Explore Istanbul’s Old Town! 3 Days with Hotel, Tours & Transfers
Why we love it?
The "Explore Istanbul’s Old Town" tour offers a comprehensive three-day experience, immersing travelers in the rich history and vibrant culture of Istanbul. Ideal for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors, the itinerary includes guided tours of iconic landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, as well as a scenic cruise on the Bosphorus, providing stunning views of the city's skyline. Additionally, participants can explore the bustling Spice Market, where they can discover local flavors and traditions. This tour stands out for its combination of cultural exploration and leisure, allowing travelers to experience both the historical depth and the modern charm of Istanbul.
Exclusions
- Beverage with mealsTip to Guide&DriverPersonal ExpensesEntry tickets to historical sites
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival Istanbul
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Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport greeted by your driver and drive to your hotel. Check-in and the rest of the day is yours to explore the city. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 Treasures of Istanbul Tour
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(09:00 - 16:00)
According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Explore Hagia Sophia; Meaning Divine Wisdom, Hagia Sophia was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. Today's Hagia Sophia was built by the Emperor Justinian in 537AD. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. It was used as a church for 916 years and as a mosque for 481 years, . Next; Topkapi Palace; As well as being the imperial residence of the Sultan, the palace was also the seat of government for the ottoman empire. It housed the ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years until the Dolmabahçe palace was built. In 1924 it was converted into a museum. Today it is famous with harem, royal treasury, and holy relics sections.
Continue to with Hippodrome; Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD, during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet surrounded by Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi palace, today it is home to The Egyptian Obelisk (Dikilitaş), The Serpentine Column(Burma sütun), The Constantine Column and German Fountain.
Next, Blue Mosque; Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, it is located opposite the Hagia Sophia. Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome. Although it is officially called Sultanahmet Mosque, the name Blue Mosque was given to it by the visitors because of the amazing blue tiles decorating the interior walls. Next, Grand Bazaar; With 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops it is one of the greatest bazaars in the world. It was built between [ ] by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. Today, shops selling the same kind of merchandise tend to be congregated in their own streets or inns as it was the original Ottoman system. At the end of the tour drive you back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul
(Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 3 Cruising on Bosphorus, Spice Market Tour / End of Service
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Upon breakfast at the hotel check out, According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your half-day tour. Visit Spice Bazaar; Built-in 1664 it is on an ‘L’ shape with six gates. It was called Egyptian Bazaar during the ottoman period because shopkeepers used to sell herbs and spices brought throughout Egypt and Asia. Today still many spice shops and herb specialists are continuing their business there, You can get the mesmerizing spice smells from a mile away.
Next, Cruising on Bosphorus; where you will enjoy a magnificent view. A great history and beautiful nature. The Bosphorus divides EUROPE & ASIA geographically but connects culturally & historically. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion, you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, Rustem Pasa Mosque, Rumeli Fortress and further along with the parks and imperial pavillions of Yildiz Palace. This cruise will be highlights of your trip in Istanbul. At the end of the tour drive you back to your hotel, take your luggages and drive you to Istanbul airport / bus station for your next destination. End of our service.
(Breakfast)
Please Note
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller or pram accessible
- Entrance fees are excluded (Your guide will have skıp-the-line tıckets, so you will skip long ticket lines)
- Free entry for kids 8yr and below (take passport for children if any)
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Basilica Cistern Cistern will be visited instead
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
- Celal Sultan Hotel or similar basis wıll be used for this service.
- Some historical sites may be closed during religious or national holidays. Before booking the tour, you can contact our team and confirm whether there will be a closed sites for the dates you want to take the tour.
Know Before You Go
- Public transportation nearby
- Infant seats available
- Passport required
Cancellation Policy
Fully refundable until 1 day before start
Non-refundable after 1 day before start
