Highlights
- Flexibility: These tours are designed to fit within your layover timeframe, ensuring you see key attractions without missing your flight.
- Highlights: Typical itineraries include landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace.
- Convenience: Private guides and transportation make the experience seamless and stress-free.
- Customization: You can often tailor the tour to your interests and available time.
Inclusions
- Pick-up and drop-off from Sabiha Gokcen or Istanbul Airport
- Private English-speaking tour guide on the tour
- Gasoline and parking fees
- Services charges and local taxes
Exclusions
- Personal expenses
- Any meals or drinks during your tour
- Entrance tickets to the sights on the program
- Optional Istanbul hotel or transfers
Remarks
- Tour pricing varies based on group size and children's ages.
- The tour does not run on Tuesdays due to the closure of Topkapi Palace. You may skip this stop or reschedule.
- Transportation is only provided for airport pick-up and drop-off.
- Women visiting mosques should bring a scarf or use one available there.
- If you have any luggage with you we suggest you to store at airport facilities for a small fee.
- Ensure you have a visa if required; applying for an e-visa can save time.
Private Istanbul Layover Tour from Istanbul Airports
This itinerary offers a comprehensive overview of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage, tailored to make the most of your layover.
1. Arrival and Pickup
- Time: Upon landing
- Details: Your private guide will meet you at the airport arrivals area, holding a sign with your name for easy identification.
2. Hagia Sophia
- Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Details: Begin your tour with a visit to the Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history as both a cathedral and mosque.
3. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
- Time: Approximately 45 minutes
- Details: Explore the Blue Mosque, famous for its magnificent blue İznik tiles and impressive domes.
4. Hippodrome of Constantinople
- Time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Details: Stroll through the historic Hippodrome, once the sporting and social center of Constantinople, featuring notable monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column.
5. Topkapi Palace
- Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Details: Discover the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace, housing exquisite chambers, treasury, and relics.
6. Grand Bazaar
- Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Details: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, offering a variety of goods from spices to jewelry.
7. Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)
- Time: Approximately 45 minutes
- Details: Immerse yourself in the aromatic Spice Bazaar, where you can find a wide array of spices, dried fruits, and traditional sweets.
8. Return to Airport
- Time: Coordinated with your departure
- Details: Your guide will ensure a timely return to the airport, allowing for check-in and security procedures before your onward flight.
Additional Notes:
- Customization: The itinerary can be adjusted based on your interests and the duration of your layover.
- Transportation: Private transportation is provided throughout the tour for comfort and efficiency.
- Admission Fees: Entrance fees to attractions are typically included, but it’s advisable to confirm this when booking.
- Meals: Opportunities to sample local Turkish cuisine can be incorporated into the tour upon request.
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