OLD CITY OF ISTANBUL (For CRUISE LINES & HOTELS)

Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Istanbul on this full-day tour, featuring the city’s most iconic landmarks from the Byzantine and Ottoman eras.

Hippodrome: Begin your journey at the Hippodrome, once the center of sport and social activity in Constantinople. Marvel at the four famous monuments here: the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine.

Hagia Sophia: Next, visit Hagia Sophia, Turkey’s most renowned museum and an architectural marvel. Originally built as a church in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, it was transformed into a mosque by Ottoman Emperor Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1453 and later into a museum in 1935. Please note that Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays.

Blue Mosque: Explore the breathtaking Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque. This majestic structure, with its six unique minarets, is one of the most magnificent Ottoman mosques in Turkey. Note that the Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays.

Topkapi Palace: Continue to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. This grand palace served as an educational, administrative, and artistic center. Delve into the imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics, palace kitchens, and historic weapons. Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.

Grand Bazaar: Conclude your tour at the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul’s largest and most captivating market. Here, you’ll find a plethora of shopping opportunities, including carpets, leather goods, jewelry, Turkish delight, gold, and antique tiles. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

Throughout the day, you will walk between these main attractions as they are located close to each other. If your hotel is within the main attraction area, your guide will pick you up on foot. Otherwise, pick-up and drop-off will be via public transport such as tram.

During the tour, you’ll also have the chance to visit shops specializing in carpets, leather, Turkish delight, and jewelry, enhancing your cultural experience with some shopping opportunities.

Join us to explore the historical traces of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires in the heart of Istanbul, experiencing the city’s rich heritage firsthand.