Istanbul Old City Full-Day Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Hagia Sophia's stunning architecture
- Visit the iconic Blue Mosque
- Discover treasures at Topkapi Palace
- Stroll through the historic Hippodrome
- Enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine for lunch
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Itinerary
A comfortable vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and drive you towards the meeting point. There, you will meet your assigned professional tour guide. The experienced guide will be responsible to provide interesting descriptions about the places of interest during this walking tour. Please remeber that Istanbul is a mega city and there can be big traffic jams which will cause certain delays.
The first stop of this walking tour will take place at the Hippodrome. This used to be the place where sporting events were taking place during the Byzantine period. The broader area features 4 monuments. During your time there you may observe and admire the Egyptian Obelisk, the Column of Constantine, the Serpentine Column and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II.
Then, you will walk towards Blue Mosque, which is listed among the most visited and most important mosques of the country. This active worship place is a true miracle of interior design. Inside, you may observe the blue tiles on the walls. The tour guide will explain everything you need to know about the history and the importance of this place.
The walking tour continues with a visit to Hagia Sophia. This emblematic monument will impress you due to its size. It was constructed during the 4th century by the Constantine the Great and reconstructed again during the 6th century. Nowadays, it forms one of the most visited monuments in Turkey.
Caferağa Madrasa was built by Mimar Sinan (Koca Sinan) in 1559 by Cafer Ağa, one of the Babüssaade aghas during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566). This building was restored in 1989 by the Turkish Culture Service Foundation. Today; It serves as an art center where Traditional Turkish Arts are taught, produced and exhibited and hosting local and foreign guests with its 15 different art workshops, large hall and peaceful courtyard.
The last stop of this tour will take place in one of the most important monument in Turkey. Topkali Palace used to be the residence of the Ottoman Sultans for 5 centuries. Today, visitors can visit the palace and walk around its various rooms. Moreover, the place hosts an impressive collection of Ottoman items such as jewelleries, precious stones and costumes.
A lunch break will then offered at a local restaurant in the nearby area. Relax and enjoy your tasty meal before proceeding with the rest of the tour.
After visiting these great monuments, you will continue walking towards the infamous Grand Bazaar. This will be the perfect opportunity to exercise your bargaining skills and to experience the real vibes of the city. With 4000 shops, located in narrow labyrinth-like paths, Grand Bazaar impresses visitors since the very first moments. There, you can find clothes, handcrafts of all kinds, street food and many other interesting souvenirs.
After the last stop, you will return to your hotel with a modern vehicle. This walking tour will be an interesting excursion and will offer you an unforgettable journey in time.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in English; ensure you are comfortable with the language.
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas; follow the guide's instructions.
- Be prepared for potential crowds at popular sites; patience is appreciated.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves significant walking.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection during outdoor visits.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Children will be asked to present their valid passports at the entrance of the museums in order to validate their age.
Traveler reviews
Pretty good
A lot of informations, fun and great guide that has passion to the history of Stambul. Good lunch included, everything was smooth and well organized
Wonderful experience.
Wonderful tour because you get to walk around the city and learn about different monuments. Lunch at a local restaurant also included 😋
One of best tours of Isranbul turkey
Without doubt one of the favourite city of Turkey Antalya. Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed by tour guide , our names were mentioned on the board and we felt welcomed and with such a friendly atmosphere we had a fantastic start! The guide and tour was extremely good, very flexible (appreciate this!) and for that she deserves a special thanks. We had experienced of hot air ballon in pamakulle, early in the morning with beautiful viewsand amazing sunrise, which obviously also added up to the experience. We had 2nd tour of istanbul dinner cruise in istanbul city with lots of enjoying moments fabalous dance and lovely belly dance on the boat with them 3rd tour was with most talented and very passionate lady Gamze on tour of istanbul city toyr , Gamze was such a warm personality and highly motivated guide (recommendable!). I truly enjoyed walking the two of us through the area. The scenery was beautiful and it was a relieve to walk in such a quiet and peaceful environment. She gave all the details of beautiful mosques. The atmosphere is so special that it really felt like home to all of us. All respect for eEric and management who does a great job there; a true sample of excellent tour guide! Many thanks to Eric and guest relation department of excursion mania and I recommend there tours to everyone!
Day trip Istanbul
Great guide. (Sabit). Really easy booking and reliable messages to keep me updated. Loads of opportunity to ask questions during the tour.
Tour in Istanbul
I loved the places I visited! Many thanks to Guide (Patul) . I would not hesitate to do so again if the opportunity arises once again.