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 offer a fantastic opportunity to make the most of your time in the city instead of waiting for hours at the airport. Istanbul, one of the world’s most dynamic cities, has plenty to showcase even during a short visit from either of its two airports. Our layover tours operate from both Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) and Istanbul Airport (IST).
When you reach out to us, please inform us about the duration of your layover between flights, and we will provide you with the best tour options and alternatives tailored to fit your flight schedule.
For instance, if your layover lasts around 7-8 hours, the following itinerary is a great choice:
Your initial stop will be the Hagia Sophia Mosque & Church, an architectural wonder admired worldwide. Originally constructed as a church by Emperor Justinian in 537 AD, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 and today stands as a symbol of both Byzantine and Ottoman legacies. Inside, you will be captivated by the exquisite Christian mosaics, intricate Islamic calligraphy, and the magnificent central dome that has endured for nearly 1,500 years. Your visit will include the main hall, upper gallery, and Sultan’s lodge, offering a comprehensive experience of its rich history and art.
Afterwards, you will take a brief stroll to the Byzantine Hippodrome, once the vibrant center of social and political activity in Constantinople. Built during the 3rd century, the Hippodrome hosted thrilling chariot races, imperial ceremonies, and grand festivities. Although the original structure no longer exists, several remarkable monuments remain, such as 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 intriguing tales about the Hippodrome’s history, including its involvement in famous riots and imperial games.
Following your visit to the Hippodrome, you will explore the Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most enchanting underground sites. Constructed in 532 AD by Emperor Justinian, this enormous subterranean water storage was designed to supply the city with water. As you descend into the cistern, you will be surrounded by 336 marble columns, each beautifully lit to create a mysterious yet stunning ambiance. A highlight of the tour will be the Medusa Head Columns, thought to have been taken from ancient Roman temples. Your guide will describe the cistern’s ingenious water filtration system and share fascinating myths about Medusa’s enigmatic presence.
At 1:00 PM, you will pause for a lunch break at a nearby restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic Turkish dishes. This is a perfect chance to taste traditional specialties such as kebabs, mezes, and baklava, while relaxing in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City. Please note that lunch expenses are not included in the tour price.
After lunch, your last stop will be the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Completed in 1616 under the rule of Sultan Ahmed I, this mosque is renowned for its stunning blue Iznik tiles that give it its distinctive name. Featuring six soaring minarets and a grand central dome, the mosque stands as a prime example of Ottoman architectural brilliance. Inside, you will feel the peaceful ambiance of this active place of worship while learning about its rich history and religious importance.
The tour will wrap up at approximately 4:00 PM, after which your guide will escort you back to your hotel or offer suggestions for further sightseeing within 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.