Don't visit this mesmerizing city without hearing the history while touring with one of our local guides. Istanbul is spread across Europe and Asia, with the Bosphorus Strait running between the two. With so much to see and do, don't leave the details of your trip up to an internet search. Our knowledgable guides will make sure you don't miss a moment of the fascinating history and culture of Istanbul. This tour includes these amazing sites: the ancient city walls of Constantinople, the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sofia Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. In the evening, choose from a Bosphorus Cruise, a Whirling Dervish Show, or visiting a Turkish Bath.
Meet your guide at the main entrance to the Blue Mosque. He will be holding a SilkRoad Moments flag.
At the conclusion of the Bosphorus Cruise, the tour will end at the Eminonu port.
The official name of this big and gorgeous mosque is Sultanahmet mosque. It was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I and attracts large numbers of tourists every year. It is like a symbol of Istanbul and a must-see place.
Hagia Sophia is one of the most amazing historical buildings in Istanbul. It was a basilica planned patriarchal cathedral built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinianus between the years 532-537 in the old city center of Istanbul and was converted into a mosque by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1453 after Constantinople was taken by the Ottomans. In 1935, Hagia Sophia became a museum. Recently, it was changed back into a mosque. Hagia Sophia is a domed basilica type that combines the basilica plan and the central plan in terms of architects and is considered as an important turning point in the history of architecture with its dome transition and bearing system features. This building, which has been standing for 15 centuries, is among the masterpieces of art history and the world of architecture and has become a symbol of Byzantine architecture with its large dome.
One of Istanbul's splendid historical buildings is the Basilica Cistern located in the southwest of Hagia Sophia. This large underground cistern built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527-565) was named as Yerebatan Palace among the people due to the seemingly countless marble columns rising from the water. It is also known as Basilica Cistern since there is a Basilica in the place where the cistern is located.
The Grand Bazaar is a massive historical covered market, which has about 4000 stores and more than 60 streets inside it. Both of these make your shopping easy and fun. Thousands of traditional items will satisfy you as gift options for you and your loved ones.
Enjoy a Bosphorus Cruise, where you will see all the diversity of Istanbul at the same time. Mosques, mansions, bridges, seagulls and more. Do not forget to have some simit with you; seagulls will beg you to have some and make circles around you.
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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