Culture & history Shore Excursions Landmarks & monuments Guided tours Activities Tours Sightseeing Religious & spiritual activities Rainy-day activities Architecture

Discover the must-see sights of Istanbul on a tour of its historic landmarks. Go to the Haghia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and experience of shopping, all with full explanations from local guide.

Highlights

• Explore the landmark sights of central Istanbul
• Visit the Haghia Sophia, one of the world's architectural masterpieces
• Marvel at the vibrant blue of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque
• Go to the former Hippodrome of Byzantine chariot races
• Lose yourself among the spice and jewelry stalls of the Grand Bazaar

Description

Discover the historic sites of Istanbul on a half-day sightseeing tour with round-trip transfers from centrally located hotels. A local guide will accompany you all the way, starting at the Hagia Sophia. Learn about the ancient Basilica that was started by Constantine the Great in the 4th century, and completed by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. For 1,000 years it was the world’s largest cathedral. Today, it has been converted to a museum. Admire the impressive dome and minarets, as well as the beautiful mosaics, sculptures and columns inside. Your next stop will be the legendary Sultan Ahmed Mosque, better known around the world as the Blue Mosque. Get up close to this symbol of Istanbul and see the vibrant blue tiles that adorn its interior walls. Stroll around its beautiful courtyard, and see the 6 graceful minarets. Continue to the Hippodrome, site of chariot races during the Byzantine Empire. Admire the 3 remaining monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. After the tour, we visit local shops and finish our tour.

Includes

Guide Entrance fees Pick up at your hotel (in the Sultanahmet and Taksim areas of Istanbul only)

Important Information

• • The Blue Mosque is being renovated until end of 2020 so some parts of the ceiling might be temporarily covered.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund