"Walk Through History: A Bespoke Istanbul Adventure"

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Admire this ornate gazebo-style fountain, a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II to the Ottoman Empire in 1900. Its elegant design and historical significance make it a noteworthy stop on your tour.

   30 min

2. Step back in time at this ancient chariot-racing arena, once the heart of Constantinople’s social life. Here, you'll see the Serpent Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the German Fountain, each with its own unique history.

   15 min

3. Marvel at the stunning blue tiles that adorn the interior of Istanbul's most iconic mosque. Built in the early 17th century, the Blue Mosque features six minarets and a large courtyard, offering a serene atmosphere for reflection and admiration.

   45 min

4. Stand in awe of this architectural marvel that has served as both a church and a mosque. Originally built as a cathedral in 537 AD, Hagia Sophia is renowned for its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and historical significance as a symbol of Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. (Entrance Fee is not included in our tour. Entrance fee per person: 25 Euros.)

   1 h

5. Get lost in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops, the Grand Bazaar offers a bustling atmosphere where you can find everything from handmade carpets to exquisite jewelry and traditional Turkish ceramics.

   1 h

6. The Basilica Cistern, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is an ancient underground water reservoir built in 532 AD during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Known as "Yerebatan Sarnıcı" in Turkish, it is the largest of Istanbul's hundreds of cisterns. The cistern features 336 marble columns, many repurposed from earlier Roman structures, creating a striking and mysterious atmosphere. Two notable columns feature Medusa heads as bases, their origins and placement shrouded in legend. Once supplying water to the Great Palace and nearby buildings, the cistern now serves as a fascinating historical site, attracting visitors with its serene ambiance and rich history. Entrance Fee: 900 liras

   40 min

7. One of the best secret spots for apple tea in İstanbul. We would talk about turkish culture in a nice hidden coffee and tea house.

   30 minAdmission included

Cancellation

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

Reviews

Ratings come from 2 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Istanbul

• Its from-price is close to the median of the 3649 experiences we list in Istanbul.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 1807 of 3649.
• 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).

See all 3649 experiences in Istanbul