Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
The Roman Empire ruled from 330 to 395, the Byzantine Empire from 395 to 1204 and again from 1261 to 1453, the Latin Empire from 1204 to 1261, and the Ottoman Empire from 1453 to 1922.
Constantine the Great founded Istanbul. He called it Constantinople, which means “the city of Constantine,” and made it the new capital of the Roman Empire. Istanbul has always been a very important city because it is in the middle of both Europe and Asia. Istanbul is on the Unesco World Heritage List because it has so many Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman relics.
The whole city is like a big open-air museum. With all of its differences, such as its mosques, palaces, churches, synagogues, modernity, and history, Istanbul is one of the most interesting cities in the world. We can give you a private tour of Istanbul with a guide so you can see all of these things for yourself.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The guide can meet with you in your hotels lobby and any meeting point you desire around the Old City of Istanbul.
Itinerary
-
1Hippodrome
The Hippodrome: an ancient chariot races U-shaped stadium with 100,000 spectators. Even though the Hippodrome had lost its seats, walls, and much of the remains, the three monuments are still standing: the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, and Constantine Columns.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque will be seen from exterior due to long queue! The Blue Mosque: an Ottoman imperial mosque that Sultan Ahmet built between 1609-1616. Even if it is officially called Sultanahmet Mosque, it was named by the travelers’ Blue Mosque after seeing the blue tiles inside.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Hagia Sophia will be seen from exterior due to long queue! Hagia Sophia: built by the Roman Emperor Justinian between 532-537 and became the highest and the biggest cathedral globally. The church was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans in the 15th century and became a museum in 1934. Hagia Sophia lost its museum status in July 2020 and has become a mosque again. Like the other mosques, Hagia Sophia is open to visitors.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
4Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar: the oldest and the largest functioning market globally that houses over 4,000 stores, 61 streets, and is completely covered. Sultan Mehmet II built the Grand Bazaar in the 15th century; then, it was enlarged by the following sultans. Your guide will be more than happy to help you find your masterpiece of Turkish art upon your request. Please Note: Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. It will be replaced with Spice Market.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5TopkapI Palace
The Topkapi Palace was once the center of the Ottoman Empire. It was a place where people lived and where important decisions were made. In the 1500s, Sultan Mehmet II built the palace, which then became the center of the Ottoman Empire. The Topkapi Palace has been a museum since 1924.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
Show 1 more
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
- This is walking tour, please wear suitable shoes.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
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.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Top Searches
Get our app
