Istanbul Old City Walking Tour
| Type: |
Daily Tour |
| Operated: |
Everyday |
| Guided in: |
Arabic English Spanish Russian |
| Meeting Point: |
Hotel Lobby & Company Office |
| Starting Time: |
08:30(approx.) |
| Duration: |
8 hours |
| Starting Location: |
Istanbul |
| Tour Code: |
TT8044 |
Highlights
Explore the former heart of Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman empires with our Istanbul Old City Walking Tour, a pivotal part of your Travel in Turkey experience. Istanbul's rich and vibrant history is best appreciated by visiting its "must-see" historical landmarks. This walking tour is designed to showcase the city's treasures in the most time and cost-efficient way.
The tour, which includes a convenient pick-up from your hotel, allows you to immerse yourself in the ancient streets of Istanbul. Stroll through the historic districts, where every corner tells a story of empires and eras long passed. This is an ideal opportunity to witness the legacy of Istanbul's diverse past, all in one day. Our expert guides will lead you on a journey through time, making this walking tour an indispensable part of your visit to this mesmerizing city.
Tour Details
Hagia Sophia: Constructed during the 6th century, it was once the largest church in the world - and is currently the 4th largest. Converted into a Mosque in the 15th century after the Ottoman conquest, you will be amazed by its impressive architecture and inside you will find beautiful mosaics that you will never forget.
Blue Mosque: Built on the site of the Byzantine Grand Palace, the building is an architectural masterpiece from the 17th century. It is famed for its beautiful 20,000 pieces of blue Iznik tiles (hence its name), forming a variety of wonderful floral designs. It is also uniquely renowned for its 6 minarets.
Hippodrome: This was the principal centre of social life during the Byzantine Empire. Built in 3rd century BC, it hosted chariot races, circuses, concerts, and gladiator fights. It could hold up 100,000 spectators,and had an exclusive passageway linking it directly to the Great Palace through which the Emperor could access the events held there. The Obelisk of Theodosius (Obelisk of Thutmose III), and the Serpentine column, were original adornments of the Hippodrome, the Fountain of Wilhelm II is a much more recent addition.
Topkapı Palace: For more than 400 years this was the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire and the principal residence of the ruling Sultan. Built on a promontory overlooking the Golden Horn, where it meets the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of Marmara, it is the largest palace of the Ottoman Empire, a complex of buildings in Ottoman architectural style. Now a museum, you can see the most remarkable pieces of Ottoman treasure, sacred relics of Islam, and gain an understanding of the Ottoman lifestyle. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
Grand Bazaar: Dating from 1455, shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, and with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops, this is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. You can find souvenirs, ceramics, and many other Turkish arts and crafts in this majestic bazaar
Little Hagia Sophia Mosque: Known as one of the oldest standing churches in Istanbul, dating back to the 6th century. Originally built as a Greek Orthodox church, it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century. Despite the name, Little Hagia Sophia is not credited as being a smaller version of the “big” Hagia Sophia.
Following this visit we will conclude our Travel in Turkey Old City Tour.
Please Note
On Sundays, the Grand Bazaar is closed – In this case they will be replaced by visiting some traditional shops.
On Mondays, the Hagia Sophia Museum is closed – In this case it will be replaced by a visit to the Basilica Cistern or the Kariye Museum.
On Tuesdays, the Topkapi Palace is closed – in this case it will be replaced by a visit tothe Kariye Museum or Beylerbeyi Palace.
Payment (No Advance Payment !)
in Cash (TL, EUR, USD OR GBP) during the tour
by Credit Card during the tour
Available Cards: Visa, Master, American Express
Inclusions
Hotel pickup and drop off
All admission fee
Professional guide
Safe drivers
Air-conditioned transportation by disinfected tour bus
4 course lunch.(Vegeterian menu is available)
V.A.T.
Exclusions
International airfare
Drinks and meals which are not listed at the itinerary
All personal expenses
All customary tips to drivers, guides and escorts are made at the travelers’ discreation
Turkish visa fee
Booking Terms and Conditions
Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 30 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
Not wheelchair accessible.
Cancellations will be accepted in writing up to 48 hours before the tour departure with no charge,but last minute cancelations or no shows will be charged in full.Alternatively for any other services or for tailor-made itineraries and quotations, without obligation, just complete the Request Form or email us: info@travelinturkey.com - now for a fast response
