4 h

Instant confirmation

About this activity

Get the most out of Istanbul on a 4.5-hour sightseeing tour of the city’s top spots and hidden gems with a local guide. Learn the best places to stop for snacks, savor coffee, and sip tea as you meander between sights.

Your walking tour begins with an exploration of the city’s ancient Hippodrome, where chariot races reigned supreme for centuries. From here, you'll pay a visit to Divan Yolu. Emperor Constantine mapped out this main thoroughfare of Istanbul’s Old City (now home to tea gardens and eateries as well as Ottoman mosques and intriguing shops) in the early 3rd century.

Next up is Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, internationally known as the first-ever shopping mall and home to an incredible array of approximately 4,000 shops. Wander through its backstreets, making a special stop at the book bazaar where Turkey’s first printed book was sold in 1729.

Continue on to the magnificent Süleymaniye Külliyesi, one of the city’s best-known sights. Marvel at the original Turkish baths — part of the larger mosque complex — and learn all about the traditional bathing ritual. Your guide will also provide local insight into Islam before whisking you off to try Turkish tea in a tea house, which offers amazing city views.

Then, it’s off to the Rustem Pasha Mosque, an Istanbul highlight. Rustem Pasha is Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan’s first octagonal-plan mosque, and its interior is covered with some of the most exquisite iznik tiles ever produced.

Your Istanbul tour wraps up in the colorful and vibrant Spice Bazaar. From here, your guide can direct you to a local lokanta (small restaurant) for lunch or provide additional tips on where to go in the city to make the most of your remaining stay.

Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.

IMPORTANT note: The Blue Mosque in Istanbul will be closed between 1st March - 15th May for renovation. To compensate we will be visiting Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque, which was built in 1572 (older than Blue Mosque) and location is here

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Included

Local English-speaking guide
Tour of Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar and Book Bazaar
Tea at a local tea house
Visit to the Süleymaniye Mosque complex
Visit to Rustem Pasa Mosque

Not included

Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Mosques have very strict dress codes. Women must wear long and loose clothing and ensure their arms, legs and head are fully covered when visiting. Men must cover above their knees and their shoulders. Otherwise you will be refused entry
IMPORTANT note: The Blue Mosque in Istanbul will be closed between 1st March - 15th May for renovation. To compensate we will be visiting Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque, which was built in 1572 (older than Blue Mosque)

Features

Tourism

95%

Cultural

90%

Reviews

4.5

4

M

Mr W G M

5 | 2017-05-26

Perfect tour for someone who had arrived three hours earlier after a sleepless overnight flight from Durban. Only two of us on tour along with our guide Ekrem. Leisurely and informative tour. Ekrem was relaxed and friendly. Off beaten track tea shop with panoramic view. Wow. Recommend.

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