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Istanbul Cultural & History Tours

Cultural & History Tours in Istanbul

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Top Istanbul Cultural & Theme Tours

Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

clock 7 to 21 hours
  • A chance to be awed by Istanbul's magnificent architecture, rich history, and eclectic bazaars as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Old City on this 1-, 2-, or 3-day private tour
  • A tour where tourists will get to see the glorious Hagia Sophia, Read more
  • A chance for the tourists to explore the local streets on a walking tour of the city

    • What You'll Do:

  • Stop at the Sultanahmet District and take a tour further
  • Pass by the Hippodrome and take another tour
  • Visit places like the Blue Mosque, the Sultanahmet Square, the Hagia Sophia Museum , the Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, the Grand Bazaa, the Bosphorus Strait, the Dolmabahce Palace, the Taksim Square, the Istiklal Street, the Galata Tower, the Misir Carsisi, the Suleymaniye Mosque, the Fener Rum Patrikhanesi, the Kariye Museum, and the Pierre Loti Tepesi.
  • Learn how the magnificient Blue Mosque earned its famous nickname, and see the ancient Basilica Cistern.

    • What It Includes:

  • This trip is not provide access to wheelchairs
  • The trip is stroller friendly
  • For multiple day booking, private van service will be advised for you, according to your hotel location and the size of the group
  • Tourists will be provided with a professional guide
  • Lunch is not included in this trip but can be purchased separately

    • Travellers Talk:

  • Most of the tourists liked the tour and the overall experience
  • Another tourist liked the guide and the information they received

    • Is It Right:

  • An excellent tour which covers the best places of Istanbul
  • Read lessRead more
from€113.00 from€125.00 from€149.00 from€191.03

Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Private Tour

clock 4 hours
  • A private tour that allows tourists to explore the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia
  • A private tour through which the travellers get to enjoy some of the main tourist spots of the city Read more
  • During the tour, travellers will be stunned by the hidden gems in the mosques of Istanbul.

    • What You'll Do:

  • Visit the magnificient Blue Mosque for around 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Explore the Hagia Sophia Museum next, for another 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Get to visit the Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi and enjoy the famous caj tea at the end of the day.
  • The last stop for this trip is a visit to the Little Hagia Sophia where travellers get to view the various hidden gems.

    • What It Includes:

  • The tour is about 4 hours long
  • A local guide is also available for this private tour
  • Tea and coffee are included within this tour

    • Travellers Talk:

  • Travellers appreciated that the tour guide for the trip was well informed. They were regaled with interesting overview of the sights. The guide also helped the travellers with a recommendation for an excellent fish restaurant, where he made them feel at home by explaining the various food options available
  • Another group of travellers have recommended this tour to everyone as it is an excellent way to explore Istanbul

    • Is It Right:

  • Perfect for those who are willing to spend half a day in exploring the city
  • Read lessRead more
from€37.00 from€59.00 from€70.00 from€70.00 from€80.00 from€84.77

4 Days Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour

clock 4 days
  • This tour will take you years back, Enjoy the history , culture and nature all in once.We highly recommend this programme to you and if you like we can combine this programme with other Turkey travel destinations all depending on your...Read more
from€697.06

Hills of Istanbul Tour

clock 4 to 5 hours
  • Half Day Morning City Tour with Palace and Cable Car Fee Included
    With hotel transfers , Professional Licensed...Read more
from€56.74 from€60.00

Eat Like a Local: Istanbul Food and Culture Tour with Dinner at Local Family Home

clock 3 hours 30 minutes
  • A tour that allows travellers to explore the food and culture of Istanbul in one day
  • The main attraction of this tour is home-cooked meal served to the tourists Read more
  • The tour also includes a tour across Sultanahmet

    • What You'll Do:

  • Meet the tour guide at Sultanahmet, which is the meeting point for the tour
  • Visit a local family to gain knowledge about the tradition, customs and the local cuisine found in Istanbul
  • The dinner that is served to the tourists is a sumptious 3-course meal which includes additions prepared by the local family
  • The serving begins with an aromatic thin soup called Acorba, followed by a hearty meal comprising of minced meat and eggplant with rice and salad, and a sweet dripping dessert
  • During the meal, chat with the hosts to know more about the rich tradition and the culture of Istanbul
  • After meal, walk along the street with the guide to know more about the history of the place

    • What It Includes:

  • The duration for this tour is 3 hours and 30 minutes
  • A local English speaking guide is assigned to the group
  • Home-cooked meal
  • The tourists get to drink tea and traditional sherbets in this trip
  • The visitors get to use an authentic shisha pipe that can add a drop of pizzazz to the photographs they take back home
  • Ensured a fantastic personalized experience

    • Travellers Talk:

  • A group of tourists said they got to know the real Istanbul by going on this tour
  • The tourists were happy with the knowledge that they got from the guide
  • They loved having dinner with the local families and the courtesy extended by them

    • Is It Right:

  • For the true essence of Turkish heritage, eat like a local and explore the streets of Sultanahmet. This tour gives travellers that opportunity
  • Read lessRead more
from€46.00 from€47.54

Big Bus Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off

clock 2 hours
  • A trip that takes place on a Double Decker bus that allows you to hop on and hop off at the famous tourist attractions all across Istanbul
  • A trip where travellers get to stay in each location for about 30 minutes and the route duration is about 1 or 2 hours depending on what one selects at the time of booking
  • Read more

    What You'll Do:

  • Select between the Red Route or the Blue route, which feature different stops
  • Hop on and off at any of the two routes of your choice
  • There are various ticketing options available and prices are fixed on the basis of 1 day, 2 day or 3 day trips

    • What It Includes:

  • Travellers get to access free Wifi and interesting commentary in 8 different languages
  • Travellers are provided with a Big Bus App, map and headphones.
  • Travellers are also granted entry to Naval Museum and Miniaturk
  • The bus provided for this tour is a open top bus, giving travellers a 360-degree panoramic view as they travel along the route across Istanbul

    • Travellers Talk:

  • A group of travellers were very happy with the tour as it was easy to locate the bus stops and the river cruise. Travellers also got to see some of the most famous attractions of Istanbul upon taking part in this tour

    • Is It Right:

  • Yes! This trip is extremely suitable for travellers as they can create their own personalized sightseeing itinerary and explore Istanbul at leisure
  • Read lessRead more
from€33.00 from€40.00 from€45.00 from€50.00 from€50.00

Dolmabahce Palace & Uskudar(Asian Side) Afternoon Tour

clock 4 hours
  • A tour that allows travellers to cross the stunning Bosphurus Bridge, explore the DolmabahAce Palace, travel to the Camalica hill on the Asian side and then come back to European side
  • In this tour, travellers are also guided on a waterside tour at the DolmabahAce palace, which was last built by the Ottaman Empire Read more

    What You'll Do:

  • Visit the DolmabahAce palace for 1 hour and 15 minutes and enjoy the extravagant halls and chambers as the guide shares the stories of the last sultans.
  • Afterwards, visit the resplendent valley of Camlica hills which is the highest point of Istanbul
  • Get stunned by the chandeliers, marble silk and see the various highlights of the tour such as the grandiose Medhal hall, Crystal staircase and also learn about Mustafa Ataturk, Turkey's first president.
  • Travellers are dropped off at their respective hotels after the tour is over

    • What It Includes:

  • A 5-hour long tour which includes hotel pick up and drop off services
  • A professional guide will be provided for this tour
  • Charges to enter the DolmabahÃce Palace are included in this tour.
  • An air-conditioned vehicle will also be provided for the travellers

    • Travellers Talk:

  • A small group of three tourists were very happy as they were able to get a personalised information from the guide
  • As The Camlica hills offer a great view of both the European side and Asian side of Istanbul and the DolmabahAce Palace, many tourists recommended this tour to their friends

    • Is It Right:

  • Want to go beyond Istanbul's top attractions and discover more of the city from a multifaceted half-day sightseeing tour? Well, this is the right option for you.
  • Read lessRead more
from€41.00 from€45.00 from€166.67

Byzantine Churches of Constantinople (Visits from Exterior)

clock 400 to 450 minutes
  • A tour where the travellers, with the help of a guide, will get to explore the Christian sanctuaries built by the Byzantine Empire and see the glittering mosaics and frescoes of Chora church
  • This is a trip where travellers get to see many interesting venues like the St Polyeuktos Church, which is one of the most significant places of worship, and also the Pammakaristos Church, which is now converted into a fethiye mosque Read more

    What You'll Do:

  • Stopover at Sarachane district on the European side
  • Chora Church is the next stop, and is famous for its beautiful mosaic artwork. Travellers also get to stroll around the gorgeous Tekfur Palace
  • Learn about Istanbul when it was known as Constantinople.
  • Explore the ancient Churches, the faAcade, the arches and the royal courtyards as the guide recounts how the palace once boasted vast gardens, dungeons and houses. Finally, finish the tour with a hotel drop-off.

    • What It Includes:

  • This is an 8-hour tour and includes pick up and drop off services by an AC Mini Van, guide charges and entry fees to the Chora church
  • Lunch is also included in this tour.

    • Travellers Talk:

  • A traveller recommended this tour as it offers a unique experience to all tourists
  • Another traveller found the guide to be quite knowledgeable and was very happy with the tour as the guide made it very interesting.
  • Some travellers have even commented that best part of this tour were the wonderful restaurants in Faith District

    • Is It Right:

  • A perfect trip for tourists where they get to explore important religious buildings from the era of Constantinople
  • Read lessRead more
from€500.00

Must – See Bosphorus Stops 1 (Europe)

clock 4 hours
  • A morning cruise that allows travellers to explore Bosphorus and Golden Horn
  • Tourists sail along the strait and also get the opportunity to visit the spice bazaar Read more
  • A tour that offers an unforgettable experience to the visitors and provides them with the opportunity to view some excellent sights of the old city

    • What You'll Do:

  • The tour begins by picking up the guests in an air-conditioned minibus
  • During the tour, the tourists get to learn different facts about the city
  • The tourists are taken to the spice market which has different stalls for spices, nuts, fruits, and more.
  • Next, the tourists visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque, a small building with blue tiles that reflects the Ottoman architecture.
  • The sightseeing is then continued on the cruise
  • On the cruise, the tourists sail along the Golden Horn and pass by most of the prominent cities in Istanbul
  • Some other monuments that the guests can view include Aynalankavak Palace, Eyup Sultan Mosque, and Galata Tower
  • The tourists also come across the lesser-known side of the city like the Ottoman houses, mosques, and mansions

    • What It Includes:

  • The duration of this tour is 3 hour and 30 minutes.
  • The tourists are onboard the cruise for 1.5 hours
  • Hotel pick up and drop off facilities are provided
  • The tour is hosted by a local guide

    • Travellers Talk:

  • One of the tourists said that the tour was excellent
  • Tourists appreciated the information provided by the tour guide
  • Another group of tourists said that the tour was well-organized

    • Is It Right:

  • A great option for those who are wiling to take a guided boat-ride tour along the Bosphorus Strait and Golden Horn and wander through the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul
  • Read lessRead more
from€25.00 from€35.00 from€69.00 from€106.67

Asian Side of Istanbul: Uskudar and Kadikoy Full Day Tour

clock 8 hours
  • A relaxed walking tour to the historical district of Istanbul, which is famous for its mosaic mosques.
  • A tour where travellers hop on one of the marmaray train under the blue Bosphorus to visit some of the Ottoman mosques of the history-steeped Uskudar Read more
  • With this package you can explore two of Istanbul's neighbourhood from the Asian side, that is, the Uskudar and Kadikoy.

    • What You'll Do:

  • Enjoy a 3-course lunch, visit the fish market, and end the trip with a 20-minute boat ride on the blue Bosphorous

    • What It Includes:

  • Travellers are picked up from their respective hotels by a professional guide and guided through the bustling streets; then, they board a train and visit the beautiful Ottoman Mosque, of Uskudar
  • A professional guide, an AC minivan along with lunch, two Marmary train rides, and a Bosphorus boat ride are all included in this tour.
  • Entry admission to the Yeni Valide Mosque Complex, the Aziz Mahmut Hudayi Mosque, and the Historical Mihrimah Sultan Turkish Bath are included within this tour

    • Travellers Talk:

  • Travellers loved this trip a lot and felt that it was worth the money they spent
  • One of the travellers was extremely happy with the guide as they could visit off beat tourist spots and learn a lot about Istanbul's history, lifestyle and culture, which otherwise they would not have known.

    • Is It Right:

    This full-day tour, with a 3-course traditional Turkish meal, is the perfect way to discover the cosmopolitan neighborhoods of Istanbul's Asian side.
  • Read lessRead more
from€79.49 from€80.00 from€90.00 from€146.16

Luxury Small-Group Tour of Imperial Istanbul

clock 8 hours
  • An 8-hour tour that offers a splendid four-course Turkish meal in a renowned Mat bah restaurant followed by fragrant tea or coffee
  • A full-day tour that allows travellers to explore the majestic charm of Istanbul in a Mercedes Van Read more
  • During this trip, travellers get to see classic works of art and archaeology.
  • A trip where travellers get to see classical artwork, sarcophagi and other interesting artefacts famous in Istanbul

    • What You'll Do:

  • Travel in style and learn about the Imperial days of the city of Constantinople under Roman, Ottoman, Latin and Byzantine rule from an expert guide
  • Learn in detail about Istanbul's Archaeological Museum, the Topkapi Palace including the Harem rooms, the Chora church and the Hagia Sophia Church Museum
  • Enjoy a luxurious spreal of Turkish cuisine and explore Istanbul.
  • Travellers will get to stop over at: the Istanbul Arkeoloji Muzesi, the Alemdar Cad, the Osman Hamdi Bey Yokusu Sk, and the Gulhane in Istanbul, Turkey.

    • What It Includes:

  • This trip package includes guide charges, and ticket price to museum and palace. The trip also includes hotel pickup and drop off facilities.
  • Travellers are provided with headphones to hear their guide clearly

    • Travellers Talk:

  • A group of travellers enjoyed hearing about the history of Istanbul as well as the food native to this place
  • Another traveller liked how informative and knowledgeable the guide was, and the trip was made more enjoyable with the guide's presene

    • Is It Right:

  • Travellers can immerse themselves in Istanbul's fascinating cultural highlights on this small-group, full-day tour in a luxury Mercedes minivan. A perfect gateaway from the busy life
  • Read lessRead more
from€73.00 from€142.31

Private Half Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar From Istanbul

clock 4 hours
  • A private half - day shore excursion into Istanbul's most iconic sites, sights, monuments, buildings and attractions.
  • A dive into the mesmerizing live pictures of competing charioteers and horsemen at the Hippodrome Square. Read more
  • An included exploration of Hagia Sophia which is known for its stunning Byzantine Art and the picturesque architectural composition of its building.

    • What You'll Do:

  • You will explore the majestic nature of Hagia Sophia Museum, which is called by most historians, the 8th Wonder the World.
  • Lay eyes on the glooming slender towers, forts, domes, mosaics, frescoes, and other beautiful heritages of Turkey.
  • Explore the important regions in the extensive Grand Bazaar which boasts of handicrafts, souvenirs, beautiful carpets, jewelries and other local products.
  • Visit other attractions like the 17th century Blue Mosque (Largest Mosque in Istanbul), and see iconic sites like Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Fountain of WIllhelm II and many more.

    • What It Includes:

  • 4 hours (approx.) tour
  • Travel alongside a Professional English Speaking Guide
  • Get Picked - up and Drop - Off at Port
  • Transportation by an air - conditioned vehicle
  • Professional Driver/Chauffeur
  • Lunch in one of the best restaurants in Istanbul

    • Travellers Talk:

  • This is one of the most educating and fun - filled journeys in Istanbul. The tour also has a well - prepared itinerary that made us enjoy every minute during the tour.
  • Absolutely incredible and excellent tour, it was fun - filled and historical exciting

    • Is It Right:

  • Yes! Infact, it is a tour you must not afford to miss.
  • A perfect tour for everybody including Historians, adventurers, and fun - seeking group of travelers.
  • Read lessRead more
from€31.47 from€221.59

Must - See Istanbul Stops 1: Half Day Morning Tour

clock 4 hours
  • A chance to see the magnificent Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque on a 3.5-hour small-group guided walking tour of Istanbul's best monuments.
  • Delve into the complex culture of Istanbul as you discover its famous monuments and its intertwined history. Read more
  • A trip where the travellers will not only see the beauty of the Hagia Sophia Museum and the Blue Mosque, but they will also explore the Hippodrome of Constantinople and the German Fountain.

    • What You'll Do:

  • After meeting the guide beside the Hagia Sophia Museum the tourists will begin their 3.5-hour small-group walking tour by stepping into the architectural masterpiece.
  • Tourists will get to admire the intricate details of Christian mosaics and relics as they gaze at the impressive columns and dome structure, begging to be captured in a photo
  • Hotel pick up is available for this trip.
  • The tour commences at 9:00 am
  • Learn about Turkey's close ties with Germany as you visit the German Fountain
  • Stroll through the splendid Blue Mosque and hear tales of the extravagant Sultan who commissioned for it to be built
  • Get to see the water gush from this Neo-Renaissance fountain, and hear how Germany's General Emperor, Wilhelm presented this gift to Turkey to symbolize the two country's longstanding solidarity.
  • Tourists will get to explore the famous Blue Mosque which was commissioned in the early 1600s by the 19-year-old Sultan Ahmet to challenge the brilliance of the Hagia Sophia. While travelling with the guide, travellers will enjoy the grandeur of the enormous dome that fills Istanbul's postcard-worthy skyline.

    • What It Includes:

  • A professional guide will be provided for the travellers
  • Hotel pickup and drop off facilities are available on this trip

  • Travellers Talk:

    .

    Is It Right:

    Yes! It is a great tour for those who likes architecture, historical stories and facts.
  • Read lessRead more
from€29.60 from€35.00 from€40.00 from€126.99

Half Day Morning Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar visit (Bus and Boat Tour)

clock 3 hours
  • Discover two fascinating sides of Istanbul with a cruise along the Bosphorous and a bus trip exploring the roots of the city. Immerse yourself in a rich, vibrant history and landscape while exploring this wondrous cultural landscape.

    Make your way to the shores of the Bosphorous, board a boat, and head out into the waters. cruising along...Read more
from€35.00

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

clock 3 hours
  • This is a half day tour that takes place in the mesmerising city of Istanbul
  • Travellers are able to visit some of the best tourist attractions with this tour. Read more
  • Hidden gems are revealed to the travellers who take part in this tour

    • What You'll Do:

  • Begin the tour by visiting a historical marvel, Hippodrome and learn interesting facts about the place
  • The next stop is the opulent Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Mah At Meydani Cad No 7, where the tourists get a glimpse of the courtyards of Istanbul
  • Hagia Sophia Museum / Church is the next stop where engaging tales of Sultanahmet are narrated by the guide
  • Tourists head towards Topkapi Palace next, which is a magnificient garden palace
  • Caferaga Medresesi is the next stop which drawss attention to the artistic opulence of Istanbul
  • Then visit the astounding Galata Tower which has the world's oldest funiculars
  • Hop into a tram winding down the lanes of Karakoy to discover the old side of Istanbul
  • Biberon Cafe & Crafts is the last stop

    • What It Includes:

  • The time taken to cover this tour is about 4 hours
  • A local guide hosts this tour
  • Travellers are also required to know that this a private tour; so, no group other than the one booking the trip can participate
  • 2 non-alcoholic drinks are served in this tour

    • Travellers Talk:

  • The tourists said that this tour gives an overview of Istanbul
  • They commented that their guide was amazing
  • The tourists enjoyed their tour and recommended it to others

    • Is It Right:

  • Want to take a look at the best spots to visit in the city? This trip will be the perfect choice for you!
  • Read lessRead more
from€28.00 from€48.75 from€89.00 from€89.00
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