PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour
Why we love it?
The Private Guided Exploration Tour of Istanbul's Old City offers an immersive experience into the rich history and culture of Türkiye's capital. Lasting six hours, this tour is ideal for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking a personalized experience, as it includes a professional licensed tour guide who provides in-depth insights. Highlights of the itinerary feature iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern, each showcasing unique architectural and historical significance. This tour stands out for its intimate setting, allowing for tailored discussions and a deeper understanding of Istanbul's diverse heritage.
Inclusions
- Professional licensed tour guide
- All sightseeings mentioned in the itinerary
Exclusions
- Food and drinks (optional)
- Admision Fees to the historical sites
- Personal Expenses
Itinerary
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 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, In 1934, by the order of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, it was converted into a museum and has since been open to visitors
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.
Basilica Cistern
is the size of a cathedral; it is 143m long and 65m wide and can hold up to 80,000 cubic meters (or 17.5 million gallons) of water. There are 336 giant columns (mostly Ionic or Corinthian in style) supporting the structure in 12 rows of 28 columns.
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 named Sultanahmet Mosque, the (nıck) name Blue Mosque was given to it by the visitors because of the amazing blue tiles decorating the interior walls.
Taksim Square
You can explore highlights of Taksim such as Galata Tower and walk the most famous shopping street (Istiklal Street). Learn the history of Istiklal Street from your expert tour guide and get advise from your guide about restaurants, pubs, local lives and street foods
Hippodrome of Constantinople
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
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.
Please Note
- Stroller or pram accessible
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Entry fees to historical sites are excluded.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
- Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays due to Friday prayer we will visit from the garden.
- Free entry for chıldrens below 8yr. Please take passport for children if any.
- We guarantee that you will be dropped off at the port before your ship onboard time. (for cruise guests)
- Pick-up times will be updated according to your cruise arrival&departure times. (for cruise guests)
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Meet with your guide in front of the Hagia Sophia for a walking tour option
- Meeting times will be updated according to your cruise arrival&departure times.
- We ensure your timely return to the cruise (for cruise guests)
- Please contact to the provider to confirm your meeting time.
- Pick up&drop off by vehıcle is available for the ''by vehıcle optıon''. Please contact to local provider for your pick up time.
Know Before You Go
- Public transportation nearby
- Infant seats available
Cancellation Policy
Fully refundable until 1 day before start
Non-refundable after 1 day before start
