Small Group Istanbul Old City Tour
Description
This comprehensive sightseeing tour of Istanbul provides the perfect introduction to the fabled city that spans Asia and Europe. On this one day sightseeing tour you will see how old meets new when you visit Istanbul's four "must-see" historic sites.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Now a museum, Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian, and was one of the largest basilicas in the Christian world. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to a mosque and is today one of the most magnificent museums in the world. Take a moment to linger here to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics. (closed on Monday)
One of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style. The mosque has six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.
The largest and oldest palace in the world, Topkapi is the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi promises to be a truly fascinating experience. (closed on Tuesday)
In operation since the 14th century, the Grand Bazaar is one of the world's largest covered markets, with 58 streets and over 4,000 shops. The bazaar is specially known for its jewelry, leather, pottery, spices and carpets. (closed on Sunday additional time will be spent at the other locations)
Hippodrome of Constantinople, located in Sultanahmet/Istanbul, was a public arena mainly for chariot races. The word hippodrome comes from the Greek hippos (horse) and dromos (way). The Hippodrome of Constantinople was also home to gladiatorial games, official ceremonies, celebrations, protests, torture to the convicts and so on. Hippodrome functioned all in Roman (203-330 CE), Byzantine (330-1453 CE), and Ottoman (1453-1922) periods.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(4)
Our guide Onur has exceeded all our expectations. We had the most amazing 3 days with him in Istanbul. He was very professional. It was great to see him waiting for us in our hotel patiently as we were late arriving due to some transfer issues from the airport (transfer from the airport has nothing to do with Turkland by the way). Onur professionally and quickly adjusted our tour so we could get the most out of it. He kindly waited for us and then took us to see the biggest bazaar in Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar...a must visit place! The next morning Onur took us on a tour of the Istanbul's enchanting Old City exploring iconic landmarks, beginning with the stunning Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, one of the world's great monuments, and the Topkapi Palace, a great example of Ottoman architecture. Onur was very knowledgeable and very clear in his communications explaining the history of these beautiful places. His English was excellent, by the way. On the morning of our last day Onur took us to Spice Market, an Ottoman-era marketplace, lots of Turkish delights, spices, herbal teas to taste/buy. After our delightful Spice Bazaar tour Onur took us on to the beautiful Bosphorus cruise with stunning views of Istanbul's iconic landmarks, places and beautiful waterfront mansions, a must do! In the afternoon, Onur kindly took us on a food tour to Kadikoy, where we went sampling the delicious & diverse Turkish cuisine in a number of restaurants...highly recommend it! Onur was an amazing tour guide, who went out of his way to help. He assisted us with rearranging our transfers to the airport, which was greatly appreciated by all. With his advice and directions we went to beautiful restaurants, our favourite being the Tersane Restaurant at Karakoy, a must visit restaurant! and other places of interest such as beautiful Basilica Cistern, the Galata Tower, Balat... We had the most amazing time in Istanbul, THANK YOU! ONUR, YOU ARE THE BEST!!!
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We hope to serve you again…
I would give 6 stars if I could. Onur was an incredible tour guide, and our group could not have dreamt up a better day. We only had 1 full day in Istanbul, and we were so lucky to spend it with Onur touring Istanbul. It was both magical and tiring. We were able to see most of the major historical sites in old town, while meeting some of his friends in town along the way and eating incredible food. We made a new life friend today with Onur, and I recommend this to absolutely anyone.
Being in Istanbul for only day meant we had to spend it pretty wisely and we were not let down to say the least. Onur showed us around to his favorite parts of Istanbul and we left with what I could say was a (super tired) magical feeling. And the only reason we felt tired was because we probably walked 10 miles. But seriously, I don’t usually write reviews but this was one was worth it. The tour felt personal, thoughtful, and special. The only thing more I can say is take a tour with Turkland!!
Mr Ozden Basak is a superior guide! He is both very knowledgeable and very friendly. We had very limited time and he made the most of it. We learned more from him then we ever could have on our own. When in Istanbul you simply must hire Ozden.