6-7 hours
Meeting at the airport
Hagia Sophia Mosque & Church, Byzantine Hippodrome, The Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)
Everyday of the Year
Private Tour
The tours we offer are designed for those who prefer a relaxed pace, comprehensive insights from knowledgeable guides. If you prefer tours that visit many sites quickly, these may not align with your expectations.
The layover tours in Istanbul are one of the most wonderful ways of utilizing your time in the city rather than spending it in an airport for many hours. Istanbul, one of the world's most vibrant cities, has a lot to offer in a few hours' visit from 2 airports. Our layover tours depart from both Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) or Istanbul Airport (IST).
When you are contacting us, please let us know how many hours of layover time between your flights and then we'll send you with the greatest layover tour suggestions and alternative choices that work within your flight schedule.
For example, if you have a layover around 7-8 hours, you can do the below itinerary:
Your first stop will be Hagia Sophia Mosque & Church, one of the greatest architectural masterpieces in the world. Originally built as a church by Emperor Justinian in 537 AD, it later became a mosque in 1453 and has since remained a symbol of both Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Inside, you will admire the stunning Christian mosaics, Islamic calligraphy, and the magnificent central dome, which has stood for nearly 1,500 years. Your visit will include the main hall, upper gallery, and Sultan’s lodge, allowing you to fully appreciate its historical and artistic significance.
Next, you will take a short walk to the Byzantine Hippodrome, which was once the heart of social and political life in Constantinople. Built in the 3rd century, the Hippodrome hosted chariot races, imperial ceremonies, and grand celebrations. While the original structure no longer stands, you will see several impressive monuments that remain, including the Egyptian Obelisk, brought from Karnak, Egypt, the Serpent Column from Delphi, and the German Fountain, a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II. Your guide will share fascinating stories of the Hippodrome’s past, including its role in historic riots and imperial games.
After the Hippodrome, you will visit the Basilica Cistern, one of the most mystical places in Istanbul. This vast underground water reservoir was built in 532 AD by Emperor Justinian to supply water to the city. As you descend into the cistern, you will be surrounded by 336 marble columns, each beautifully illuminated, creating an eerie yet breathtaking atmosphere. One of the highlights of the visit will be the Medusa Head Columns, which are believed to have been repurposed from ancient Roman temples. Your guide will explain the cistern’s ingenious water filtration system, as well as the legends surrounding Medusa’s mysterious presence.
At 1:00 PM, you will take a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can savor delicious Turkish cuisine. This will be a great opportunity to enjoy traditional dishes such as kebabs, mezes, and baklava, while relaxing in the heart of the Old City. The rate does not cover the lunch.
After lunch, your final stop will be the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1616 by Sultan Ahmed I, this mosque is famous for its breathtaking blue Iznik tiles, which give it its nickname. The mosque features a unique design with six towering minarets and a massive central dome, making it a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. As you step inside, you will experience the serene atmosphere of this active place of worship while learning about its historical and religious significance.
The tour will conclude at around 4:00 PM, after which your guide will show you back to your hotel or provide recommendations for further exploration in Istanbul’s Old City.
The rate list for this private tour will be as:
Please send us an email to get more information or text/call us through our Whatsapp Number, and we will respond as soon as possible.
Professionally-licensed English Speaking Tour Guide
Entrance Tickets
Transportation with A/C vehicles
Taxes
Drop-off at the airport
Lunch
Drinks
Any Private Expenses
Tips to the guide
When you contact us about the trip, we'll provide you with an itinerary based on the current "real-time" availability. The tour's availability might change until your payment is received through our secure form. When we accept your reservation; all rates and program are guaranteed.
When you made your reservations with our travel agent, we'll need a 30% deposit to finalize everything. We provide a 256-bit SSL encrypted form on our website that you may use to securely submit your credit card information. After we receive your deposit, we will confirm your reservation and send you a travel voucher within 1 business day. You may pay the remaining balance before or after the trip in our agency's office. In our office, we accept all major currencies for cash payments, as well as Visa or MasterCard.
Below is the general guideline for our cancellation policy if your agent does not mention otherwise:
Cancellation Policy for Daily & Private Tours:
If you cancel 48 hours before the tour, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 48 hours to 24 hours before the tour, we will charge 50% cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 24 hours of the tour , we will charge the full amount as cancellation fee.
We cannot give any refund on no-shows for the tour.
*for large groups, please ask to your agent for the cancellation policy and booking requirements.