Private 2-Day Istanbul Tour: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & More

5.00

(6 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The first morning, I remember stepping out into Sultanahmet just as the city was waking up—there’s this faint smell of simit bread from a street cart and the sound of seagulls overhead. We started at the Blue Mosque. The inside is quieter than you’d expect, even with visitors around. Our guide, Mehmet, pointed out tiny details in the tiles that I never would’ve noticed on my own. You can actually feel the coolness of the marble under your feet if you pause for a second.

From there, we wandered over to Topkapi Palace. It’s huge—easy to get lost if you’re not careful. Mehmet shared stories about sultans and their families that made it all feel real, not just old stones and gold. Afterward, we walked down narrow streets toward the Spice Market. The air changed—suddenly it was full of cinnamon and dried mint. I tried a piece of Turkish delight from a vendor who insisted it was his grandmother’s recipe (who knows, but it tasted good). Before lunch, we ducked into the Grand Bazaar. It’s noisy and packed; shopkeepers call out in half a dozen languages. I haggled for a scarf and probably overpaid, but it felt like part of the experience.

The next day started at the Hippodrome. Early morning is best—fewer crowds and you can actually hear your guide explain what those ancient columns mean. There’s something odd about seeing Egyptian obelisks right in the middle of Istanbul traffic. Next up was the Basilica Cistern; it’s cool and echoey down there, with water dripping somewhere in the dark. The Medusa heads are tucked away in one corner—you have to look for them or you’ll miss them.

Hagia Sophia came after that. Even if you’ve seen photos, nothing really prepares you for how massive it feels inside—the light filters through high windows and everything seems to glow gold for a moment when clouds move outside. Last stop: Chora Church (Kariye Museum). It’s quieter than other sites but those mosaics are wild—tiny pieces making up whole stories on the walls.