Top Sites of Old Istanbul - Small Group
Top Sites of Old Istanbul Tour - Small Group - Half Day Tour
The best choice for any first-timer, Top sites of Old Istanbul, is a Half-day, small group tour. Discover what has made Istanbul such a majestic and historically significant city by hitting all of the hot spots and then some!
Duration
4 Hours
Departure
10 am ( fridays at 2 pm )
Group Size
2 – 12 People
Meeting Point
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant
Details will be provided with email.
Highlights
- Visit Blue Mosque, whose interior is covered in some of the most exquisite iznik tiles ever produced
- Gain insights to history and culture from your local guide
- Admire historical buildings on the shores
- Explore the labyrinth that is the Grand Bazaar
- Be stunned by stellar views of Istanbul and hear tales of both Byzantine and Ottoman drama and intrigue.
Itinerary
After meeting with your guide you will cover the sites below and the tour will end in Grand Bazaar
Hippodrome: The former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. You will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi, and fountain of Willhelm II.
Blue Mosque: One of the biggest mosques of Istanbul from 17th-century architecture is one of the principal adornments on the skyline of Istanbul. Also famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets.
Basilica Cistern: The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most surprising tourist attractions. This huge, palace-like underground hall, supported by 336 columns in 12 rows, once stored the imperial water supply for the Byzantine emperors.
St. Sophia: The magnificent Byzantine Church of all times; one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world.
Grand Bazaar: In addition to its historical importance, it’s a bazaar that will tempt even the nonshoppers with its rich collection. ( on Sundays, Grand Bazaar is closed and will be replaced with Spice Bazaar )
Tour Price:
50 Euros per person (12 years old and older )
30 Euros for children between the ages of 6 and 11.
For families with children under 6 years old, we recommend considering our private tour option, which can be tailored to better accommodate younger children.
Please Note
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and will be replaced with Spice Bazaar.
This tour involves entering Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Ladies and gentlemen are required to dress appropriately by covering their shoulders and ensure coverage past their knees. Ladies will need to cover their heads. Please have a scarf with you and they also sell in Hagia Sophia with the price of 5 USD
- We have right the skip the ticket lines at Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia but none has priority to skip security lines.
- Entry fee of Cistern is 900 TL and 25 Euros for Hagia Sophia. Tour price does not include entry fees and you can pay to your guide in cash so your guide will get tickets without waiting at the lines.
What is Included
- Licenced tour guiding
- Tea or Turkish Coffee in a local place
- Skipping the line at the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern ticket line
What is not Included
- Foods and drinks
- Entry fees ( 900 TL for the cistern and 25 Euros for Hagia Sophia )
- Tipping tour guide
- Personal expenses
Booking Request
Small-group tours are conducted in English, with the option to request private tours in both English and Spanish. You can ask other languages too.
Pudding shop lale restaurant and 1 minute walking distance to Sultanahmet tram stop?
Tour ends in Grand Bazaar and at the conclusion of the tour, your guide will provide guidance on returning to your accommodations or any other desired destinations.
We offer private tours that can be customized to your preferences. Our licensed guides can meet you at your hotel in the city center at a time convenient for you. Contact us to plan your tailored experience.
Guests are able to bypass the ticket lines at the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia However, it is important to note that there are no special privileges for skipping lines at the Blue Mosque or other mosques. Thank you for your understanding.