Highlights of Istanbul Walking Tour

starting from$160
  • Sightseeing
  • COVID-19 Measures
  • Duration: 7 Hours
  • Pick-up Available
  • Skip the Line
  • Wheelchair-Friendly

Istanbul is one of the oldest cities in the world and has been the cradle of civilizations for millenniums. It didn’t only connect continents but also diverse cultures and traditions. This ancient city offers you more than you can expect. You are going to be fascinated with profound history, legends, myths, and untold stories, stories that connect the past with the present… To learn more about history, cultures, traditions and to discover hidden gems join our tour. Be like a local…


Overview

  • Learn the important facts and legendary history of Hagia Sophia
  • Explore Ottoman and byzantine art forms
  • Amaze with the millennium-old Roman architecture
  • Discover different believes and rituals from paganism up to Islam
  • Get lost in the backstreets and feel the local atmosphere
  • Taste the centuries-old food and feast like an emperor
  • Enjoy the wonderful view of the Ottoman Palace: Topkapi
  • Listen to exciting stories that changed the world history

Full Description

First visiting marvelous Hagia Sofia, you will be informed about the most important facts and legends of the history of Hagia Sofia along with a brief history of old Istanbul in chronological order. You will witness the fascinating Byzantine art form: the mosaics.

After that, you will be visiting the Blue Mosque which is at the heart of this ancient city. Here,  you will discover the most beautiful blue tiles that are covering the interior and give the name of the mosque. You will learn about Islam and Islamic art, why tulip was an important symbol of the Ottoman era.

Now it's time to visit the Ottoman Palace, the seat of the sultans, including the Harem section (women section).

After our lunch break head towards the ancient Byzantine Hippodrome, you will hear about the chariot games, and see some other very important monuments which are still standing in good shape.

Finally, be ready to get lost in the labyrinth of colorful Grand Baazar and learn how to bargain and shop like a local. After all these; the magic of Aladdin is going to work and you are not going to be the same again.


Tour Plan

  • Meeting point

    Your hotel's lobby

  • Hagia Sophia

    Hagia Sophia which means "holy wisdom" is the most important highlight of old Istanbul. This amazing work of great Roman architecture and engineering was a revolution in architecture. Here, you are going to learn the breathtaking history of Hagia Sophia which is accepted as one of the seven wonders of the middle ages.

  • Blue Mosque

    Blue Mosque is one of the most beautiful works of the Ottoman era in terms of aesthetic beauty and architecture. Here you will discover famous blue tiles and learn about İslam and Islamic art and listen to the most interesting stories about Blue Mosque from your local guide.

  • Topkapi Palace with Harem section

    Topkapi palace which became an inspiration for lots of artists and became subject to operas is a wonderful example from the Ottoman era. It was the main seat of Ottoman sultans and also the main center of Game of Thrones, brutal rivalries, and intrigues. Throughout history, there always have been powerful women who changed history. At the Harem section, you will hear the vital stories of powerful women.

  • Lunch Break

    Our philosophy is to make you feel like a local and taste the best local food at the best place.

  • Hippodrome

    Today, known as horse square but since from Byzantine Empire, it's been an active social area. The main activities were chariot racing, ceremonies, fights, and many other art performances. As a historical site, Hippodrome is an important place where you can see The Obelisk from Egypt, Serpent Column, German Fountain, and walled column.

  • Grand Bazaar / The End

    Grand Bazaar is a 550 years old market. It is very colorful and full of different streets which look like a labyrinth. Are you ready to get lost in this little paradise? We are finishing our tour here and take you back to your hotel.


Inclusions

  • Private guide
  • Tea/coffee
  • Baklava tasting
  • Entrance fees
  • Lunch
  • Transportation unless requested

Notes

  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
  • Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are closed on Fridays during the prayer.
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
  • This is a walking tour, you will not need a vehicle during the tour. If you'd like to have a pick-up and/or drop-off service by our private van, please select that option in the form.

Reviews