Istanbul: Full-Day Imperial & Asia Small Group Tour
ID: GYG98535-139746
Category:
Country: Turkey
Duration:
08:00 hours
Description
See the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Beylerbeyi Palace and visit the Asian side passing over the Bosphorus Bridge with an official guide including entrance fees as per itinerary, lunch and transportation on this full-day small group tour.
Begin your tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Hagia Sophia. Its massive dome still dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is also famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses and a poignant Virgin and Child.
Next, you will visit the Blue Mosque which takes its name from the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. It is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. You will see the Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire.
Visit the Grand Bazaar to see carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style. Enjoy your lunch at a rooftop restaurant with Bosphorus views.
Continue your tour by driving across the first Bosphorus Bridge and head for the summit of Çamlica Hill, which affords panoramic views of Istanbul, the Sea of Marmara, and the Princes’ Islands. From here, a short drive will take you to the Palace of Beylerbeyi on the shore of the Bosphorus.
Highlights
- See Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome
- Explore the Grand Bazaar and its 4,000 shops full of treasures
- Enjoy lunch at a rooftop restaurant with Bosphorus views
- Visit the Asian side of Istanbul, passing over the Bosphorus Bridge
- See Camlica Hill, Grand Camlica Mosque, and Beylerbeyi Palace
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Children 18-years-old and under must be accompanied by an adult
• During religious holidays, the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar will be closed
• Not recommended for participants with walking difficulties
• The Spice Bazaar may be visited prior to the Bosphorus Cruise, depending on the number of tour participants
• Every day available except Mondays and Thursdays
• On Sundays, when the Grand Bazaar is closed, you will visit Nuruosmaniye around the Grand Bazaar
• On Friday morning, the Blue Mosque will be closed
• A sample menu for lunch might include soup and seasonal appetizers and salad, a main course like meatballs or chicken, and a dessert
• 20 to 25 persons for each group
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
City center hotels on the European side of Istanbul.
INCLUDED
- Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off (city center hotels on the European side only)
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- VAT
- A 4-course lunch with a vegetarian menu available
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.
