Get the perfect introduction to Istanbul's history, art and culture with a 4-hour tour through the heart of the Old City. Take in slender minarets, tiled mosaics and frescoes at Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, then see the historic landmarks of Hippodrome Square, where ancient charioteers and athletes competed for Byzantine emperors. Learn to navigate the sprawling aisles of the Grand Bazaar, with inside tips on shopping for Turkish carpets and handicrafts.
All entrance fees included
Hotel pickup included
Step back in time on a history tour
Half-day tour of Istanbul's Old City
Get an overview and orientation of the most important sites
Visit religious landmarks, historic places and a famous market
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Professional guide
Hotel pickup (selected hotels only)
Entry or Admission - Blue Mosque
Entry or Admission - Hagia Sophia Museum or Church (Ayasofya)
Entry or Admission - Hippodrome (At Meydani)
Exclusions
Hotel drop-off
Gratuities
Departure & Return
Departure point
Your centrally-located Istanbul hotel
Departure Time
9:00amHotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time
Return Details
Grand Covered Bazaar
What To Expect
Meet your guide at your centrally-located Istanbul hotel, and enjoy views of the Old City's winding streets and historic buildings as you travel to Hagia Sophia. Trace the building's extraordinary path from 6th-century, Orthodox cathedral to mosque and museum, and discover gleaming mosaics, soaring domes, tombs and baptismal fonts. Duck into the gracious courtyard of the Blue Mosque, where Istanbul's devout gather for six daily prayers beneath a tiled dome and elegant minarets. Learn about the Sultan who built the Blue Mosque during his short, tumultuous 14-year reign. Travel even farther into Istanbul's past at Hippodrome Square: discover a series of landmarks left by successive emperors, rulers and military leaders on the spot where Byzantines gathered for ancient sporting events. Finish your day at the Grand Bazaar, and enjoy the flexibility to browse the sprawling shopping complex at your own pace. Get advice on where to find Istanbul's best selection of handicrafts, souvenirs and antiques, or meet with a local carpet salesman to learn how to choose a high quality product.Please note: Hagia Sophia (Closed on Mondays; will be replaced with Underground Cistern), Grand Bazaar (Closed on Sundays; additional time will be spent at the other locations).
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
The Grand Covered Bazaar is closed on Sundays - on this day of the week it will be replaced with a visit to an authentic shop
On Friday mornings before 1:00pm, the Blue Mosque is only visited from the outside because of the noon prayer
Please note that there may be long waiting times for entry to the Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays. On this day of the week, this part of the tour will be replaced by a visit to the Yerebatan Cistern.
Children must be accompanied by an adult
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel At least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.