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- English
Discover the historic heart of Istanbul on a guided walking tour through the iconic Sultanahmet district. Explore the city’s rich Byzantine and Ottoman heritage as you visit architectural masterpieces such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the atmospheric Basilica Cistern. Walk through the ancient Hippodrome, once the social and political center of Constantinople, and gain insight into the empires that shaped this extraordinary city.
Highlights:
Guided walking tour of Sultanahmet
Visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern
Learn about Byzantine and Ottoman history
Explore the historic Hippodrome
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The guide will wait in the meeting point with the company flag that helps the traveler to recognize the guide.
Ticket Redemption Point
Itinerary
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1Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Built in the 17th century by Sultan Ahmed I, the mosque is famously known as the “Blue Mosque” due to the more than 20,000 blue İznik tiles that adorn its interior. With its six minarets, spacious courtyard, and magnificent domes, the mosque impresses visitors both architecturally and spiritually. Natural light pours in through more than 260 windows, creating a serene and unforgettable atmosphere inside.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2Hippodrome
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was once the social and political heart of the Byzantine Empire. Built in the 3rd century by Emperor Septimius Severus and later expanded by Constantine the Great, it served as a venue for chariot races, public ceremonies, and major imperial events. Today, the Hippodrome lives on as Sultanahmet Square, where several remarkable monuments still stand, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the Walled Obelisk. These ancient structures offer a fascinating glimpse into Istanbul’s layered past, from Roman and Byzantine times to the Ottoman era.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is a historic underground water reservoir located near Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. It was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The cistern is supported by 336 marble columns and was used to store and supply water to the city. One of its most famous features is the Medusa head column bases. Today, it is open to visitors as a museum.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
4Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Hagia Sophia is a historic landmark in Istanbul, originally built in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It has served as a church, mosque, and museum over the centuries. Famous for its massive dome and stunning mosaics, Hagia Sophia is considered one of the greatest architectural masterpieces in the world.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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