Full Day Guided Istanbul Tour (Beyazit, Suleymaniye, Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus Tour)

Our tour begins at Beyazit Square, where we visit the Bayezid Mosque, the oldest surviving Ottoman imperial mosque in Istanbul. Here, we also explore Beyazıt Square, one of the city’s most historically significant squares.

Walking past Istanbul University, we make our way to the Suleymaniye Mosque, the magnificent masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, perched on Istanbul’s Third Hill. From this vantage point, we take in breathtaking views of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.

Descending through the bustling streets of the old city, we arrive at the Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s oldest and most vibrant covered markets, where you can experience the rich aromas of exotic spices and traditional delicacies.

To conclude our journey, we embark on a 2.5-hour Bosphorus cruise, where our guide will share fascinating insights into the stunning landmarks lining both the European and Asian shores of this legendary strait.

Before we start with the tour content, we would like to let you know that we take great care to ensure that our Istanbul tours are the best guided tours where we show you the beautiful places of Istanbul.

Tour Highlights

Bayezid Mosque

Located in Istanbul’s Beyazıt district, the Bayezid Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Bayezid II and is one of the earliest examples of Ottoman classical architecture. It serves as the central element of a larger kulliye (complex) that was built in a scattered arrangement throughout the area. The complex originally included a madrasa (Islamic school), imaret (public kitchen), darüşşifa (hospital), tabhane (guesthouse for recovering patients), candle workshop, bathhouse, and a mill. However, the bathhouse and mill no longer exist today.

The mosque’s architect remains uncertain, with various sources attributing its construction to Mimar Hayrettin, Mimar Kemaleddin, or Yakupsah bin Sultansah. It is considered the oldest surviving imperial mosque (selâtin camii) in Istanbul that has retained its original form. The tomb of Sultan Bayezid II is located within the mosque’s courtyard.

The mosque was built in the largest square of Byzantine Constantinople, known as the Forum of Theodosius, and was the second imperial mosque constructed after the conquest of Istanbul, following the Fatih Mosque. However, since the original Fatih Mosque was later rebuilt, the Bayezid Mosque is regarded as the oldest imperial mosque in Istanbul that still preserves its original design.

According to an inscription written by the renowned calligrapher Sheikh Hamdullah on the mosque’s entrance gate, construction began in 1501 and was completed in 1506, taking five years to build.

Architecturally, the mosque features a 16.78-meter-wide central dome, supported by four large pillars, with two semi-domes extending to the north and south. The central dome contains twenty windows, while each semi-dome has seven windows.

This architectural masterpiece continues to stand as a testament to the grandeur of Ottoman imperial architecture and remains one of Istanbul’s most iconic historical landmarks.

The Suleymaniye Mosque

The Suleymaniye Mosque, built between 1548 and 1557, is one of Istanbul’s most iconic Ottoman landmarks. Commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent and designed by the legendary architect Mimar Sinan, it stands as a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and engineering.

As part of a grand kulliye (complex), the mosque is surrounded by a hospital, madrasa (Islamic school), library, caravanserai (inn), bathhouse, public kitchen, and a hospice, reflecting the Ottomans’ dedication to social welfare.

Perched on Istanbul’s Third Hill, the mosque offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus, making it one of the city’s most scenic religious sites.

Its stunning architectural design features a massive central dome (53 meters high, 27.5 meters in diameter), flanked by semi-domes and four towering minarets, symbolizing Suleiman’s status as the fourth Ottoman sultan after the conquest of Istanbul. The two minarets with three balconies and two with two balconies represent his position as the tenth ruler of the empire.

The interior is equally magnificent, adorned with luxurious carpets, intricate chandeliers, colorful stained-glass windows, and a beautifully tiled mihrab (prayer niche). The acoustics of the mosque were carefully designed to amplify the imam’s voice naturally, an innovation ahead of its time.

Mimar Sinan, renowned for his architectural genius, incorporated earthquake-resistant engineering techniques, allowing the Suleymaniye Mosque to withstand over a hundred earthquakes without significant damage.

Within the mosque’s serene garden, visitors can find the tombs of Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife, Hurrem Sultan (Roxelana), as well as the tomb of Mimar Sinan himself, located just outside the complex.

A symbol of imperial power, spiritual devotion, and architectural brilliance, the Suleymaniye Mosque continues to inspire awe, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Carsisi)

The Spice Bazaar, built as part of the Yeni Mosque (New Mosque) Complex, was commissioned in 1660 by Turhan Sultan, the mother of Sultan Mehmed IV, and constructed by Chief Architect Kazim Aga. It was later completed in 1664 by Chief Architect Mustafa Aga. Originally known as “Valide Bazaar” or “New Bazaar”, it came to be called the “Spice Bazaar” in the 18th century because it was financed through taxes collected from Egypt (Mısır). Another reason for its name was that a significant portion of the medicinal herbs and spices sold there were imported from Egypt.

Historically, the area where the Spice Bazaar stands today was home to an ancient Byzantine market known as “Makro Envalos”, where Venetian and Genoese merchants conducted trade.

After its transformation into a marketplace, the bazaar was allocated to herbalists (spice traders) and cotton merchants. It originally had six gates, each designated for different types of vendors. The bazaar follows an “L”-shaped plan and currently houses 86 shops.

The Spice Bazaar has undergone several restorations, including major renovations between 1940-1943 and 2015-2018.

Today, it remains one of Istanbul’s most vibrant and historic markets, where visitors can find a diverse selection of spices from around the world, as well as souvenirs, Turkish delights, dried fruits, teas, and traditional herbal remedies.

Before we move on to the last step of our tour, the Bosphorus tour, we would like to inform you that we offer guided 8-9 day tours of Turkey and that you can have your perfect holiday with our travel agency.

Golden Horn & Bosphorus Tour

A Golden Horn & Bosphorus Tour offers an unforgettable journey through Istanbul’s most scenic waterways, where East meets West. The tour typically begins along the Golden Horn, a historic natural harbor that has been the heart of Istanbul’s maritime trade for centuries. As you glide past Ottoman palaces, ancient churches, and colorful neighborhoods, you’ll witness the city’s rich history unfold.

The tour continues along the Bosphorus Strait, the breathtaking waterway that separates Europe and Asia. Along the way, you’ll see iconic landmarks like the Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Ortakoy Mosque, and the stunning Bosphorus bridges. Whether during the day or at sunset, the panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline, combined with the fresh sea breeze, make for an unforgettable experience. The tour also offers guided commentary, traditional Turkish tea and a magical afternoon on the water.