Half-Day Istanbul Old City Tour

Istanbul, a crossroads of civilizations for centuries, invites you to explore its rich history from the Roman Empire to the Byzantines and the Ottomans. Join our experienced guides as they take you on a journey through the city’s most significant monuments in the old town of Sultanahmet.

You can book easily the guided and private Istanbul old city tour as following. Everyday is possible.

Hagia Sophia
Our tour begins at the breathtaking Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece originally constructed by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and later rebuilt by Justinian. Once a cathedral, then a mosque and museum now partly-converted as a mosque, Hagia Sophia is celebrated for its stunning dome and breathtaking architecture. Discover the stories behind this iconic structure and its transformation through the ages.

Old Hippodrome
Next, we’ll stroll to the Old Hippodrome of Byzantium, now a vibrant square at the heart of the Sultanahmet complex. Here, you’ll encounter fascinating monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, each telling tales of the city’s imperial past.

Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)
Our journey continues to another iconic structure, Sultanahmet Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque. Built in the 17th century, this magnificent mosque is distinguished by its six towering minarets and exquisite Iznik tile work. Step inside to admire the serene beauty and tranquil atmosphere that makes this site so special.

Grand Bazaar
Finally, we’ll conclude our tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest covered markets. Dating back to the 15th century during the Ottoman Empire’s Sultan Mehmet era, this sprawling labyrinth of over 4,000 shops offers a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and smells. Here, you can browse Turkey’s finest arts and crafts, from intricate carpets to handcrafted jewelry, all emblematic of the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Join us for an unforgettable experience as we delve into the history, architecture, and vibrant culture of Istanbul’s Old City!

Guiding service is included.

Museum entrance tickets are included.

Pick-up and drop to your hotel included.

Half Day
Istanbul

Tour Details

Istanbul has been a center of world civilization for centuries, under the Roman Empire, the Byzantines, and the Ottoman Empire. On this tour, our experienced guides will lead you through the city’s most significant monuments.

The tour begins with a visit to the basilica-mosque of Hagia Sophia. Constructed by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and rebuilt by Justinian, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453. It stands as one of the architectural wonders of the world.

The next stop is the Old Hippodrome, now a square at the heart of the Sultanahmet complex. Here, you’ll see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Column of Constantine, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Following the Hippodrome, you will visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the ‘Blue Mosque’. Erected in the 17th century, it is distinguished by its six minarets and exquisite porcelain decoration, featuring Iznik tiles.

The tour concludes at the Grand Bazaar, a vast covered market that began construction in the 15th century, during the golden age of the Ottoman Empire. In this maze of over 4000 shops, you’ll discover Turkey’s finest arts and crafts, emblematic of the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.

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