Istanbul Essential : Private Guided Old City Tour

5.0
(13 reviews)

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4 to 5 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: German and 3 more

This is the ultimate tour for first-time visitors to Istanbul. Visit the fascinating sights of Istanbul in this specially curated one or two-day tour that provides the perfect introduction to Istanbul.

This tour takes in Istanbul’s highlights and goes beyond them to show you the bustling energy of the city’s bazaars, streets and hidden spots.

Itinerary: Hagia Sophia-Basilica Cistern-Blue Mosque-Hippodrome-Grand Bazaar

• Customize the itinerary according to your personal interests and preferences

• Enjoy the private tour flexibility with a dedicated licensed tour guide

What's Included

Pick-up by guide from central hotels or Galataport (on foot)
Licensed Professional Tour Guide
Gratuities
Museum entrance fees
Lunch
Transportation from/back to hotel and between sites

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

-Your guide will meet with you at your hotel which is located on the European side city center (Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Karaköy, Galata, Taksim) or Galataport. If your hotel is not located in the mentioned area above, the meeting point is in front of the Cagaloglu Hamam. -Your guide will pick you up at city center hotels on foot and will help to arrange to find a taxi or public transport to Old Town.

OR
Meeting point
Cagaloglu Hamami

In front of the Cagaloglu Hamam.

End point
Grand Bazaar

Itinerary

Duration: 4 to 5 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

    The Hagia Sophia with its innovative architecture, rich history, religious significance and extraordinary characteristics has been fighting against time for centuries. Constructed three times in the same location, it is the world’s oldest and fastest-completed cathedral. With its breathtaking domes that look like hanging in the air, monolithic marble columns and unparalleled mosaics are one of the wonders of the world’s architectural history. The sheer dazzling beauty of the mosque with its magnificent play on space, light, and color provokes worship in the believer. *Reminding that as it's not a museum anymore, tour guides don't have skip-the-line priority. You may need to wait in the security line up to 1 hour.

    1 hour 15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Basilica Cistern

    There are hundreds of ancient cisterns hidden underneath the streets and houses of Istanbul. Of the two that are open to the public, the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) is the largest and Istanbul’s most unusual tourist attraction. Built-in 532 by Emperor Justinian, it was constructed using 336 columns, many of which were salvaged from ruined temples and feature finely carved capitals. Its symmetry and sheer grandeur of conception are quite breathtaking, and its cavernous depths make a great retreat on summer days.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 3
    Blue Mosque

    Blue Mosque

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Hippodrome

    Hippodrome - German Fountain - Obelisk of Theodosius - Serpent Column - Walled Obelisk

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Grand Bazaar

    Welcome to The Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops, attracting more than 300,000 visitors daily. Sellers hawk their wares at the top of the voice, and everyone has their own technique to entice you in, the colors, lights, and sounds create an exotic and unique atmosphere. Get ready to experience it.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays can be replaced with Spice Market.
Supplied by Sayga Travel

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Shore Excursions
Port Pickup
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 13 13 reviews
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from per group (up to 10)
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