Start Point: End Point: Duration: Departure:
Start Point: Hotel Pick-UpEnd Point: Hotel Drop offDuration: 8 hrs.Departure: 09:00 am
REVIEWS REQUEST TO BOOK The heart of Istanbul remains its fascinating Old City, home to some of the most historic sites of this vibrant megapolis. Dramatically located on a peninsula pointing across the Bosphorus Strait to Asia, Sultanahmet was formerly the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires..
Overview, Istanbul Tour of Highlights
See the sights of Istanbul on an 8-hour tour a istanbul with inclusive lunch. Admire the former church and mosque of the Hagia Sophia, see the site of Bzyantine sports at the Roman Hippodrome , explore the alleys of the Grand Bazzar, and much more.
In this tour you should expect to see 2000 years of mysterious history of Roman Empire to Ottoman Empire and Turkish Republic. You will be learning the lives of Roman Emperors and Ottoman Sultans in the haves and the have-nots or things that shouldn't be talked about and the implicit stories.
This tour will give you information as clear as daylight from the dusty books and will provide it in interactice and sometimes with a humour .We are here to give you wonderful days with a accompany of our passionate tour guides who have dedicated their lives to both learn and share history.
Istanbul City Tour Highlights
Full-day tour of Istanbul's essential sites.
Choose a small-group tour for a more personal experience.
See one of the world's great architectural masterpieces at the Hagia Sophia.
Wander the stores of the Grand Bazaar.
Admire the blue Iznik tiles of the Blue Mosque.
Discover the 5 tombs of the Ottoman Sultans: Sultans Tombs.
Go to the imperial residence of the former sultans.
Visit the site of ancient chariot races at the Roman Hippodrome.
Itinerary
Istanbul Old City Tourist Map
Places to visit on this Istanbul Tour
Sultanahmet District (Old City) Ancient Hippodrome
Obelisk of Theodosius Serpent Column
Walled Obelisk German Fountain
Blue Mosque Hagia Sophia
Sogukcesme Street Topkapi Palace
Grand Bazaar
Ancient Roman Hippodrome
Although the Ancient Roman Hippodrome in Istanbul was originally built in the 2nd century AD, the magnificent Hippodrome, whose ruins are located in Sultanahmet Square (Horse Square) today, was reconstructed by Constantine the Great in the 4th century. Converting Byzantion to Nea Roma had a price, and one of those costs was the Hippodrome! And if the New Rome was to be the capital city of Constantinople, it had to be the city's most spectacular work...
Egyptian Obelisk
The Egyptian obelisk, since it has been stolen by Romans from the Ra temple Thutmose III could never find peace. Anger of Ra and his curse has never left Romans alone which is perhaps why Romans collapsed.
Serpentine Column
The Serpent Column, also known as the Burma Column, brought to Istanbul by the Emperor Constantine; It was erected in the temple of Apollo at Dephi (Delphi) to commemorate the victory of the Greek city-states over the Persians.
Walled Column
Walled Column, which was built from limestone blocks in the 4th century, is 32 meters high. As a result of the excavations, it was seen that there was a fountain on each of its four faces.
German Fountain
Perhaps it is a bribe from German Prince to Ottoman Sultan. However acceptance of the present by Sultan may have led being arm in arm during World War I.
Blue Mosque; The most majestic Ottoman MosqueA real sultan mosque, the building of which everyone opposes on the way to becoming an icon of Istanbul. The only 6 minaret mosque of the Ottoman Empire was built. It is adorned from the mosque ground to the dome with more than 20 thousand Iznik tiles. These blue tiles are the reason why foreigners call this mosque the "Blue Mosque". However, this mosque is met with a lot of reaction both at the empire and abroad. The people were upset that the state coffers are being emptied with unnecessary expenditures, and the Muslim world is upset with the world's only mosque with 6 minarets in the Kaaba. So much so that the Sultan had to build a 7th minaret for the mosque in the Kaaba.
Hurrem Sultan hamami
Sultan Suleiman fell in love once. He loved only one person until he died. She is the most powerful lady of 16th century, whatever she asks she gets...
Hagia Sophia Hurrem Sultan Bath is the largest historical bath in Turkey. As with many architectural beauties in Istanbu. It was built next to Hagia Sophia in the 16th century for his wife, Haseki Hurrem Sultan, by order of Suleiman the Magnificent.
Hagia Sophia; The legacy of both Christian and Muslim cultureThroughout the history no other structure has been punished because of the magnificent beauty it has as much as the The Hagia Sophia, house of the miracles. It is the only built made by humanity that could host Romans,Ottomans and for today embracing the whole world. The Hagia Sophia is as important as the Istanbul and we are certain without it Istanbul would never be the same.
Topkapi Palace; Home of the Ottoman SultansBetrayals, passions, bloods , deaths,loves conspiracies. The palace where a whole state was ruled for 400 years. The most important Turkish structure of Istanbul, where the people who lead the world live, the lovers of flowers, the lovers of art, delicacy, and elegance are embodied, is the most important Turkish structure. Topkapi Palace with its most simple appearance in front of you.
Grand Bazaar; One of the largest and oldest markets in the worldFirst time in the world such a colorful life has met up with a bazaar. In 15th century the world' first ever shopping center opened. Since that day the heart of shopping beats there. If you ever want a journey inside of heart of Istanbul the Grand Bazaar invites you to a brand new atmosphere. Believe us you have never seen such thing like that.
Good to Know
Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
The dress code is smart casual
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays instead you will visit Dolmabahce Palace.
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, instead, you will visit the open-air bazaar
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Blue Mosque is closed Friday mornings and our guide will show & introduce from outside
Most travelers can participate
We as BOSPHORUS TOUR ISTANBUL, want to ensure the minds of travelers that, all the necessary safety measures and precautions will be maintained at all times; hand sanitizer will be available, masks will be given out, seats will be blocked out on coaches, reduced groups sizes and social distancing measures will be taking against COVID-19 infections. We will follow up on the new regulations/restrictions permanently and update our procedures accordingly. This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers Operated by BOSPHORUS TOUR ISTANBUL
What's Included
Professional guide
Hotel Pick-Up and drop-off
Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch in a terrace restaurant with a great view of the city
Entrance tickets to Topkapi Palace
What's not Included
Visit to the Harem in Topkapi Palace is not included (own expense)
Drinks
Gratuities
View from Seafront Lounge Restaurant Terrace
Where you have the lunch: Seafront Lounge , a very good restaurant on a top terrace with amazing views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus
What you have for the lunch: The lunch menu has 3 options. First option is fish ( sea bass ,sea bream) coming with onion and watercress. The second choice is grilled chicken with chips and rice. The last choice is meatball ( beef) accompanied with chips and rice. All these options will come with salad and 3 plate of cold appetiser(meze).
Istanbul City Tour Frequently Asked Questions
Questions: What is the maximum group size of Istanbul Tou? Answer: We keep our tour group size as limited as possible, not more than people per group. All the tour groups are maintained following all the safety measures.
Questions: What sightse are visited in guided Istanbul walking tour? Answer: All the sights indicated in the tour itinerary are visited in the tour.
Questions: Does ISTANBUL TOUR include museum entrance tickets? Answer: Yes, Istanbul Tour includes entrance fees of attractions specified upon booking. If during or after the tour you would like to visit something extra you will just pay for it then.
Questions: Will I skip the line booking with you? Answer: Yes! For most of the tours we guarantee pre-purchased tickets in order to skip the line.
Questions: How to book Istanbul Tour with you? Answer: Send us an email or a request form from our site, an operator will answer as soon as possible providing all the detailed information about the tour (lenght, price, what is included, etc...). Then you will answer your decision about the tour and the operator will email you how to conclude the booking.
Questions: Why do you ask met o give my mobile phone number? Answer: It is important that we will be able to contact you by telephone in case of last minute communications. Please allow us to be able to contact you.
Questions: I have read good reviews of a particul tour guide, can I book the tour with him / her? Answer: We will gladly take into consideration your preferences but we can not guarantee a particular guide availability. We assure that all our guides are fully licensed, very competent, professional and fluent in your language.
Questions: Is there a cancellation policy?
Answer: This is our common policy:
3 days prior - 25% penalty charge
2 days prior - 50% penalty charge
24 hours prior - full amount penalty charge
Some tours have a stricter cancellation policy. Ask us please during the booking procees.
Questions: Can I pay by credit card? Answer: Yes, we accept payments by Visa and Master cards.
Istanbul Walking Tour to the Top City Attractions
Welcome to Istanbul, the capital of three world empires. Our Award-Winning, expert Guides provide unique and historical walking tours of Istanbul.
The old city, or 'The Sultanahmet Square' as it's more popularly known, is truly where Istanbul began. Within its old Roman, Byzantium, and Ottoman walls lies a treasure chest of history, characters, buildings ancient and modern, winding alleyways, strange customs, and weird ceremonies. There's nowhere else quite like it.
Let VELENA TRAVEL EXPERT GUIDES walk with you
Just bring your curiosity and we'll bring our knowledge and enthusiasm, point out the best bits, tell the stories, and introduce you to the characters in a 2000-year-old story that continues to unfold.
Guided Istanbul Tour of Top Sights
This 9-hour small group tour is the perfect introduction to Istanbul and a great way to orientate yourself in the city. Your local experienced tour guide will take you to must-see sights such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Ancient Roman Hippodrome, and much more.
Istanbul Old City Tour
Discover the best highlights of Istanbul, the Eternal City of three empires.
Your guide will take you to discover the most important sites located in the old city, Sultanahmet. You will be visiting the most known city attractions like the Ancient Roman Hippodrome, Obelisks, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar.
This tour is conducted with an expert licensed tour guide in every requested language with headsets (for groups with more than 9 people) to ensure you hear everything and to know the heritage of Istanbul in a small-sized group.
This photo was taken while our guests on old city tour of Istanbul were having lunch in the restaurant, Seafront.
Full-Day Guided Istanbul City Tour
Istanbul city tour is a daily guided cultural tour. In the Istanbul city tour program, you will see the following world-famous important points of Istanbul;
Hagia Sophia Museum was built by Justiniounus I in the 6th century. It is thought to have changed the history of architecture. It is the oldest cathedral in the world and is famous for its huge dome. Its stones and doors were brought from ancient temples and churches of those times. It was built as a church and was used as a mosque during the Ottoman period and now as a museum during the Republican period.
Sultan Ahmet Mosque; It was built in the 17th century. In the west, it is known as the 'Blue Mosque' because of the world-famous elegant blue Iznik tiles decorating its interior. It is the only imperial mosque in the world that was originally built with six minarets. The upper side consists of 20000 ceramic tiles, each with 60 tulip designs. It has 200 windows on the lower side.
Hippodrome Square was the sports and social center of Ancient Byzantium, it had a capacity of 100,000 spectators. It also has structures such as the Kaiser Wilhelm II Fountain, the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the Constantine Porphyrogenitus.
The Grand Bazaar is the world's largest and oldest covered bazaar. It was the center of trade in Istanbul with its more than 4000 shops and 61 covered streets. It is a cultural market where traditional and historical objects are sold. This market is located in a closed area. In general, the structure of the bazaar has been the same for years.
Topkapi palace; Between 1466-1478, Sultan II. on a hill on a small peninsula. It was built by Mehmet. It was the main residence of the early and medieval Ottoman sultans and the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from the 15th to the 19th centuries. During our visit we will see the magnificent Imperial Treasury, Baghdad Pavilion, Sacred Relics and Kitchen Section, which contains one of the world's finest collections of Chinese celadon ceramics. The harem is also inside the palace, which is forbidden to anyone except the Sultan.
Valide Mosque; It is also called the New Mosque, 17. It was completed in the century, it is the last imperial mosque built in classical style. It has a main dome, four semi-domes and two minarets with 2 balconies.
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