Why choose this Istanbul tour ?
Istanbul is a unique Metropol city in the world, and only one city landed on the two continents. Therefore, Istanbul became the Capitol City of the Byzantine Imperial and Ottoman Sultanate.
Discover Hagia Sophia – the Largest Church/Cathedral from the ancient world
You will be fascinated with over 20,000 original Iznik tiles of Blue Mosque, older than 400 years and still durable.
Discover the magnificent Ottoman Topkapi Palace in its most beautiful spot, away from the noise of the city.
Grand Bazaar. Enjoy shopping opportunities around the largest and oldest covered bazaar in the world.
Make the most of your Istanbul adventure
What makes Full Day Istanbul Old City Group Tour a unique experience ?
Our driver will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the tour`s starting point between 07:45 – 08:15 am according to your hotel`s location in Taksim/Karaköy and Sultanahmet area. Please, let us know If your hotel is out of the city center. We can arrange additional transfer.
The first stop will be the heart of the Old City, Sultanahmet Square. In this tour you will see three of the most important attractions in Istanbul ; The Hippodrome, which was once the social center of Istanbul. The Blue Mosque, with its beautiful hand painted tiles and Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest masterpieces ever built. The tour ends with a visit to Grand Covered Bazaar where you will see the incredible Turkish arts and crafts. You will fall in love with Istanbul instantly.
Hippodrome and Obelisks
It`s a former center of sportive events (chariot races, for example) and political activities of the old city. The Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments that you can find and learn more about while visiting the Hippodrome.
Blue Mosque
( Closed on Praying times and during the Friday praying)
Facing Hagia Sophia, famous for its blue Iznik tiles and its unique six minarets, the Blue Mosque was built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. This is the last great imperial mosque of the classical period. The name for which is commonly now known, “Blue Mosque”, comes from the 20.000 marvellous blue-toned Iznik tiles decorating the interior walls.
Hagia Sophia
(Can be visited as a mosque since 2019)
One of the greatest marvels of architecture, Hagia Sophia was founded as a basilica in the 6th century. Built by the order of Byzantine Emperor Justinianus, St.Sophia was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years; it is considered the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. After being considered the Patriarchal Basilica of Constantinople, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmed II, The Conqueror, which led to adding the minarets, tombs and fountains. In 1935 it was turned into a museum by Ataturk, and in 2019 it was turned into a mosque again.
Topkapi Palace
( Closed on Tuesdays, may replace with Basilica Cistern or another visit)
This extraordinary and, full of secrets, palace was the residence of the Imperial Ottoman Sultans and the center of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years. The building is a typical example of Ottoman architecture and the rooms exhibit rich collections of porcelains, robes, weapons, shields, armours, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts as well as Ottoman treasures and jewellery The Treasury and Harem sections are not included in the program and are due to extra entrance fees)
After visits time for lunch in a local restaurant. Lunch and visit times may change by the tour guide and with our reservations. You will taste nice Local foods.
The Grand Bazaar
( Closed on Sundays,replaced with Arasta Bazaar)
Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and 5,000 shops, and attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Walk through the narrow streets and make some shopping. You can buy some popular things in Grand Bazaar such as silk, spice and jewellery. You may stay in Grand Bazaar for shopping after tour.
Afterwards, we will drop you back to the your hotels.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The duration of the tour is 6-7 hours, a flexible time for some guest that wants to extend few minutes on some location.
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- Professional Licensed Tour Guide
- Entrance Fees (except extra interior sections)
Not Included
- Beverages
Trending Istanbul Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out
Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by Azure Voyage.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Istanbul.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.
The tour guide will have prepaid skip-the-line tickets to avoid long ticket queues.
