Must See in Istanbul: Full-Day Experience with Local Lunch
Must See in Istanbul: Full-Day Experience with Local Lunch
Either I conquer Istanbul or Istanbul conquers me. – Fatih Sultan Mehmet – the conqueror. Journey in the footsteps of the city’s most famous ruler and conquer Istanbul in just a day.
This is the ultimate all-in-one introduction to the sites everyone must-see in Istanbul, with a locals-know twist. Visit Turkey’s iconic UNESCO-listed historic spots such as the jaw-dropping Hagia Sophia, the beautiful Blue Mosque, and the pretty, tree-lined ancient Hippodrome, and learn how Istanbul has stood strong through the centuries. Eat a tasty Turkish lunch with locals at a hidden restaurant, then listen to stories of how generations of sultans lived at the grand Topkapi Palace, overlooking the gorgeous Bosphorus Strait.
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Start your Istanbul tour with a dose of awe at Justinian the Great’s Hagia Sophia. This masterpiece of Byzantine architecture stands tall and proud in downtown Istanbul, holding within its walls more than 1,500 years of Turkish history. This mind-bogglingly beautiful site is also somewhat of a chameleon — it has lived its long life as a church, a mosque, and now as a museum. It’s also a movie star: anyone who’s seen From Russia with Love will feel a bit like James Bond when they step inside.
45 minutesBlue Mosque
You’ll then head just across the street to the jewel in the Istanbul crown. Sultan Ahmet I’s Blue Mosque is one of the most striking sights in Istanbul, with its iconic blue-tiled walls (the tiles number in the tens of thousands!), 260 windows, and six minarets. Don’t forget to ask your guide the significance of those six spires.
30 minutesTopkapi Palace
Once you’re filled with Turkish cuisine, Topkapi Palace awaits. This opulent complex overlooking the Bosphorus is a true Istanbul treasure, with many colourful stories about the rich sultans who lived there between 1453 and 1839.
1 hour 45 minutesHippodrome
Need a break? We’ll step back to the present and join the locals as we lunch in a hidden café. You’ll enjoy friendly conversation with members of the community and learn about daily life in Istanbul.
2 hoursGrand Bazaar
Note that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, so if you choose a Sunday departure, you’ll explore the nearby vibrant Spice Market, filled with delectable and colourful Turkish spices, treats, coffees, and teas.
1 hourIncluded
- Local Licensed English-speaking Guide
- Take in the majestic Blue Mosque (admission is free)
- Visit the mesmerising ancient site of Hagia Sophia (admission is free)
- Listen to stories of sultans at Topkapi Palace (entrance fee included - except for the Harem))
- Stop at the spine of ancient Hippodrome (admission is free)
- Enjoy a tasty Turkish lunch with locals in a hidden restaurant
- Haggle with local vendors and get lost in the labyrinth of alleys of Grand Bazaar
- Get tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay
- Entry/Admission - Hippodrome
- Entry/Admission - Topkapi Palace
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Additional food and drinks
Good to Know
- For your Intrepid Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- You will pick up some responsible travel tips that will help you to be a greener traveller while you’re in the city
- While we strongly recommend that all travellers are vaccinated against COVID-19 to reduce the risk of transmission and avoid putting undue strain on healthcare services, vaccinations are not a requirement to join an Intrepid Urban Adventures tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.