Visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Roman-era Hippodrome. Also discover Topkapi Palace, where Ottoman sultans held their court and shop for souvenirs at the legendary Grand Bazaar.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 7 hours
- Starting time 8:30 AM
- Skip the line through express security check
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
- Pickup included
- Pickup from all hotels in Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Beyazıt, Aksaray and Taksim areas.
Experience
Highlights
- Visit 1500-year-old Hagia Sophia
- Explore the Blue Mosque, one of the best-preserved examples of Ottoman architecture
- Discover the Grand Bazaar, one of the most famous markets in the world
Full description
Your guide will collect you from your hotel around 8 AM in a climate-controlled vehicle to embark on a walking tour of Istanbul's Sultanahmet, the heart of the Old City and both Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Your first stop is the 1500-year-old Hagia Sophia, with its grand, gilded dome: your guide will explain its rich heritage and history.
Next, stroll to the Blue Mosque, with its six slender minarets. Built for Sultan Ahmet I in the seventeenth century, it's one of the best-preserved examples of Ottoman architecture. Continue to Istanbul's Hippodrome, once the site of epic chariot races, and also the center of Byzantine life for a thousand years. Your guide will explain the countless dramas that have unfolded on this site.
Stop at the historic Caferaga Medresesi to learn about traditional handicrafts and music, before breaking for lunch at a local restaurant. Your next stop is Topkapi Palace, the home of the Ottoman sultans, their harem and their eunuchs for around 400 years. Finally, delve into the stalls and alleyways of the Grand Bazaar, one of the most famous markets in the world. Haggle for jewelry, leather, or carpets, or simply window shop. Your tour finishes at 5 PM in central Sultanahmet.
Includes
- Museum and entrance tickets
- Local expert guide
- Local lunch
- Drinks
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
Not allowed
- Luggage or large bags
Know before you go
- 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.
- Saint Sophia is open on Mondays between 01 April to 30 October
- Topkapı Palace closed on Tuesday
- Grand Bazaar closed on Sunday
