protected]
Recommended Museums
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
Located in Sultanahmet, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts showcases an outstanding collection of Islamic calligraphy, manuscripts, carpets, and ethnographic works. It offers a comprehensive overview of Islamic art spanning from the early Islamic period to the Ottoman era.
Istanbul Modern
Istanbul Modern is Türkiye’s leading contemporary art museum, featuring modern and contemporary works by Turkish and international artists. Situated along the Bosphorus, it also hosts temporary exhibitions, photography collections, and multidisciplinary cultural events.
Sakıp Sabancı Museum
The Sakıp Sabancı Museum, located in Emirgan, is renowned for its rich collection of Ottoman calligraphy, paintings, and decorative arts. The museum also organizes major international exhibitions in collaboration with prominent global institutions.
Sadberk Hanım Museum
The Sadberk Hanım Museum is Türkiye’s first privately owned museum and features remarkable collections of Anatolian archaeological artifacts and Ottoman-era objects. It provides visitors with an intimate cultural journey through thousands of years of Anatolian history.
Rahmi M. Koç Museum
The Rahmi M. Koç Museum is dedicated to the history of transport, industry, and communications. Located on the Golden Horn, it presents an extensive collection of vintage cars, aircraft, ships, and interactive exhibits.
Istanbul Aviation Museum
The Istanbul Aviation Museum exhibits a wide range of military and civil aircraft, aviation equipment, and historical artifacts. It offers visitors an engaging experience highlighting the development of Turkish aviation history.
Cat Museum (Kedi Müzesi)
The Cat Museum celebrates Istanbul’s unique relationship with its iconic street cats through artistic displays and thematic exhibitions. It presents a charming and culturally distinctive perspective on the city’s beloved feline residents.
Istanbul Archaeology Museums
The Istanbul Archaeology Museums comprise three main institutions displaying artifacts from ancient civilizations across Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Highlights include the Alexander Sarcophagus and one of the world’s richest classical antiquities collections.
Tour Guide
Our professional licensed tour guide, who will accompany the group and provide expert insights throughout the museum visits, brings extensive experience in cultural and historical guiding. You can review his full CV at the link below: