Istanbul Old City Tour

Istanbul Old City Tour Detailed Tour Program

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel by your tour guide for a historic visit to the Istanbul Old City Tour. Our program will take you to its magnificent sights. Starting at Sultanahmet Square following by the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome of Constantinople, Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.

Blue Mosque:Also called Sultanahmet Mosque is a monument of the Ottoman Empire which was built between 1609-1616. By being the first mosque built with 6 minarets makes it very unique. Besides, about 21 thousand blue tiles are decorating its high ceilings and inner walls, with various flower designs, especially tulips, the symbol of the Ottoman Empire. It’s indeed a beautiful example to discover Classical Ottoman Mosque Architecture.

Hippodrome of Constantinople:The excursion continues with a visit to the Hippodrome of Constantinople. This large racecourse was built by the Roman Empire to perform chariot races. The area was used for hundreds of years to entertain the people and emperors during the Roman period. Although today the Hippodrome maybe not full exist still have remaining monuments that have witnessed its history, like the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, the Constantine Column, and the German Fountain among others.

Sultan Tombs are part of the Hagia Sophia complex, are not as well-known, yet they possess some of the best of Ottoman tile work and calligraphy. In a structure that’s part of the Aya Sofya complex, 16th and 17th-century Ottoman sultans rest in their tombs.

Hagia Sophia:Ayasofya is one of the most important Byzantine structures ever built and will be seen during Istanbul Old City Tour. It holds historical significance as a culminating feature of the Christian era Roman Empire and stands as a monument to artistic and architectural achievement. Meaning “Holy Wisdom”, it was built in just 5 years between 532 – 537 AD with the order of Emperor Justinian. The monument served as a church for 916 years, as a mosque for 482 years and it has been serving as a museum since 1935. This masterpiece was recognized as the largest cathedral in the world until the 16th century. Wonderful place to see Byzantine and Ottoman art.

Lunch: Istanbul Old City Tour includes lunch at a typical restaurant near Sultanahmet Square.

Due to its intense history is one of the most important places in this program. The palace was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet between 1465-1478 when Istanbul was taken over by the Turks. It became the residence of 24 Ottoman Sultans, including the most known and powerful sultans such as Suleiman the Magnificent and Sultan Ahmet. The meaning of is “Cannonball Gate” and Topkapi Palace will take you back to the years that the sultans lived and will give you an unforgettable experience. Get ready to see some of the most valuable Ottoman treasures, weapon collections, parliament rooms, clocks and ceramic collections of the palace through the beautiful courtyards. Sacred Relics will be visited also.

Grand Bazaar: Finally, we are reaching The Grand Bazaar and you will enjoy free time to discover its long halls and do some shopping. The Grand Bazaar has been open since 1461 and is one of the oldest commercial complexes in the world. In this bazaar, you will have the opportunity to buy all kinds of products, and souvenirs suitable for all tastes.

After a long and exciting day, Istanbul Old City Tour will be finished and you will be transported back to your hotel.