Istanbul Classics Tour
ID: GYG2285-2285
Category:
Sight Seeing
Country: Turkey
Duration:
03:00 hours
Description
Enjoy a half-day tour of Istanbul and explore the Byzantine and Ottoman heart of the Old City. See Istanbul icons such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome, and stroll through the lively Grand Bazaar looking for souvenir gifts.
Take a 3.5-hour tour of Istanbul’s "Sultan Ahmet Center," and discover the heart of the Old City, the seat of the former Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. During the guided tour, you will visit some of Istanbul’s major icons, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome
Skip the line at the magnificent Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Opposite the Hagia Sophia lies the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, famous for the stunning blue İznik tiles that furnish its interior. Its 6 minarets stand proudly over the horizon, and can be seen from all across the city.
You will also visit the ancient Hippodrome, center of chariot races, athletic events, and political activities in ancient times. See the Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, among other superb monuments.
Use your free time to head into the crowds at the Grand Covered Bazaar, Istanbul’s most attractive shopping center, and the largest souk in the world. Explore more than 4,000 shops selling everything from antiques, to jewelry, to gold, carpets, leatherware, and souvenir items. Try your hand at haggling and see if you can walk away with a bargain!
Highlights
- Visit the monumental Hagia Sophia
- See the splendid Blue Mosque, icon of Istanbul
- Go to the Hippodrome and follow in the footsteps of chariot races and athletic events
- Stroll through the lively Grand Covered Bazaar and pick up a souvenir bargain
- Enjoy complimentary pick-up from all centrally located Istanbul hotels
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• 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 1:00 PM, 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
• Pick-up is only available for centrally located Istanbul hotels
• Free shuttle pick-up is offered between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM (depending on the location of your hotel), and takes 45 to 60 minutes
• Please note that on the afternoon tour you will visit other authentic shops instead of the Grand Bazaar
• 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. Hagia Sophia is not closed on Mondays on high season
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 must bring your own headphones
You are required to bring and wear a mask
You will receive a mandatory temperature check
Guests should come to the meeting point which is in front of the Tamara Restaurant or The Marmara Taksim Hotel at 08:00.
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.
