SKIP-THE-LINE: Treasures of istanbul w/LUNCH
Description
Visit > Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar SKIP-THE-LINE Tickets, Guiding in your own language, Pick up service provided. Explore Historical Peninsula in a unique, personal way. Be enchanted by the mosaics of Hagia Sophia. See the priceless treasures of Topkapi palace. Experience shopping in the grand bazaar, which has been the center of shopping for centuries. Walk along the historical hippodrome and see the German. Fountain and obelisk. See the colorful mosaics of the Sultanahmet mosque. Learn history about Byzantines, Ottomans and Modern Turks from your expert local guide. Do not wait in the long queues with Skip-The-Line tickets provided for you
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meaning Divine Wisdom, Hagia Sophia was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. Today's Hagia Sophia was built by the Emperor Justinian in 537AD. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. It was used as a church for 916 years and as a mosque for 481 years, In 1934, by the order of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk it was converted into a museum and since it is open to the visitors.
Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, it is located opposite the Hagia Sophia. Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome. Although it is officially called Sultanahmet Mosque, the name Blue Mosque was given to it by the visitors because of the amazing blue tiles decorating the interior walls
As well as being the imperial residence of the Sultan, the palace was also the seat of government for the ottoman empire. It housed the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years until the Dolmabahçe palace was built. In 1924 it was converted into a museum. Today it is famous with harem, royal treasury, and holy relics sections
Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD, during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet surrounded by Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi palace, today it is home to The Egyptian Obelisk (Dikilitaş), The Serpentine Column (Burma sütun), The Constantine Column and German Fountain.
18 entrances and more than 4000 shops it is one of the greatest bazaars in the world. It was built between 1455-1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. Today, shops selling the same kind of merchandise tend to be congregated in their own streets or inns as it was the original Ottoman system At the end of the tour drive you back to the departure point
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
-Please contact the local provider and confirm your pick-up time before the tour date. -Pick-up times will be updated according to your cruise arrival&departure times. (for cruise guests) -We guarantee that you will be dropped off at the port before your ship onboard time. (for cruise guests)
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Entry fees to Topkapi Palace (55 USD) and Hagia Sophia (30 USD) are excluded
- Your guide will have pre-paid skip-the-line tickets to avoid long ticket queues. The cost of used entry tickets can be paid to your guide in cash dollar, euro, Turkish lira
- Please take passport for childrens if any
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Basilica Cistern Cistern will be visited instead
- We guarantee that you will be dropped off at the port before your ship onboard time. (for cruise guests)
- Pick-up times will be updated according to your cruise arrival&departure times. (for cruise guests)
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
Reviews(3)
This is THE way to savour and be captivated by Istanbul's treasures - especially if like us you have never been to Turkey before, are fairly fit seniors and are lucky enough to be allocated as passionate and helpful a private guide as Ebru. Frankly, you need personal curation to truly appreciate as fully as possible the historical, cultural gems that are Haghia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar etc. Unforunately the Blue Mosque is closed for restoration for some months but we had a good look at it from outside and were taken to remarkable adjoining mosque instead. Ebru was very attentive to our requirements, took numerous pics for us, answered every question and gave us a breather when we needed it. Recommended a not to be missed spice shop at the Grand Bazaar and fixed an excellent lunch. A day of a lifetime at a fair price considering this was a private tour, just the three of us.
Dear OliverMary Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It's a great pleasure for us to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us. The feedback always motivates us to serve you better. Thank you very much once again and we are looking forward to seeing you again. Kind Regards, TOUR ALTİNKUM TRAVEL
Our guide had a great knowledge of the history and the different sites of Istanbul . She showed us maps and photos to help us understand the history of turkey .
Airport transfer - drop was on time. Host - Basir throughly breif me the history of istanbul. I'll rate 10/10 Thanks (Shukran) 😎
Dear Dharmik; Thank you for sharing your experience. It's a great pleasure for us to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us. Your feedback always motivates us to serve you better. We are looking forward to seeing you again. Kind regards, TOUR ALTİNKUM TRAVEL
