Istanbul Essential : Private Guided Old City Tour

This is the ultimate tour for first-time visitors to Istanbul. Visit the fascinating sights of Istanbul in this specially curated one or two-day tour that provides the perfect introduction to Istanbul. This tour takes in Istanbul’s highlights and goes beyond them to show you the bustling energy of the city’s bazaars, streets and hidden spots. Itinerary: Hagia Sophia-Basilica Cistern-Blue Mosque-Hippodrome-Grand Bazaar • Customize the itinerary according to your personal interests and preferences • Enjoy the private tour flexibility with a dedicated licensed tour guide

1. 1

   Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

   1.3 hours

   The Hagia Sophia with its innovative architecture, rich history, religious significance and extraordinary characteristics has been fighting against time for centuries. Constructed three times in the same location, it is the world’s oldest and fastest-completed cathedral. With its breathtaking domes that look like hanging in the air, monolithic marble columns and unparalleled mosaics are one of the wonders of the world’s architectural history. The sheer dazzling beauty of the mosque with its magnificent play on space, light, and color provokes worship in the believer. *Reminding that as it's not a museum anymore, tour guides don't have skip-the-line priority. You may need to wait in the security line up to 1 hour.

2. 2

   Basilica Cistern

   45 min

   There are hundreds of ancient cisterns hidden underneath the streets and houses of Istanbul. Of the two that are open to the public, the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) is the largest and Istanbul’s most unusual tourist attraction. Built-in 532 by Emperor Justinian, it was constructed using 336 columns, many of which were salvaged from ruined temples and feature finely carved capitals. Its symmetry and sheer grandeur of conception are quite breathtaking, and its cavernous depths make a great retreat on summer days.

3. 3

   Blue Mosque

   30 min

   Blue Mosque

4. 4

   Hippodrome

   30 min

   Hippodrome - German Fountain - Obelisk of Theodosius - Serpent Column - Walled Obelisk

5. 5

   Grand Bazaar

   1.5 hours

   Welcome to The Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops, attracting more than 300,000 visitors daily. Sellers hawk their wares at the top of the voice, and everyone has their own technique to entice you in, the colors, lights, and sounds create an exotic and unique atmosphere. Get ready to experience it.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays can be replaced with Spice Market.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.