Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar Tour in Istanbul
Description
Join us for an unforgettable three-hour tour. You will explore the stunning sites of Istanbul, including the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the mysterious Basilica Cistern, and the vibrant Grand Bazaar. Enjoy the advantage of included tickets with no hidden costs and the guidance of a knowledgeable local tour guide who will enhance your experience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey as you meet your guide at the House of Medusa Restaurant. Your tour begins at the iconic Hagia Sophia, celebrated as one of the most important architectural masterpieces in history. Imagine stepping into a marvel that was initially constructed as a church by the Byzantines, where stunning mosaic tile icons once captivated worshippers. Later, this incredible structure was transformed into a mosque during the Ottoman era. As you enter this majestic 1,500-year-old monument, you will be overwhelmed by its breathtaking beauty and profound historical significance.
You will then embark on a fascinating visit to one of Istanbul's most unique museums, the Basilica Cistern. This stunning underground structure, adorned with towering columns and softly illuminated by ambient light, is one of the city's largest and oldest water reservoirs. As you wander through its vast chambers, you'll be captivated by the intricate architecture and serene atmosphere that transport you back in time.
You will wrap up your tour with an exciting visit to the Grand Bazaar, an iconic marketplace renowned as the largest covered bazaar in the world. As you wander through its labyrinthine layout of 52 charming streets, you'll discover more than 4,000 shops, each brimming with an array of colorful goods, from intricate textiles to exquisite jewelry. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with the sounds of bargaining and the fragrant aromas of local delicacies, makes this a truly unforgettable experience.
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 spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(5)
I had an amazing solo business trip to Istanbul and spent two fantastic days exploring the city with a wonderful lady. Derya was charming, full of energy and really made the experience special. We didn’t just visit the tourist sites; we also had a blast exploring off the beaten path locations and, of course doing some shopping. It felt like I had known her for ages, and we’d already made plans for my next trip. If you’re heading to Istanbul, I highly recommend getting in touch with her for an unforgettable time in the city.
Hello Marley. Thank you so much! We truly appreciate your thoughtful review; it means a lot to us. Only about 1 in 10 guests take the time to share their experiences, so your appreciation really helps highlight the hard work we put in behind the scenes. I will definitely pass on your kind words to Derya. We look forward to welcoming you and your family back in the future! Take care. Best wishes, Off The Beaten Path Istanbul team
The driver was on time. Furkan was an amazing guide, he was very knowledgeable and accommodating. I’d definitely recommend this experience to anyone
Hello David. Thank you so much! Your review has truly brightened our day! We are so thrilled to hear that you had an amazing time with Off The Beaten Path Istanbul. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the kind words; they truly mean the world to us. We can't wait to welcome you back again soon! Best wishes, Off The Beaten Path Istanbul team
During our trip to Singapore, we had a long stopover in Istanbul, and we didn’t want to miss the chance to explore the city. To make the most of our time, we decided to hire a private guide, and after reading positive reviews on TripAdvisor, we came across Derya. She quickly responded and customized a two day itinerary that perfectly suited our interests. We got to see the major attractions of Istanbul, but she also took us to some hidden gems we would have never discovered. Her knowledge of the history and culture of the city was impressive, and she shared fascinating stories and insights about each place we visited. Moreover, she introduced us to the delicious local cuisine. We left Istanbul with a newfound appreciation for this beautiful city and its people.
Hello Roving23569740184. Wow, your review just made our day! We're so happy to hear that you had an amazing time with Off The Beaten Path Istanbul. Thank you for your kind words, they mean a lot to us. We can't wait to see you again soon! Best wishes, Off The Beaten Path Istanbul team.
We highly recommend Derya as a fantastic travel advisor and tour guide. It was great to have a female tour guide showing us around Istanbul. She was very organized and experienced, knowing every detail of Istanbul and Turkish history. In the Grand Bazaar, everyone seemed to know her and greatly respected her. We had a wonderful time touring the old and new city of Istanbul for two days. She even helped us organize our trip to Cappadocia as a bonus.
Hello PaulaCarsia. Oh, wow! Your review has truly brightened our day! We are so thrilled to hear that you had an amazing time with Off The Beaten Path Istanbul. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the kind words; they truly mean the world to us. We can't wait to welcome you back again soon! Best wishes, Off The Beaten Path Istanbul team.
We used Off The Beaten Path Istanbul service for a short weekend trip to Istanbul after our friends had told us how amazing of a service they experienced with Derya. They designed a fantastic trip for us, and everything worked out great. We so enjoyed our trip and all the wonderful people we met. Derya took care of everything down to the last detail, suggestions of possible itineraries, don't miss places, and, particularly, interesting places to stay. We would highly recommend to anyone seeking for custom-designed tours without any hassle.
Hello alwaysxander00. Thank you for your review. We are happy that we could help you make the right decisions for your trip. We are so pleased we lived up to all your expectations. We can not wait to welcome you and your loved ones back to Istanbul. Thank you for using Off The Beaten Path Istanbul. Best wishes, Off The Beaten Path Istanbul team.