Istanbul Pearls: Old City Walking Tour & Rhythm of the Dance Show

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival Istanbul and Airport Transfer
1 stop
1
Istanbul
Welcome to Türkiye! Your first day is dedicated to your arrival in Istanbul. Upon landing, our team will meet you at the airport and provide a comfortable private transfer to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to relax and recover from your journey.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Istanbul Old City Walking Tour & Rhythm of the Dance Show
10 stops
Sultanahmet District (Pass by)
You’ll meet your licensed tour guide and embark on a small-group (up to 8 participants) walking tour exploring the highlights of Sultanahmet, the historic heart of Istanbul. Today’s tour includes visits to Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. The meeting point for today’s tour is the German Fountain in Sultanahmet. Your tour guide will be waiting for you at the meeting point, and from there, you’ll begin your walking tour of Istanbul’s Old City. The tour is entirely on foot, so no transportation service is required or included.
2
German Fountain
The German Fountain, located at the northern end of Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I, is a striking gazebo-style structure. Built to commemorate the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II’s 1898 visit to Istanbul, the fountain was constructed in Germany, transported in pieces, and assembled on-site in 1900. Designed in the Neo-Byzantine style, it features an octagonal dome supported by eight marble columns, with its interior adorned in stunning golden mosaics.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
Hippodrome
The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square, was once the grand chariot racing arena and a key social and sporting hub of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, it stands in modern-day Istanbul as a public square, renowned for its rich history and the surviving remnants of its ancient structures.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
Blue Mosque (Pass by)
The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its elegant six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles. You’ll admire the mosque from the outside and learn about its history and architectural significance from your guide.
4
Sultanahmet Square
After a short walk through Sultanahmet Square, you’ll continue to Hagia Sophia, the next stop on your tour.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
5
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-booked tickets and experience one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox history. Discover how this magnificent structure was transformed into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Marvel at the unique blend of architectural elements from both a mosque and a church, coexisting harmoniously. Take in the grandeur of its soaring dome, towering minarets, intricate mosaics, vivid paintings, and ancient Roman columns. Learn about the addition of exquisite İznik tiles over the years, the craftsmanship behind the Virgin Mary mosaic, and the Ottoman tradition of burying their sultans in the courtyard.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
6
Basilica Cistern
Walk on the wooden walkways over the water until the famous upside-down Medusa head. The Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir in Istanbul, features stunning columns and a mysterious ambiance, reflecting the city's rich history and architectural brilliance. The cistern was known in Byzantium as thebasilica Cistern, Justinian was the founder of the largest underground cistern, built after the Nika Revolt in 532. A must-visit marvel.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
7
TopkapI Palace
Topkapi Palace Museum / Topkapı Sarayı More than just an Imperial Residence of Ottoman Sultans, it was the seat of the Supreme Executive and Judiciary Council for almost 400 years long. Topkapi Palace is a great monument of Oriental architecture which resembles the power of the Ottoman Empire.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
8
Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar / Kapalı Çarşı One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4,000 shops with colorful products of ceramic, leather, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothes, silver, and gold.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
9
Hodjapasha
Enjoy the spectacular Rhythm of the Dance Show at Hodjapasha Cultural Center, featuring traditional Turkish music, vibrant costumes and dynamic performances. For a worry-free evening, hotel pick-up and drop-off are included. Your driver will take you from your hotel to Hodjapasha and return you safely to your hotel after the show.
1 hour • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• 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
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

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