Istanbul: Must See Highlights Sightseeing and Walking Route
Step into the heart of Istanbul’s old city with a guided walking tour that blends iconic landmarks and hidden gems. From the peaceful courtyard of Caferağa Medresesi to the vibrant lanes of the Grand Bazaar, this tour offers a compact but rich experience of Istanbul’s history and culture. Visit world-famous sites like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, admire millennia-old treasures at the Archaeological Museum, and hear the stories behind ancient baths and bustling markets. Perfect for first-time visitors who want to see the essentials—and hear the secrets behind the stones.
Explore Istanbul’s historic peninsula with a professional local guide Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and more in a single 4–5 hour tour Discover stories of sultans, mosaics, and empires Enjoy a small-group or private experience with personalized insights Walk through centuries of history, from Byzantium to the Ottomans
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Istanbul: Must See Highlights Sightseeing and Walking Route
Pickup included
What's included in Istanbul: Must See Highlights Sightseeing and Walking Route
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Caferaga Medresesi
Hidden in the shadow of Hagia Sophia, this 16th-century Ottoman medrese welcomes us into the artistic soul of the old city. Designed by Mimar Sinan, it once served as a religious school. Today, its peaceful courtyard is home to traditional crafts and local artists. A calm and authentic place to begin our journey into Istanbul’s past.
Istanbul Archaeological Museum
Home to more than a million artifacts, this museum is a treasure chest of empires. From Alexander the Great’s sarcophagus to the oldest known peace treaty, every gallery offers a new chapter of human civilization. It’s not just a museum—it’s a walk through thousands of years of interconnected stories.
Ayasofya Camii
Where East meets West, and heaven meets stone. Once a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again—Hagia Sophia is not just architecture, it’s transformation carved into marble. You’ll hear the legends, see the shimmering mosaics, and feel the weight of empires under its massive dome.
Inclusions
- Insider tips on where to eat, shop, and explore during your stay
- Historical and cultural storytelling throughout the route
- Find one of the best (and little-known) panaromas in Istanbul
- Visits to key landmarks: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar
- Join Local English-speaking guide and stroll around Old City
- Tips/gratuities for your guide
- Pickup/drop-off
- Food&drinks
- Entrance fees: Ayasofya-25€, Archeology Museum-15€ (optional)
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers with leg or knee problems
- Older travelers should exercise caution
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Please arrive at the pick up point 30 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
Getting to Caferağa Medrese is easy and convenient from both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Below are some helpful directions for your arrival: By Tram (T1 Line): Take the T1 tram line and get off at Sultanahmet Station. From there, Caferağa Medrese is about a 3-minute walk. Walk towards Hagia Sophia; the Medrese is located just behind it, near the entrance to the outer courtyard. By Funicular (F1 Line – from Taksim Square): Use the F1 Funicular Line from Taksim Square to Kabataş Station, then transfer to the T1 tram towards Bağcılar and get off at Sultanahmet Station. Follow the signs to Hagia Sophia; Caferağa Medrese is nearby. By Taxi: Taxis can easily drop you off near Sultanahmet Square. From there, it’s a short walk to Caferağa Medrese. Access is direct from districts like Beşiktaş, Karaköy, Galata, Taksim, Şişli, and Eminönü. Traffic may vary depending on the time of day, so plan accordingly. ⛴ From the Asian Side (Kadıköy or Üsküdar): Take a Şehir Hatları ferry to Eminönü or Kabataş, then transfer to the T1 tram heading towards Bağcılar. Get off at Sultanahmet Station and walk to Caferağa Medrese following the signs to Hagia Sophia. Private Transfers: If you prefer a private transfer, we are happy to assist you. Please inform us at least 24 hours in advance if you'd like to arrange a transfer, and we will connect you with a trusted transportation provider. Punctual Start Commitment: This tour is planned to start precisely at the scheduled time to ensure a smooth experience and timely return. Please make sure to arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes early, as we are committed to a punctual departure. If you anticipate being late, please contact us as soon as possible. On-Time Return Guarantee: This tour is specifically designed to ensure you return in time for your cruise departure or other travel plans, if applicable. Our tour end time is carefully scheduled to align with your connecting arrangements.
Meeting Points
- Caferağa Medrese, behind Hagia Sophia, near Sultanahmet Tram Station. Please make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a smooth and timely departure. If you anticipate any delays, kindly contact us in advance.
End Points
- The tour concludes at Istanbul’s iconic and historic Grand Bazaar. Participants can enjoy free time for shopping or easily access other parts of the city using public transportation from this central location.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Dress Code for Religious Sites In accordance with the visiting guidelines for religious sites, women are required to wear a headscarf, and men are advised to wear clothing that covers at least the knee area. Footwear and Comfort This tour is entirely on foot. We highly recommend wearing comfortable, non-restrictive sneakers or walking shoes. As the attractions are within close proximity, no transportation is needed. Additionally, the Sultanahmet Historic Area is closed to vehicle traffic. Museum Entry Fees Please note that museum entry fees are not included in the tour price. Separate tickets for museums will be required. Weather Considerations Be prepared for the weather. It’s advisable to check the forecast and bring appropriate clothing for the season. Personal Items We recommend carrying a bottle of water, a camera, and any personal necessities. Please avoid carrying large bags as they may not be allowed inside some sites. Punctuality Please arrive on time at the meeting point to ensure a smooth start to your tour. Late arrivals may miss parts of the experience. Respect for Sites Kindly respect the local customs and rules of the sites we visit. Photography may be restricted in certain areas. We look forward to providing you with an enriching and memorable experience!
