Day Trips From Guided tours Culture & history Tours Landmarks & monuments Day trips Archaeology Museums & exhibitions Private tours Castle & palace tours Architecture Sightseeing Churches & cathedrals

This full day excursion provides a complete overview of Istanbul’s Ottoman and Byzantine history, and promises an unforgettable journey back in time.

Highlights

• Explore the Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman Sultans
• Visit Hagia Irene, the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire
• Learn about the history of the Ottoman Empire from a guide
• Enjoy a convenient pick-up and drop-off service from your hotel
• Enjoy engaging stories about sultans and their harems & other sides of Istanbul

Description

When joining this full day tour in Istanbul, you can expect to be part of the ultimate, guided, sightseeing experience. It begins in the morning with a transfer from your hotel to the city centre. To make your day smoother and more informative, a professional guide will be with you to brief you on each of the sites. The first location to visit is Sultanahmet Square, which hosts multiple sites and monuments. During your time at this square, expect to observe the German Fountain, the Column of Constantine, the Serpentine Column, and the Egyptian Obelisk. After sending time there, you will walk towards Blue Mosque that is one of the country’s most important worship places. It is particularly famous for its interior design, as blue tiles decorate the walls. Next to it, stands, majestically, the infamous Hagia Sophia. The impressive structure used to be a church, and was built in an effort to outdo the temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. The day tour continues with a visit at the infamous Grand Bazaar of Istanbul. The labyrinth-like bazaar is full of shops and stalls, selling all sorts of items, local delicacies, and street foods. Take your time to exercise bargaining, and shop some cool souvenirs. After an energising lunch, the tour continues with a visit at the Sultans’ Tombs. They are located in mosque-like buildings, and inside you can see the sarcophagus of 5 sultans and their family members. A guided tour in Istanbul is never complete without a visit at the imposing Topkapi Palace. Back in the Ottoman times, this building used to be the mansion for some Sultans. Today, it is a museum with an extraordinary collection of artworks, jewelleries, items of everyday life, and costumes from that era. Our Istanbul City Tour finishes in the afternoon with a drop off service back at your hotel. By that time, expect to be full of interesting information and charmed by the beauty of Istanbul.

Includes

Pick up and drop off from/to city center hotels Air-conditioned transportation Professional Guide Tour Parking fees Fuel fees Walking Tour Lunch in Local Restaurant

Important Information

• Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays and replaced with a Tour to Byzantium. Some streets are narrow or under construction and it’s not possible to access them by busses

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund