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Offered languages
- English
Kickstart your Istanbul adventure with this insightful 2.5-hour orientation walking tour. Led by an official tour guide, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the city's history, Islam, and its most essential landmarks, helping you plan the rest of your trip more effectively. Your guide will also share local tips on where to eat, experience a traditional Turkish bath, and much more.
This is an orientation tour and does not include interior visits to major sites. However, depending on the line, we will make an effort to go inside the Blue Mosque or an alternative mosque.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meeting Poing is Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant. The restaurant is located on the street where the tram lines run through Sultanahmet, an approximately 1-minute walk from the Sultanahmet tram stop. We will be at the meeting point with yellow umbrella
Tour ends out of the Grand Bazaar
Itinerary
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1German Fountain
We will begin our tour at the German Fountain, a gift symbolizing the friendship between the Turks and Germans, which later led to their alliance in World War I. Through this monument, we will explore Turkey's history and its connections to the past.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Blue Mosque
During our tours, we aim to visit a mosque to discuss Islam. If the line at the Blue Mosque is manageable, we will go inside. However, since our tours last 2.5 hours, we want to make the most of our time rather than waiting in a long line. If the wait is too long, we will visit another mosque instead. Please note that the Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays, but we will still make an effort to enter a different mosque.
25 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
We'll admire the Hagia Sophia from the outside, as entry requires a fee of 25 Euros per person. Our local guide will share insights into its significance, enriching your understanding. If you choose to visit later, you'll appreciate the Hagia Sophia even more with the knowledge gained from our tour.
15 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
4Sultan Ahmet Tomb
We will visit a cemetery where members of the royal family and other significant figures are buried. This will give you insight into Turkish burial traditions and how they have evolved since the establishment of the Republic.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Column of Constantine
Our guide will introduce the Column of Constantine the Great, highlighting its historical significance. We will also explore the city's rich trade history, as this site once marked the end of major trade routes in ancient times.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Nuruosmaniye Mosque
If the line at the Blue Mosque is too long, our guide may take you to an alternative mosque to explain Islam. Since most mosques share common architectural and cultural features, the knowledge you gain will help you better understand other mosques you may visit during your free time.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Grand Bazaar
We will visit the Grand Bazaar by exploring the areas frequented by locals before moving on to the more tourist-oriented sections. After a brief tour inside, we will step outside, where your guide will share tips on haggling and recommend alternative bazaars to explore. ( Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays ) At this point, you may choose to leave or continue with your guide for a short five-minute walk to enjoy a complimentary sampling of Turkish Delight with fruit tea. This is not a shopping stop—no one will try to sell you anything. Instead, you'll experience a peaceful atmosphere with access to a free rooftop view. Your guide will also share recommendations for local restaurants to consider for lunch after the tour.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Our tour guides are licensed, studied 4 years to be a guide and this is their full-time job. Minimum expected contribution is 10 Euros per person
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.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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