Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the history of Istanbul with a guided tour of the Old City
- Visit the Hagia Sophia and admire its stunning architecture and mosaics
- Discover the Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture
- Wander around the Hippodrome, one of the oldest places in Old City
- Wander through the Grand Bazaar and shop for souvenirs and local goods
Description
Begin your day with a convenient pickup from your hotel or meeting point in an air-conditioned van. Head to the old city Constantinople and start your tour with visiting the Hagia Sophia Mosque Museum. Observe the Greco-Roman architecture and golden mosaics from the 9th to 13th centuries, as well as Islamic relics contributed by the Ottomans.
Continue to the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, famous for its 17th-century ceramic tiles. Enjoy the unique views and atmosphere of this active mosque.
Head to the Hippodrome, once a horse square during the Roman and Ottoman periods. See the three obelisks, the oldest standing monuments in Istanbul, located opposite the Blue Mosque.
Next, descend to the Underground Palace Cistern, a marvel of Roman engineering built during the time of Emperor Justinianus. Admire the historical columns and the mysterious Medusa heads, while your guide shares fascinating stories and facts.
Optional visit (entrance fee not included in the tour price) to the Topkapi Palace, which is the former home and government center of the Ottoman Empire. Explore the Harem Section, where the Sultan lived with his group of women, and admire the sacred relics and treasures collected by the Sultans over the centuries.
Finally, visit the Grand Bazaar, dating back to the 15th century. Wander through the maze of shops selling gold, silver, ceramics, leather, spices, and more. Optionally, participate in a free ceramic workshop class.
After the tour, enjoy a comfortable drop-off at your hotel or a location of your choice.
Includes
Professional English speaking tour guide
Fast track line assistance for museum entrances
Ceramic workshop class (free of charge & optional)
Pick up and drop off with an air conditioned van from the hotel or meeting point of the guests (depending on the proximity to the museums.
Hagia Sophia entrance fees
Underground Cistern entrance fees
Entrance into Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar
Excludes
Lunch
Topkapı Palace entrance fees.
Tips to the driver, tips to the guide
Important Information
- Dress code for museum entrances: long trousers or shorts beneath the knees for men, scarf and long trousers or covers for women
Tour duration is 6-8 hours
Pick-up and drop-off from hotel or meeting point included
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
