Istanbul old city tour

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. sultanahmet square

   15 min

2. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks. It was built between 1609–1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque is known for its six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles decorating its interior. Today, it remains an active mosque and a major attraction visited by millions of tourists every year.

   30 min

3. visit a traditional turkish delight shop and discover a variety of authentic Turkish sweets and local specialities. Visit a local leather store to discover Turkish leather. no purchase is required.

   1 h

4. During this tour, guests will visit the famous Basilica Cistern — one of Istanbul’s most impressive underground landmarks, built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. Inside, they will walk through a magical underground space filled with hundreds of ancient marble columns reflected in the water, softly illuminated to create a mysterious atmosphere. Visitors will learn about the history of the cistern, how it supplied water to the Great Palace of Constantinople, and discover fascinating architectural details hidden beneath the city. The tour also includes the opportunity to see the legendary Medusa head columns, one of the most iconic and mysterious symbols of the Basilica Cistern. Guests can enjoy incredible photo spots, peaceful ambient sounds, and a unique glimpse into Byzantine history beneath the streets of Istanbul.

   45 min

5. Hagia Sophia, also known as Ayasofya, is one of Istanbul’s most iconic historical landmarks. It was built in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian I as a church and later became a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. It also served as a museum before becoming a mosque again. Hagia Sophia is famous for its massive dome, stunning architecture, and unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman history.

   1 h

6. Topkapi Palace is one of the most important historical landmarks in Istanbul. It was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years (from the 15th to the 19th century). Today it is a large museum complex where you can see how the Ottoman Empire was ruled and how the sultans lived. Inside the palace you will find: * ️ Royal courtyards and beautiful Ottoman architecture * Treasures of the Ottoman Empire, including jewelry and gold objects * The Sacred Relics section (religious artifacts of great importance in Islam) * Stunning views over the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn

   2 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Know before you go

How it compares in Istanbul

• Its from-price is 79% below the median of the 530 city tours we list in Istanbul.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Istanbul

Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus, with Byzantine and Ottoman monuments, busy bazaars and ferries crossing between continents.

The historic peninsula holds the greatest landmarks. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome face each other in Sultanahmet, the Basilica Cistern lies beneath the streets, and Topkapı Palace spreads across the hill above the Golden Horn. A short walk away, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar have traded for centuries, and Süleymaniye Mosque, built by the great Ottoman architect Sinan, crowns one of the city's seven hills.

Top-ranked sights in Istanbul: Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi), Bosphorus, Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu).

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