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Offered languages
- English
The tour combines the most important highlights of Istanbul’s historic Old City in one carefully organized experience with hotel transfers, a professional local guide, and a traditional Turkish lunch included. Unlike standard tours, we focus on storytelling and cultural insights while visiting iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar, allowing guests to truly understand the history of Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire in a comfortable, well-paced itinerary.
During the tour, you will learn about the history of the Ottoman and Byzantine eras, the stories behind each monument, and the meaning of the calligraphy and daily life inside the mosques.
Dress code (important):
As we will enter mosques, female guests are kindly requested to bring a headscarf and wear clothing that covers chest and legs. Male guests’ shorts must cover the knees.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
- Guests can wait in front of The Marmara Taksim Hotel. Your guide will talk to them before. Share the meeting details and time.
- Guests can meet the guide at Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III, Sultan Ahmet Square, which is also called Sultanahmet Meydanı in Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih / Istanbul, Turkiye at the time we say.
- Guests can also choose to have us pick them up and drop them off at their hotel and your shuttle will get them with people on the tour.
Your guide will talk to the guests before the tour to say where to meet and give them instructions.
Itinerary
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1TopkapI Palace
Topkapı Palace Finally, the tour ends at Topkapı Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. You will explore the palace grounds and learn about Ottoman court life, traditions, and imperial history. (Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesday, replaced with Basilica Cistern.)
2 hours • Admission ticket not included -
2Bilgins Cağaloğlu
A short stop at Bilgins Cagaloglu, a well-known shop boutique in the historic Sultanahmet area. Guests can browse a selection of high-quality Turkish leather jackets and fashion items before continuing the tour.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Grand Bazaar
Enjoy a short visit to the historic Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. With thousands of shops selling carpets, jewelry, ceramics, leather goods, and souvenirs, it offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Turkish shopping and culture.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque Next, you will visit the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. The guide will explain its history, architecture, and famous blue İznik tiles that decorate the interior.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Hagia Sophia The tour then proceeds to Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of world architecture. Originally built as a cathedral, later used as a mosque and museum, the guide will share its fascinating history and significance through different eras.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included -
6Hippodrome
Hippodrome of Constantinople From the German Fountain, the guide will lead you to the Hippodrome, the ancient social and sporting center of Constantinople. Here, you will see historic monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the Walled Obelisk while learning about the city’s Roman and Byzantine past.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
German Fountain (Pass by)
German Fountain (Meeting Point) The tour starts at the German Fountain, located in Sultanahmet Square. Your guide will meet you here and give a brief introduction to the day’s itinerary before the walk begins.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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