Istanbul: Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour with Local Guide Istanbul: Classics and Ottoman Relics Tour
ID: GYG105248-151747
Category:
Country: Turkey
Duration:
07:00 hours
Description
Visit the top historical attractions of Istanbul with our one-day walking tour. Explore UNESCO-listed Hagia Sophia Museum, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar.
In the heart of the “Old City” you will stumble upon:
Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) is a UNESCO-listed museum that contains Ottoman and Byzantine works. From the Golden Age of Byzantine Empire, this once a Christian church is one of the most extraordinary buildings in the history of architecture. Listen to its history and examine the architecture together with a professional guide.
Next stop is Topkapi Palace, the largest and oldest palace in the world to survive to our day and also was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for approximately 400 years.
Then, make a visit to the Blue Mosque with six minarets, which was built at the bequest of Sultan Ahmet I, and is one of the best preserved and most significant examples of Ottoman architecture.
Continue to Istanbul Hippodrome where chariot races were held. It was the center of Byzantium’s life for 1000 years and of Ottoman life for another 400 years and has been the scene of countless political dramas.
Stop by Caferaga Medresesi, a cultural organization that teaches and promotes traditional Turkish handicrafts. The courtyard is home to the pleasant Caferağa Medresesi Çay Bahçesi tea garden.
A small break for lunch in a local restaurant serving typical Turkish dishes will be served.
The last stop of your journey is the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Its numerous shops are bursting with everything you can imagine, from jewelry to silk clothing, and traditional copperware to exotic, Oriental imports and many more hidden gems.
Highlights
- Immerse in Istanbul's rich heritage with this 8.5-hour walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old City
- Discover the Hagia Sophia cathedral-mosque, the vast Blue Mosque and the Roman-era Hippodrome
- Wander the grounds, courtyards and chambers of Topkapi Palace
- Visit the famous Grand Bazaar
- Enjoy a lunch served in a local restaurant
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays; should you travel on this day, you will visit the Basilica Cistern instead
• Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays; should you travel on this day, you will visit the Basilica Cistern instead
• The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays; should you travel on this day, you will spend additional time at Arasta Bazaar
• Please note that the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) will be closed to visitors between March 1 2018 and May 15 2018 due to renovations
• Hagia Sophia is open on Mondays between 01 April to 30 October
• Gratuities for your guide have not been included in the cost of this tour
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
You are required to bring and wear a mask
Pickup from all hotels in the Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Beyazıt, Aksaray, and Taksim areas.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
