Istanbul Heritage Tour: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and More
Description
Türsab 11316 Gulliver to istanbul Turizm(Travel) Our Old City Tour stands out because it offers more than just sightseeing—it’s an immersive journey through Istanbul’s rich history, culture, and architecture. Guests don’t just visit landmarks; they experience them through fascinating stories, insider insights, and local traditions shared by our professional licensed guides. From walking through the vibrant Hippodrome and marveling at the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, to exploring the mysterious Basilica Cistern and wandering the bustling Grand Bazaar with free Turkish delight and rooftop tea, every moment is designed to engage your senses and spark curiosity. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors and history enthusiasts alike, offering a well-paced, interactive, and unforgettable experience that truly brings Istanbul’s Old City to life. Book now to discover the stories, flavors, and sights that make this city legendary!
Tour Options
Itinerary
When guests arrive at Hagia Sophia, they will discover one of the most iconic and historically significant monuments in the world. Originally built in 537 AD as a cathedral, it later became a mosque and now stands as a symbol of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.
they will explore one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Visitors will step inside the mosque to admire its magnificent interior, decorated with thousands of blue İznik tiles, elegant domes, and impressive calligraphy. They will learn about the history of the mosque, its architectural significance, and its role as an active place of worship
When guests arrive at the Basilica Cistern, they will explore one of Istanbul’s most fascinating underground structures, dating back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian.
When guests arrive at the Hippodrome, they will step into the vibrant historic square that was once the center of old Constantinople. The area was originally used for chariot races, public ceremonies, and gatherings, making it a key social and political hub of the Byzantine Empire. Visitors will explore the square and admire significant monuments reflecting both Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, including the German Fountain, the Serpentine Column, and the Egyptian Obelisk. Guests will learn about the fascinating history of the Hippodrome, its role in the city’s past, and the stories behind its iconic monuments.
Grand Bazaar When guests arrive at the Grand Bazaar, they will enter one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, filled with colorful shops, winding alleys, and a lively atmosphere. Visitors can explore the vibrant stalls selling textiles, jewelry, ceramics, spices, and souvenirs, experiencing the charm of traditional Turkish commerce. The tour also includes a visit to the rooftop area, where guests can relax and enjoy a complimentary cup of tea or coffee while taking in panoramic views of the historic Istanbul skyline. Guests will have the opportunity to taste free Turkish delight (lokum) and experience local flavors as part of this immersive cultural experience. There will also be time to browse, take photos, and enjoy the bustling market at a leisurely pace, making it a memorable conclusion to the Old City Tour.
At Süleymaniye Mosque, travelers will explore one of Istanbul’s most magnificent Ottoman masterpieces designed by Mimar Sinan. Guests will admire its stunning domes, elegant courtyard, and breathtaking views over the Golden Horn. Your guide will share insights into its history, architecture, and cultural significance, while visitors experience a peaceful atmosphere inside this active place of worship.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(24)
Baris was an exceptional private tour guide and truly made my Istanbul experience unforgettable. From the moment we started, he was incredibly accommodating, tailoring the tour to exactly what I wanted to see and experience. His knowledge of the city, its history, and hidden gems added so much depth to every stop. What stood out most was his warmth and genuine care—nothing ever felt rushed, and he went out of his way to make sure I was comfortable and enjoying every moment. Thanks to Baris, Istanbul wasn’t just a destination, it became a memory I’ll always treasure. Highly recommend him to anyone looking for a personalised and meaningful experience
Baris was amazing! He was kind and courteous in accommodating our hectic group of 8 which consisted of both kids and my elderly father in a wheelchair during a very hot day. We got to see all the sites we wanted to in an efficient manner. He was unbelievably knowledgeable and informative. Looking forward to touring more sites when we return!
Baris was an excellent guide. Very helpful and very informative. He took time to figure out my interests, and adapt the tour to fit me. Answered many questions, and did it all with a great spirit. Grateful to have gotten to know him and learn about this great city!
Dear John , Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. It was a pleasure guiding you, and I hope to see you again on another experience in the future! Best regards
Bariş was very nice and knowledgeable and showed us the sights. It’s definitely easier to do with a guide to navigate the sights and the lines! In addition to the major sights (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern) he took us to a nice terrace overlooking the rooftops of the bazaar and to another market where he introduced us to a merchant he is friends with who sold us some Turkish delight and tea.
Dear Tom , Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. It was a pleasure guiding you, and I hope to see you again on another experience in the future! Best Regards Baris
Highly recommend this experience in Istanbul. This private guided tour was everything we wished for and more. Our tour guide Bariş was very kind, knowledgeable, and patient with creating the best itinerary to meet what we wanted to see. Bariş was on time, and definitely made the time we spent on the tour well worth it. We enjoyed seeing Hagia Sofia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Central Bazaar, and many other places along the way. We couldn’t have done all this by ourselves, the tour was the best option to be able to see all these places. We highly recommend anyone who wants a private guided tour to use Bariş to be your guide!
Dear Jeremy , Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm really happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. It was a pleasure guiding you, and I hope to see you again on another experience in the future! Best Regards Baris
Even though our time was limited, Baris did an amazing job of showing me the most awesome sights of old Istanbul. He totally tailored the tour to my specific interest in the early Ottoman history. He is a fountain of knowledge both in history and architecture. What's more, he is a virtuoso of bypassing long lines and gaining easy access to crowded venues. Greatly recommend this talented and thoughtful guide.
Dear Andines, Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm really happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. It was a pleasure guiding you, and I hope to see you again on another experience in the future! Best Regards Baris
Istanbul is a very interesting place that is well worth a visit.
Dear Dagmar, Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. It was a pleasure guiding you, and I hope to see you again on another experience in the future! Best Regards Baris
As a first time visitor to Istanbul, this was the perfect tour! The tour covers all the must see sites - The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Spice Markets etc. I learnt so much during this tour thanks to Bariş detailed knowledge of Istanbul and all the sites we visited. Bariş was very friendly and easy to talk to which made the tour even more enjoyable - an added bonus was that he was a great photograher. Before the tour ended Bariş kindly gave us recommendations for restaurants, shopping and other sites around the city. I would highly recommend this tour with Bariş to anyone who is visiting Istanbul. You will not be disappointed!
Dear Fay, Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. It was a pleasure guiding you, and I hope to see you again on another experience in the future! Best Regards Baris
Wonderful Experience touring with Baris in Istanbul !! FIRST time in Turkey, and can’t wait to return to tour with most knowledgeable tour guide I’ve had thru my travels! Baris was in constant communication before we met, finding me easily at the busy bus terminal, navigating thru the most efficient possible route to get to what interested me most of history, shopping , constantly informing me of every location. I highly recommend Baris, felt I had a perfect tour guided as a single American woman in Istanbul, exceeding my expectations. He was more, perfect his perfect English, he was an easy going , confidant , handsome bodyguard, a talented photographer, (he knew where to take amazing pictures of me) fun , caring person ,and most importantly trying free sweets along the dat, delish dining on rooftop, all so hospitable with outmost respect showing me beautiful Istanbul at its finest!! Will be requesting Baris very soon again on my upcoming trip back, only now with my friends who are dying to come along to meet Baris to TOUR, EAT. & SHOP and enjoy !!!! Pack a few things call and GO TOUR with BARIS as soon as possible!
Dear Anna, Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. It was a pleasure guiding you, and I hope to see you again on another experience in the future!
We really enjoyed our tour around Istanbul with our guide, he was friendly and informative, we were able to get good views on general life and history of Istanbul. It’s a lovely place and the food is great. Also highly recommend experiencing a traditional Turkish bath
Dear Geoff, Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. It was a pleasure guiding you, and I hope to see you again on another experience in the future!
