Private Historical Walking tour in Istanbul with Guide
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Private Historical Walking tour in Istanbul with Guide
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Private Historical Walking tour in Istanbul with Guide

5 h
Private
With guide
By walk
Instant confirmation
About this activity
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Topkapi Palace, Cankurtaran Mahallesi Gulhane Park, Near Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul 34122 Turkey

Experience Turkey through a sultan's eyes at one of Istanbul's most significant landmarks, the Topkapi Palace. See the Ottoman style architecture blending with Islamic influence. Learn how the palace came to become a symbol of Turkey's transformation from a feudal society (swapping land for service or labour) into a mighty empire.

Sultans walked the halls of Topkapi Palace for over 400 years, and it's in these rooms that social events and administrative policies shaped the very development of Turkish civilization.

You might need all day to really dive deep into everything on offer here. Soak up the culture and Turkish pride as you walk through the grand Imperial Gate, onto the landscaped First Courtyard, and into the magnificent Gate of Salutation to the Second Courtyard.

It was in this very spot that Sultan Selim III oversaw state functions and ceremonial assemblies.

See the treasury, bathhouses, harems, and an armory, and feel the imperial charm of halls and royal chambers. Audio guides are available onsite for a more in-depth understanding.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya), Ayasofya Square, Sultanahmet, Istanbul 34122 Turkey

Discover the 8th wonder of the world with a ticket to Istanbul's spectacular Hagia Sophia. The epitome of Byzantine architecture, the Hagia Sofia has changed hands once or twice in its time. It's been a Greek Orthodox cathedral, an Ottoman mosque, and now it's a secular museum - but it retains beautiful strands of its various spiritual incarnations.

If you had time for just one fix of culture in Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia should be it. This towering masterpiece of Byzantine architecture is truly one of the world's most breathtaking buildings.

After you've finished standing in sheer awe at the Hagia's striking exterior, make your way inside and prepare to get dizzy from double-taking! The scale of the art and architecture within is something that has to be experienced first hand to be believed.

Marvel at a beautiful blend of Christian and Islamic aesthetics, and crane to see the monumental dome - which appears to float above the ceiling. The effect is caused by a ring of windows along the bast of the dome that scatters light around the immense central nave.

It's a Turkish delight that every culture lover needs to see at least once in their life.

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Basilica Cistern, Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Caddesi, No:1/3, Istanbul 34410 Turkey

From ancient wonders to Hollywood movie stars, the Basilica Cistern has seen it all. Come explore the sunken movie location and the largest (and most atmospheric) of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie hidden beneath the city of Istanbul.

Built in 532, this underground cistern is one that Tom Hanks knows well. He was down here filming the adaptation of Dan Brown's thriller Inferno in 2016. It was also featured in the James Bond movie From Russia with Love. Hollywood producers were clearly captivated by the atmosphere of this ancient place, and now you can experience it yourself.

Walk along the raised platforms and soak up the sights - without soaking up any of the water! You'll be standing safe and dry among 336 illuminated marble and granite columns. The Byzantine architecture down here has stood the test of time (and a lot of tourists).

See the different building materials used across different eras, and don't miss the two creepy Medusa heads at the base of the columns. Less creepy are the carp! The shallow waters make a perfect home for these fish to thrive.

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Hippodrome (At Meydani), Istanbul Turkey

Pull on your comfy shoes — it's a long trek through time on this 3-hour tour to the Roman Hippodrome, the majestic Blue Mosque, the German Fountain and the Grand Bazaar. Get the history, myths and legends surrounding each famous landmark from your guide. A must-do in Istanbul!

At the Roman Hippodrome, let your mind journey back through the centuries, when this grand arena would have been filled with cheering Romans watching chariot races.

Walk through landscaped gardens to the Sultanahmet Mosque, otherwise known as the Blue Mosque. It's named for the 20,000 handmade ceramic Iznik tiles which decorate the vast interior. Spot the flowers, from carnations to roses and lilies, all illuminated by 260 windows. You'll soon learn why this is one of the country's most important mosques.

After stopping for a history fix at the German Fountain, head to the gigantic Grand Bazaar, a true shopper's paradise. At one of the planet's biggest covered markets you can smell, taste and stroll around 4,000 unique stalls, all selling things you never knew you needed.

If you're looking for a comprehensive half-day guide to Istanbul's top landmarks and a glimpse at times gone by, this in-depth tour is a no-brainer.

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Kapali Carsi, Eminounu Eminounu, Istanbul 34126 Turkey

Pull on your comfy shoes — it's a long trek through time on this 3-hour tour to the Roman Hippodrome, the majestic Blue Mosque, the German Fountain and the Grand Bazaar. Get the history, myths and legends surrounding each famous landmark from your guide. A must-do in Istanbul!

At the Roman Hippodrome, let your mind journey back through the centuries, when this grand arena would have been filled with cheering Romans watching chariot races.

Walk through landscaped gardens to the Sultanahmet Mosque, otherwise known as the Blue Mosque. It's named for the 20,000 handmade ceramic Iznik tiles which decorate the vast interior. Spot the flowers, from carnations to roses and lilies, all illuminated by 260 windows. You'll soon learn why this is one of the country's most important mosques.

After stopping for a history fix at the German Fountain, head to the gigantic Grand Bazaar, a true shopper's paradise. At one of the planet's biggest covered markets you can smell, taste and stroll around 4,000 unique stalls, all selling things you never knew you needed.

If you're looking for a comprehensive half-day guide to Istanbul's top landmarks and a glimpse at times gone by, this in-depth tour is a no-brainer.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Misir Carsisi (Spice Market), Rustem Pasa Mahallesi, Erzak Ambari Sok. No:92 Eminonu - Fatih, Istanbul 34116 Turkey

Spice Bazaar

No visit to Istanbul is complete without stopping by the atmospheric Spice Bazaar. While the Grand Bazaar may be the largest and most famous of Istanbul's covered bazaars, this spice market wins the prize for being the most colorful, fragrant, and often the most fun – as visitors can taste the goods on offer.

Built in 1664, as part of the Yeni Camii (New Mosque) complex, it is known in Turkish as Mısır Çarşısı, and sometimes translated to "Egyptian Bazaar" or 'Corn Market' (mısır means both Egypt and corn in Turkish).

Duration: 30 minutes

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Not included
  • Parking Fees
  • Entry/Admission - Topkapi Palace
  • Entry/Admission - Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya)
  • Entry/Admission - Basilica Cistern
Additional
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Infant seats available
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
75%
Sport
20%
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