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Discover the Best of Istanbul: A Relaxing 1-Day Christmas Tour

Istanbul is arguably one of the most interesting places on Earth, what with its rich history and its great holiday features as well. Whether you’re visiting Istanbul for the first time or returning to explore more, this one-day Istanbul Christmas tour suggestion promises a memorable experience of the city’s highlights at a relaxing pace.

Start Your Christmas Day with a Traditional Turkish Breakfast

Your Christmas adventure begins with a delicious Turkish breakfast at a charming café in Sultanahmet, one of Istanbul’s most iconic neighborhoods. Enjoy freshly baked simit, olives, cheeses, and Turkish tea while soaking in the atmosphere. Located near major historical landmarks, this café offers the perfect start to your day in the heart of Istanbul.
Ready to explore Istanbul’s rich culture? Istanbul Christmas tour is designed to offer a blend of history, comfort, and holiday spirit. Contact us to make your 2024 Christmas unforgettable with us!

Explore the Legendary Hagia Sophia

The next stop is the world-famous Hagia Sophia. Have a private guided tour around the Hagia Sophia which is a UNESCO Heritage Site that has a rich history as a Cathedral, had been converted into a mosque and today functions as a museum. Completed in the year 537 AD, the Hagia Sophia has laid witness to many events over the course of centuries, making it a one of a kind blend of Christian and Islamic culture.

Pro Tip: If you love history and architecture, Hagia Sophia is a must-visit. Interested in more historical gems? Contact us to get more information about customizable Istanbul tours.

A Walk in the Topkapi Palace Gardens

What follows is a visit to the best of the Ottoman Legacies– Topkapi Palace. You will be allowed to stroll around the picturesque gardens and few prominent parts of the palace. Roam around and look into various courtyards of the palace and enjoy the splendid views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus. This is a little escape within the busy urban life that is experienced in Istanbul.

Lunch with Beautiful Scenes of the Bosphorus

Looking forward to what is next of your sightseeing tour, you can please you with the lunch sitting at a restaurant with wonderful stunning views over the Bosporus. Think of an outdoor restaurant turned into a delight by the sights and tastes of Turkish mezes, grilled fish, and desserts. It is an opportunity to enjoy a relaxed meal with your focus being the stunning views of the Bosporus Strait.

Shopping in the Grand Bazaar

No one visiting Istanbul can skip the Grand Bazaar – one of the largest and the oldest indoor markets on a world stage. Here you will be able to explore various shops with Turkish products such as carpets, ceramics, jewelries and spices, of our choice. This way allows going through the process of shopping at one’s own speed while understanding Turkish art and tradition.

Contemplating buying something unusual as a gift that one can take from Turkey? You will find hundreds of different options in the labyrinthine streets of the Grand Bazaar. If you need a special demands, contact us to create a special Grand Bazaar tour!

A Private Bosphorus Cruise at Sunset

Take a private cruise on the Bosphorus in the evening when the night sets in. Within The two-hour boat ride provides incredible views of the city’s skyline, as well as famous landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, and the bridges connecting Europe and Asia. Enjoy a warm beverage while on board as you take in the beauty of the city of Istanbul with all its adornments of Christmas.

End the Day with Dinner by the Water

The final event on your Istanbul Christmas tour is a thrilling dinner at a restaurant right by the water, which has nice local and some international cuisines. One could not have asked for a better conclusion to the whole day apart from this sunset by the quiet and beautiful illuminated Bosphorus. Even as you have skewers of delicately grilled meats, fresh seasonal seafood, richly textured desserts, this dinner will be one of the clutches of your Istanbul experience.

Bonus: A Christmas Lights Drive through Taksim

We suggest an optional evening walk after the course of the tour for those who want to explore more of Istanbul’s Christmas Spirits. Relax while you pass by the colorful Christmas lights and decorations on the most famous street of Istanbul – Istiklal Street. This busy street has a lot to show even if it’s just a walk, but when it’s complemented with a million lights and decorations, the atmosphere during Christmas is just awesome. Ending a Christmas tour with a walks in one of the most bustling areas in Istanbul is definitely a unforgetable.

Make Your Christmas in Istanbul Unforgettable

In the course of the Christmas tour in Istanbul, everyone will see the most interesting objects in the city, as well as get acquainted with its Christmas spirit. You can discover wonderful ancient architecture, shopping in vibrant bazaars or take a delightful boat ride on the bosporus, be assured of a stress-free and enjoyable tour.

Prepared for a holiday escape to one of the most enchanting cities across the globe? You can directly contact our tour experts or explore our other private tour options which available across Turkey!