A full-day tour with all the highlights of the old city of Istanbul. You'll see Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and more. Explore the historical traces of the two greatest epochs – Byzantine and Ottoman Empire in the heart of Istanbul!
First visit is Hippodrome. It was the center of sport activities of Constantinople. Famous with 4 monuments, The German Fountain of Wilhelm II, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Column of Constantine.
Haghia Sophia, is the most famous museum in Turkey and one of the greatest marvels of architecture. Haghia Sophia was built as a church in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian then in 1453 renovated into a mosuqe by Ottoman Emperor Fatih Sultan Mehmet. It was converted into a museum in 1935 and welcoming both local and foreign visitors.
Blue Mosque, as known as the Sultanahmet Mosque (under renovation now), this breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey. Also, it was built with unique 6 minarets.
Topkapi Palace, which has been home to the Ottoman dynasty for many years, was used educational administrative and art center of state. Get knowledge about the imperial treasury sacred islamic relics, palace kitchens, weapons. (Closed on Tuesday)
Grand Bazaar, is the biggest market and the most attractive shopping center of Istanbul which has lots of shopping oppurtunities with carpets, leather, jewellery, turkish delight, gold, antique tiles etc.. (Closed on Sunday and Official Holidays)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONS:
- The pick-up and drop-off by public transport such as tram, etc...
- If your hotel is located in the main attraction area, the guide will pick you up by walking from your hotel.
- Our main attraction visits are close to each other, therefore you will walk between every attraction you will visit.
- During the tour you are able to visit some shops such as Carpet showroom, leather, turkish delight, jewelry, etc...
- Grand Bazaar is closed on every Sunday can be replaced with Spice Market, Topkapi Palace is closed on every Tuesday can be replaced with alternatives, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia closed until 2 pm on Fridays, will be visited in the afternoon.
- At the time of booking the tour with vehicle, if your hotel is located in Sultanahmet area you will be steps away from the museums, so the vehicle will not be used as much.
- Yearly Closing Dates of museums and bazaars in Istanbul are; January 1 – New Year April 21, 22, 23 – Ramadan Celebrations June 28, 29, 30, July 1 – Eid al-Fitr Celebrations October 29 – Republic Day.
- As Hagia Sophia is not a museum anymore, tour guides don't have skip-the-line priority there. You may need to wait in the security line, in order to avoid queues we suggest departing at 8:30am or 9:00am.
- Admission fee to Hagia Sophia is 25 € per person.
- Admission fee to Topkapi Palace is 1500 TRY per person. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.