Be ready to take a tour that cannot be missed in the old city of Istanbul. Our driver will be at the lobby of the hotel where you are staying between 8:30-9:15 am to give you a ride to the meeting point of our tour group.
A professional English-speaking guide will be with you throughout the day to visit the must-see attractions of Constantinople (Istanbul Old City).
You will visit and enter:
- The Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is the most famous mosque in the world for its 6 minarets and its beautiful architecture designed with blue tiles.
- The Hagia Sophia Museum, where you will have the opportunity to experience the rich history of this former church, which was converted into a mosque and eventually into one of the most important museums in Istanbul.
- The Topkapi Palace, where you will view and enter the oldest and largest palace that has survived until today. It served as the residence of the Ottoman Empire for around 400 years.
- The Grand Bazar, where you will take a tour with us through the ancient covered market, established in 1461. This is a wonderful opportunity to walk through its narrow streets and feel the atmospheric herbs and famous traditional foods like the delicious Turkish Delight and many other interesting goods, handmade products, and rare antiques.
During the tour, you will also be able to view the Hippodrome of Constantinople, which was once the center of Byzantine public life. The Serpentine Column, which dates back to the 4th century BC and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, built in 1898 by the German emperor Wilhelm II, are also among the important sights you will see.
Learn more about the sites you’ll visit during this tour:
The Sultanahmet Camii, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a historic mosque located in the heart of Istanbul’s old city. It was built in the early 17th century under the rule of Sultan Ahmet I and is known for its six minarets and the intricate blue tile work that decorates its interior. The mosque is still in use today and is a popular tourist attraction.
The Hagia Sophia Museum, located just a short distance from the Blue Mosque, is another must-see attraction in Istanbul. It was originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, but was later converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. In 1935, it was converted into a museum, and it now serves as a major tourist attraction and a symbol of Istanbul’s rich cultural history.
The Topkapi Palace is a historic palace located on a hill overlooking the Bosphorus. It was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years and is now open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the palace’s many courtyards, halls, and chambers and view its impressive collection of art and artifacts.
The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, established in 1461. It is a maze of narrow streets filled with shops selling everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and antiques. It is a great place to explore, shop and find unique and traditional souvenirs.
