Highlights of Istanbul
Dive into Istanbul’s Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history on a small-group 7-hour tour, and visit the city’s historical highlights. Traveling mostly by foot, hear revealing facts and historical anecdotes about the city, and visit must-sees such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Learn about Istanbul’s remarkable past from your informative guide, and stop for lunch and a shopping session at the Grand Bazaar, home to a myriad of tempting stalls. Numbers are limited to 15 people on this small-group tour to ensure personalized attention from a guide.
Not: Grand Baazar is closed on Sunday.
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Highlights of Istanbul
Pickup included
What's included in Highlights of Istanbul
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque). Take in the immense, flat dome and famous minarets, and explore inside with your guide. Absorb the ocean of over 20,000 Iznik tiles that lend the mosque its name, and behold the magnificent, rich carpets and windows.
Hagia Sophia Moschee
Hagia Sophia Museum, a one-time mosque converted from a 6th-century Christian basilica built by Emperor Justinian I. Marvel at the incredible building and admire the interior’s glimmering, handcrafted mosaics and rich decoration.
Hippodrome
Hippodrome, the former sporting and social center of Constantinople. See the remnants of this historical arena, and imagine how the long-ago locals felt when they came here to watch exciting horse and chariot races. The Constantinople Hippodrome ( nowadays Sultanahmet Square) is a place where different cultures converge, showcasing the rich history of several great eras. It has always been a favorite center for entertainment, sports, and cultural events in the old city of Istanbul. The elite of society used to hold meetings and communicate with each other in this place. Local attractions include the Obelisk of Theodosius, a pink granite column from Egypt, one of the city's oldest monuments., Serpentine Column, and a unique fountain gifted to the city by the German Kaiser Wilhelm II.
Inclusions
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Gratuities
- Drinks
- Lunch
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 30 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation. Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
