How to Plan Your 3 Day Small Group Istanbul Tour: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace

If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul and want to make the most of your time, a guided tour can be an excellent choice. The 3 Day Small Group Istanbul Tour, which includes visits to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and more, makes it easy to see the city’s top attractions while enjoying convenient transfers and comfortable accommodation. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your tour.

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul and Orientation

The tour begins with your arrival at the airport, where you’ll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Check in and enjoy some free time to relax and explore the neighborhood around your hotel. In the evening, you’ll meet your guide and the other members of your small group for a welcome meeting and orientation. Your guide will give you an overview of the tour itinerary and answer any questions you may have.

Day 2: Full-Day City Tour

On the second day of the tour, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken on a full-day city tour. The tour includes visits to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and more, and your guide will provide insightful commentary on the history and significance of each attraction. You’ll also have time to explore the Hippodrome, where chariot races were once held, and the Grand Bazaar, a maze-like marketplace filled with souvenirs and local goods.

Hagia Sophia

A world-famous landmark of Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia was a church, then a mosque and now a museum. The guide will take you on a fascinating tour of the Hagia Sophia to explore its architecture, history and incredible collection of artefacts.

Blue Mosque

Known for its magnificent blue tiles and six towering minarets, the Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. You will visit and learn about the mosque, admire the captivating Turkish and Islamic elements of the building and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years and is now a museum exhibiting imperial collections such as priceless Islamic works of art, as well as ancient artifacts, historical objects, and Ottoman jewellery.

Day 3: Free Day and Departure

On the final day of the tour, you’ll have free time to explore Istanbul at your leisure. Your guide can offer suggestions for places to visit or things to do, or you can strike out on your own and create your own itinerary. In the evening, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Accommodation and Inclusions

The 3 Day Small Group Istanbul Tour includes two nights of accommodation in a 4-star hotel, as well as transfers to and from the airport. Select meals are also included, as specified in the itinerary. Enjoy the personalized atmosphere of a small-group tour limited to 14 people, and benefit from the professional guidance of your expert guide throughout.

Booking Your Tour

Booking your 3 Day Small Group Istanbul Tour with viator is easy – simply visit the link and book here: book the tour here. viator is a trusted supplier with years of experience in organizing high-quality tours around the world. Book your Istanbul tour today and get ready to experience the best of this fascinating city.

Frequently Asked Questions about Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, with a rich history and culture that spans centuries. Whether you’re planning a trip to Istanbul or just are curious about this incredible city, we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions to help you learn more.

1. What is Istanbul famous for?

Istanbul is known for its incredible history, stunning architecture, delicious food, and vibrant culture. Some of the most popular attractions in Istanbul include the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.

2. How do I get to Istanbul?

Istanbul is served by two major airports: Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. Both airports are well-connected to the city center by public transportation, such as metro, bus, and ferry. You can also take a taxi or a private transfer to get to your hotel.

3. What is the best time to visit Istanbul?

The best time to visit Istanbul is during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot and crowded, while winters can be cold and rainy.

4. What should I wear in Istanbul?

Istanbul is a cosmopolitan city, and you can wear whatever you want. However, as a general rule, it’s best to dress modestly when visiting mosques and other religious sites. Women may consider bringing a scarf to cover their heads when necessary.

5. What is the currency in Istanbul?

The currency in Istanbul is the Turkish lira (TRY). Euros and US dollars are also accepted in some tourist areas, but it’s best to have lira for most transactions.

6. What are the top tourist attractions in Istanbul?

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul include the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, the Basilica Cistern, and the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.

7. Is it safe to travel to Istanbul?

Yes, Istanbul is generally safe to travel to. Like any big city, it’s important to take basic safety precautions, such as avoiding empty streets or dark alleys at night and keeping an eye on your belongings.

8. What is the food like in Istanbul?

Istanbul has a rich culinary heritage, with influences from the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean. Some of the most popular Turkish dishes include kebabs, meze, baklava, and Turkish delight.

9. Can I drink the tap water in Istanbul?

No, it’s not recommended to drink tap water in Istanbul. However, bottled water is widely available and inexpensive.

10. What is the public transportation like in Istanbul?

Istanbul has an extensive public transportation system, including metro, bus, ferry, and tram. The Istanbulkart is a rechargeable smart card that can be used across all forms of public transportation for discounted fares.

11. What is the culture like in Istanbul?

Istanbul has a unique blend of cultures, with influences from Europe and Asia. Turkish hospitality is renowned, and you’re likely to be greeted with warmth and friendliness wherever you go. Respect for religion and tradition is also an important aspect of Turkish culture.

12. What should I buy as souvenirs in Istanbul?

Some popular souvenirs to buy in Istanbul include Turkish delight, baklava, tea, spices, ceramics, and textiles like hand-woven carpets and kilims. The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar are good places to shop for souvenirs.

13. What are some off-the-beaten-path attractions in Istanbul?

If you’re looking for something different to do in Istanbul, consider visiting the Miniaturk miniature park, taking a boat tour of the Bosphorus, exploring the street art scene in Kadikoy, or visiting the Princes’ Islands for a day trip.

14. Can I get by with just English in Istanbul?

Yes, English is widely spoken in Istanbul, especially in areas popular with tourists. However, it’s always helpful to learn a few basic Turkish phrases, such as “merhaba” (hello) and “teşekkür ederim” (thank you).

15. What is the nightlife like in Istanbul?

Istanbul has a vibrant nightlife scene, with everything from rooftop bars and nightclubs to traditional meyhanes (taverns). Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Beyoglu, Kadikoy, and Ortakoy.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Istanbul

Istanbul is a magical city that sits on the border of Europe and Asia, with a rich history, tradition and culture. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. Whether you are traveling solo, with your family or friends, Istanbul has something to offer for everyone. In this guide, we will share with you some of the best ways to spend your time in Istanbul, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

1. Visit the Historical Sites

Istanbul has a rich cultural and historical heritage, and it would be a mistake not to visit some of the iconic landmarks the city offers. Start your journey by visiting Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was originally built as an Orthodox Church and later converted into a mosque. The building is breathtaking, with intricate designs and beautiful artwork, and the audio guide will give you an insight into its history. Next, head over to the breathtaking Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. It is called the Blue Mosque because of its blue tiled interior, and it is truly a magnificent sight to behold. Remember to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Topkapi Palace is another iconic historical site in Istanbul that is worth visiting. It was once the residence of the Ottoman Sultans, and it houses a museum with valuable artifacts from the Ottoman Empire, including the Sultan’s clothing, weapons, and jewelry. Lastly, do not forget to visit the Grand Bazaar, the oldest and largest covered market in the world, with over 5000 shops and stalls selling everything from spices, jewelry, and textiles.

2. Take a Boat Tour

Istanbul is one of the few cities in the world that spans two continents, Europe and Asia, and there is no better way to see the beautiful skyline of Istanbul than by taking a boat tour. There are many operators offering boat tours of the Bosphorus Strait, which is the body of water that separates the two continents. The tour usually lasts around two hours and is affordable. You will get to see the stunning architecture and historic sites, such as the Dolmabahce Palace, the Maiden’s Tower, and the ancient fortress of Rumeli Hisari, from the water’s perspective.

3. Indulge in Turkish Cuisine

Turkish cuisine is rich, flavorful, and authentic. It is a celebration of spices and herbs that tantalize your taste buds, so you cannot afford to miss the delicious food Istanbul has to offer. Istanbul has a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls that serve traditional Turkish cuisine. Start with the famous Turkish breakfast, a feast of bread, cheese, olives, jams, and uncured meats. For lunch, try the Turkish pide, a boat-shaped pizza, or the yummy street food, such as the grilled lamb kebab, lahmacun, and stuffed mussels. For dinner, indulge in a Meze platter, which consists of small plates of appetizers, and enjoy the iconic Turkish dishes such as Iskender kebab, Doner Kebab, or Adana kebab. Do not forget to try the Turkish dessert, Baklava, a pastry made of layers of phyllo dough stuffed with nuts and soaked in syrup.

4. Visit the Contemporary Art Museums

Istanbul is known for its vibrant and diverse art scene, and there are many contemporary art museums and galleries that you can visit. Santral Istanbul is one of the most popular contemporary art museums in the city, located in the old power station of Silahtarağa, with stunning exhibitions and installations by local and international artists. Another contemporary art museum worth visiting is the Pera Museum, which is situated in the historic district of Beyoglu. It has a collection of Ottoman-era European art, as well as temporary exhibitions by international artists.

Book Your Tour Now

As you can see from the guide above, Istanbul is a city that offers a range of cultural, historical, and artistic experiences for tourists. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace are iconic landmarks that every visitor to Istanbul should see. A boat tour of the Bosphorus Strait offers a unique perspective of the city’s skyline. Indulging in Turkish cuisine is a must, and the contemporary art museums are fascinating. With this guide, you can now plan your trip to Istanbul and enjoy your stay to the fullest.