Small-Group Istanbul Old City Guided Tour

Small-Group Must See Istanbul Old City Tour

Small-Group Istanbul Old City Guided Tour

By Istanbul Tour Guide Israfil

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
4h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation

Overview

This tour is mainly for first-time visitors of Istanbul, offering a comprehensive exploration of the city's gems.

It serves as a great introduction to Istanbul, providing a deeper visit to significant historical attractions than the usual tourist routes.

You'll experience a personalized tour where questions are welcome, and have the opportunity to discover hidden gems, gaining a better understanding of the city in this carefully tailored one-day experience.

As a licensed tour guide with seven years of experience, a language teacher, and a PhD candidate student of art philosophy, I'm here to accompany you on your Istanbul journey for a few hours.

Exploring a new place goes beyond merely visiting historical monuments; gaining a profound understanding of the destination's sociological and cultural facets enhances the experience. I am committed to crafting a tour that not only showcases landmarks but also enriches through meaningful connections.

Activity location

German Fountain
- Hippodrome Square,
- 34122, Istanbul, Turkiye

Meeting/Redemption Point

German Fountain
- At Meydanı Caddesi
- 34122, Binbirdirek, İstanbul, Turkiye

Check availability

Small-Group Istanbul Old City Guided Tour

4h
English

Travelers

Language options: English

Starting time: 10:00

Price details

P 2,998.05 x 1 AdultP 2,998.05

Total

Until Fri, May 10

What's included, what's not

Coffee and/or Tea

Know before you book

Wheelchair accessible
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
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

German Fountain

Our meeting point...

Hippodrome

The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi have survived. The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that was the sporting and social center of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today it is a square named Sultanahmet Meydanı, internationaly referred to as the Sultan Ahmet Square and located in the heart of the historical peninsula of Istanbul.

Arasta Bazaar

Located on the side of the Blue Mosque, Arasta Bazaar was constructed as a part of the Blue Mosque complex in the 17th century. The primary purpose of the market was creating funds by the rents of the shops to upkeep the massive mosque complex. The majority of the mosques in Istanbul have a need that was initially financing the free services of the mosques up to the Republic Era. After the republic, most shops were bought by people and turned out to have no connection to the mosques. Arasta Bazaar has lots of shops focusing on different products and still serves its guests.

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, also known by its official name, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Turkish: Sultan Ahmet Camii), is an Ottoman-era historical imperial mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was constructed between 1609 and 1617 during the rule of Ahmed I and remains a functioning mosque today.

Hagia Sophia Mosque

Only OUTER visit. Due to the new regulations by the Ministerry of Tourism, tour guides are not allowed to give explanations inside of Hagia Sophia since 15th of January 2024. And additionally there is no skip the line for tour guides anymore. That's why our visit to Hagia Sophia will be only outer explanation. The Hagia Sophia Mosque is a true masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and a significant symbol of history and culture. It is known for its Grand Central Dome, intricate mosaics, and delicate stonework. Hagia Sophia's history spans 1500 years. Once a Church, then a Museum, and now a Mosque, the monument has witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties.

Caferaga Medresesi

A 300 hundreds years old muslim school. This is the place where we will have a tea break and talk about the prolific architect of Ottoman Era. The place serves as a centre for some Turkish handcraft arts where youı can see some good example of this arts.

Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar! A market with more than 500 years of history, 64 streets, 22 gates, and more than 4,000 shops. Not only a shopping mall but also a manufacturing center. A place where you can lose yourself in history and mystery. That is the most significant and oldest market in the world. (Closed on Sundays)

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)

Built in 1664, as part of the Yeni Camii (New Mosque) complex, it is known in Turkish as Mısır Çarşısı, and sometimes translated to "Egyptian Bazaar" or "Corn Market" (mısır means both Egypt and corn in Turkish) Just about every spice you can imagine is on offer, heaped into vibrant domes. However, rather than go home with the familiar, it's better to look out for some typically Turkish spices and products, so you can continue to enjoy your favorite Turkish tastes on your return.

Basilica Cistern

25m
Admission ticket not included

Skip the line. Entrance fee is 18 Eruos and is not included in the tour price. A water storage dates back to the 6th century which has a spectacular sample of Roman architecture.

Location

Activity location

German Fountain
- Hippodrome Square,
- 34122, Istanbul, Turkiye

Meeting/Redemption Point

German Fountain
- At Meydanı Caddesi
- 34122, Binbirdirek, İstanbul, Turkiye

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