Istanbul Essentials For First Timers

Høydepunkter

Inkludert

Rute

1. Once part of Topkapi Palace, this relaxing and beautiful public park is more than a recreational area. This area played a very crucuial role in the history of Istanbul, but also of Turkish Republic. In April, it is full of tulips. In May, roses replace tulips. Every seasons, it looks amazing in its own way.

   20 min

2. The first-of-its-kind, Sultan Ahmed Fountain in front of Topkapi Palace is an elegant monument in itself. Surrounded by Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, this Fountain rarely gets the attention that it deserves. We will examine its Tulip Period ornaments with a special attention and understand its impact to the city.

   10 min

3. Yerebatan (Basilica) Cistern is a 6th-century Roman water structure and the largest of its kind in Istanbul. With endless rows of columns, its has a unique appearance. It is considered as a top sight in Istanbul. There may be a 30-minute waiting time on busy days.

   1 t

4. This 17th-century masterpiece of Ottoman architecture is one of the top sights in Istanbul. Its interior provides one of the most glamorous examples of Ottoman mosques. It is decorated with thousands of tiles and extensive penwork. Starting from its outer courtyard to the inner corners, this mosque provides several elegant examples of the Turkish artistic taste of the 17th century.

   1 t

5. Sultanahmet Square is the ancient Roman Hippodrome and contains some of Istanbul's oldest and most important sights. The Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, Masonary Obelisk and German Fountain are among those sights. Each of them has its own fascinating stories and not-easy-to-notice aspects, which I will happily share during our visit.

   1 t

6. The Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul is one of the masterpieces of world architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 6th-century building contains artistic items and architectural features from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations. It is a must-see in Istanbul, but for that reason, there are long queues which may result with 1-2 hours of waiting time. (If my guests prefer to see the building only from outside in order not to wait in a long queue, an alternative destination can be added)

   1 t

7. As a key city of the Silk Road and the Spice Road, Istanbul boasts the presence of some of the best medieval bazaars in the world. The Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar are still some of most lively commercial buildings in Istanbul. Depending on the personal preference of my guests, we can visit one or both of them. Grand Bazaar is closed on sunday.

   1 t

8. Although Blue Mosque is the most visited Ottoman mosque in Istanbul because of its location at the heart of Old City, several other mosques are worth visiting because of their historical significance and architectural aspects. Beyazit Mosque in particular contains very interesting features that are unique in Istanbul. We will take a look at its colorful decoration dated 1505.

   1 t

Avbestilling

Gratis avbestilling inntil 24 timer før opplevelsen starter, med full refusjon.

Anmeldelser

Vurderingene kommer fra 27 anmeldelser som bookingpartneren vår har samlet inn. Det er de reisendes egne ord, i den rekkefølgen de ble skrevet — aldri stokket om for å pynte på opplevelsen.

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How it compares in Istanbul

• Its from-price is 28% below the median of the 530 byturer we list in Istanbul.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 124 of 530.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Istanbul

Istanbul strekker seg over Europa og Asia ved Bosporos, med bysantinske og osmanske monumenter, travle basarer og ferger mellom kontinentene.

Den historiske halvøya rommer de største landemerkene. Hagia Sofia, Den blå moské og Hippodromen vender mot hverandre i Sultanahmet, Basilikacisternen ligger under gatene, og Topkapi-palasset brer seg over høyden over Gullhornet. En kort spasertur unna har Den store basar og Kryddermarkedet handlet i århundrer, og Süleymaniye-moskeen, bygget av den store osmanske arkitekten Sinan, kroner en av byens sju åser.

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

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