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You'll wander through the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, Istanbul's aromatic 17th-century market, as your guide points out mounds of saffron, sumac, and Turkish delight lining its L-shaped hall. Entry is free and open to the public.
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You'll step into the courtyard of the New Mosque (Yeni Cami) to hear the dramatic story of its construction — begun in 1597, abandoned for over 50 years, and finally completed in 1665. Entry to the mosque courtyard is free, though modest dress is required.
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You'll stroll down Soğuk Çeşme Sokak, a cobblestone lane of colorful reconstructed Ottoman houses tucked between Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace walls. This scenic street is free to walk and one of Istanbul's most photographed corners.
TopkapI PalacePass by
You'll pass through the Imperial Gate into Topkapi Palace's free First Courtyard, hearing about the sultans who ruled from here for nearly 400 years. Please note that entry to the palace's inner courtyards, Harem, and Treasury requires a separate paid ticket and is not included in this tour.
Gulhane ParkPass by
You'll walk through Gülhane Park, once the sultans' private rose garden and now Istanbul's oldest public park. Entry is free.
Basilica CisternPass by
You'll pass by the entrance to the Basilica Cistern as your guide describes this 6th-century underground reservoir, its 336 columns, and the mysterious Medusa head bases inside. This tour does not enter the cistern, and a separate ticket is required to visit.
Hagia Sophia Grand MosquePass by
You'll stand in front of Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, hearing how this former Byzantine cathedral became a mosque, then a museum, then a mosque again. Entry to the ground floor is free, but a separate ticket is required to access the upper galleries and Byzantine mosaics.
Arasta BazaarPass by
You'll wander through the Arasta Bazaar, a quieter 17th-century market built to fund the Blue Mosque, browsing carpets, İznik ceramics, and textiles along its single covered street. Entry is free.
Sultanahmet SquarePass by
You'll walk through Sultanahmet Square, the site of the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, passing its three surviving monuments: the Walled Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the Obelisk of Theodosius. This public square is free to explore.
Blue MosquePass by
You'll pass by the Blue Mosque's courtyard and şadırvan fountain as your guide describes its cascading domes, six minarets, and 20,000 hand-painted İznik tiles inside. Entry to the mosque is free, though modest dress and security screening are required to enter the prayer hall.
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