Plan Harmony

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Hagia Sophia Mosque, Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya MeydanI No:1, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye

Start your Istanbul tour with a dose of awe at Justinian the Great’s Hagia Sophia. This masterpiece of Byzantine architecture stands tall and proud in downtown Istanbul, holding within its walls more than 1,500 years of Turkish history. This mind-bogglingly beautiful site is also somewhat of a chameleon — it has lived its long life as a church, a mosque, and now as a museum. It’s also a movie star: anyone who’s seen From Russia with Love will feel a bit like James Bond when they step inside.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Mah At Meydani Cad No 7, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye

You’ll then head just across the street to the jewel in the Istanbul crown. Sultan Ahmet I’s Blue Mosque is one of the most striking sights in Istanbul, with its iconic blue-tiled walls (the tiles number in the tens of thousands!), 260 windows, and six minarets. Don’t forget to ask your guide the significance of those six spires.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Topkapi Palace, Cankurtaran Mahallesi Gulhane Park, Near Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye

Once you’re filled with Turkish cuisine, Topkapi Palace awaits. This opulent complex overlooking the Bosphorus is a true Istanbul treasure, with many colourful stories about the rich sultans who lived there between 1453 and 1839.

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

Stop At: Hippodrome, Binbirdirek, Sultan Ahmet ParkI No:2, Istanbul Turkiye

Next, your Istanbul city tour will take you to the ancient Hippodrome. Today, this charming promenade is a popular meeting point for Istanbulites, but it is also an integral part of Turkish history. Chariot races once took place along this strip, which was also home to the notorious Nika riots — a dramatic political protest in 532 AD that led to the massacre of tens of thousands of people.
Need a break? We’ll step back to the present and join the locals as we lunch in a hidden café. You’ll enjoy friendly conversation with members of the community and learn about daily life in Istanbul.


Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Grand Bazaar, Sokak 12, Kapalicarsi, Istanbul 34126 Turkiye

Lastly, you’ll seek out treasures of a different kind in Istanbul’s famed Grand Bazaar, which offers up 3,000 shops to explore along 61 streets. Meet a few of the local characters, perfect your haggling skills, have a true Turkish coffee, and shop till you drop.
Note that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, so if you choose a Sunday departure, you’ll explore the nearby vibrant Spice Market, filled with delectable and colourful Turkish spices, treats, coffees, and teas.


Duration: 1 hour

• Local Licensed English-speaking Guide
• Take in the majestic Blue Mosque (admission is free)
• Visit the mesmerising ancient site of Hagia Sophia (admission is free)
• Listen to stories of sultans at Topkapi Palace (entrance fee included - except for the Harem))
• Stop at the spine of ancient Hippodrome (admission is free)
• Enjoy a tasty Turkish lunch with locals in a hidden restaurant
• Haggle with local vendors and get lost in the labyrinth of alleys of Grand Bazaar
• Get tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay
• Entry/Admission - Hippodrome
• Entry/Admission - Topkapi Palace

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Additional food and drinks

• For your Intrepid Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Most travelers can participate
• You will pick up some responsible travel tips that will help you to be a greener traveller while you’re in the city
• While we strongly recommend that all travellers are vaccinated against COVID-19 to reduce the risk of transmission and avoid putting undue strain on healthcare services, vaccinations are not a requirement to join an Intrepid Urban Adventures tour.
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

See Availability

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.