Istanbul Tour: Bosphorus Cruise, Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia

Relax on an idyllic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait while soaking in the sights of Istanbul's distinguished monuments. Discover the famed Blue Mosque, admire the classic beauty of Hagia Sophia, and wander through the bustling Spice Bazaar. This journey serves as an excellent introduction to the city's diverse cultural legacy.

Tour Overview

Prepare yourself for an immersive full-day exploration of Istanbul! We will meet at your chosen location and begin our journey at the lively Spice Bazaar, situated near the Galata Bridge. This bustling market is a sensory adventure where you can shop for unique local products.

After leaving the Eminönü district, we’ll proceed to the harbor to embark on a stunning Bosphorus cruise. Once aboard, we will glide along the strait, taking in the breathtaking views on both the Asian and European banks. You will be enchanted by the traditional wooden homes, opulent palaces, historic fortresses, and impressive bridges that line the shores, which beautifully separate the Black Sea from the Sea of Marmara.

Following a 1.5-hour scenic cruise, we will enjoy a delectable meal at a local restaurant, featuring a traditional Turkish menu that adapts with the seasons and availability. The meal typically starts with a cold appetizer, and you may choose from options like börek, soup, or pasta. The main course includes a selection of kebabs, meat, chicken, or vegetable dishes.

Continuing our expedition, we will arrive at the historic Hippodrome Square, a significant site from the days of Byzantine Constantinople, which later served as a gathering place for the Ottomans.

Next, we visit the stunning Blue Mosque, celebrated for its Ottoman architectural style and intricate tile works. Here, we will spend roughly one hour appreciating its grand dome, six towering minarets, and the stunning Iznik tiles that decorate its interior.

As we cross Sultanahmet Square, our journey takes us into the notable Hagia Sophia, a monumental edifice that has been a church, mosque, and now a museum. Prepare to be captivated as you traverse its magnificent interior, brimming with centuries of history and architectural brilliance.

After an enriching tour lasting around 7 hours, we will wrap up our exploration either in the bustling area of Sultanahmet or the lively Taksim Quarter, enabling you to cherish the rich heritage of Istanbul.

Tour Option Without Lunch

If you prefer to bring your own meal or explore dining options independently, you can select the tour version that excludes lunch.

Pickup Locations

This tour includes collection from the designated spots at the following times in Istanbul:

• The Marmara Hotel Taksim (Gümü?suyu, Tak-? Zafer St. No. 3, 34437 Beyo?lu/Istanbul) at 8:10 am
• Atatürk Cultural Center (Gümü?suyu Neighborhood, Mete St. No. 2, Beyo?lu/Istanbul) at 9 am
• Tamara Restaurant Sultanahmet (Küçük Ayasofya St. No. 14, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul) at 8:45 am
• Marmaray Sirkeci Station (Hocapa?a Neighborhood, Ankara Street, Halil Lütfü 4th Business Center, Floor 1, No. 113, Hoca Pa?a, 34110 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey) at 9 am

Changes to the Itinerary

For organizational purposes, the schedule of site visits may be adjusted. For instance, on Friday mornings, the Blue Mosque will be inaccessible, prompting alterations to the tour for that day.

At present, access to the dome of Hagia Sophia is prohibited. The visit will also be limited to the second-floor galleries. However, you will receive a ticket containing a QR code which grants access to an English audio guide that narrates the temple's history. Please remember to bring your own earphones to listen to these recordings.