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Uncover the highlights of Istanbul. Step back in time as you explore the city’s rich history and breathtaking architecture, the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, old city and Grand Bazaar.

Highlights

• Explore the rich history and significance of Istanbul at the Hagia Sophia.
• Admire Blue Mosque's exquisite handmade blue Iznik tiles and six minarets
• Explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar, weaving through its bustling, colorful stalls.
• Stroll through historic Hippodrome, once a hub of culture, sport and politics.
• Take in the sights of German Fountain, Serpentine Column, Column of Constantine.

Description

Find your guide at the meeting point or enjoy the convenience of being picked up from centrally-located hotels in Istanbul Begin your tour with a visit to the magnificent Blue Mosque, renowned for its 20,000 hand-painted blue Iznik tiles and six elegant minarets. Learn how this architectural masterpiece was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I and stands as the last great mosque of the Classical Ottoman period. Next, step into the heart of ancient Constantinople at the Hippodrome, once the city’s vibrant social and sporting center. Admire historical monuments including the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Bronze Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Column of Constantine. Visit the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century marvel built by Emperor Justinian as a Greek Orthodox church. Discover the building’s rich history as it transitioned from church to mosque and later into a museum—standing as the world’s largest church for nearly a millennium. Before reaching the Grand Bazaar, enjoy a brief stop at a local shop—an ideal opportunity to pick up authentic souvenirs and handcrafted goods. Then, gather in front of the Grand Bazaar’s main gate to hear fascinating insights about its rich history. Afterward, explore the Grand Bazaar at your own pace. Lose yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the world’s oldest and largest covered market, with 65 bustling streets and over 4,000 shops offering everything from carpets and jewelry to spices, ceramics and more.

Includes

Hotel pickup (If option selected) English-speaking tour guide Blue Mosque Guided visit Hagia Sophia Guided visit Hippodrome Guided visit All taxes

Important Information

• Please dress appropriately when entering sacred sites. Participants are advised to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt. Please bring a scarf to cover head.
• Hagia Sophia skip-the-line entrance ticket costs €25 and must be paid in cash.
• Even though you'll skip the ticket lines,the security checks at the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque are mandatory and cannot be bypassed.
• If you choose the tour with pickup option, you'll need to confirm the pick-up location and time directly with the local operator. You'll find the contact details in the voucher after booking
• The Grand Bazaar is closed on religious holidays and Sundays.
• The tour ends at the Grand Bazaar.
• This is a shared transfer with Minibus or Midibus and pick up could be early or late.
• For each hotel there is a fixed pick-up time. before the tour starts time

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund