About this activity
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Itinerary
- Suggested Start Time: Flexible between 09:00 am and 10:30 am. Your private guide will meet you at your hotel, and you will set off in a comfortable private vehicle towards the Sultanahmet square
- Sultanahmet Square: Walk through the heart of the ancient city, where empires once ruled
- Alman Çeşmesi (German Fountain): Admire this stunning gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II
- Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque): Explore one of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul, famous for its blue Iznik tiles and elegant domes
- Hippodrome of Constantinople: Discover the former center of Byzantine social life, where chariot races once captivated audiences
- Nakkaş Store: Visit this unique shop featuring traditional Turkish art and an intricate scale model of the Hippodrome
- Grand Bazaar: Wander through one of the world's oldest covered markets, filled with authentic Turkish goods, from carpets to jewelry and ceramics
- Tram Ride to the Spice Bazaar: Enjoy a scenic tram journey to the Egyptian Bazaar, known for its rich aromas of spices, teas, and sweets
- Return to your hotel: After your visits, your private transfer will take you back to your hotel
Highlights
- Sultanahmet Square: Stroll through the historic heart of Istanbul, where Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires once thrived.
- German Fountain (Alman Çeşmesi): Admire the elegant neo-Byzantine design of this ornamental fountain, gifted by German Emperor Wilhelm II.
- Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii): Visit this iconic masterpiece renowned for its cascading domes and striking blue İznik tiles.
- Hippodrome of Constantinople: Explore the ancient social and sporting center of Byzantine Constantinople, once hosting thrilling chariot races.
- Nakkaş Store: Experience authentic Turkish craftsmanship and view the detailed scale model of the historic Hippodrome.
- Grand Bazaar: Wander through one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, offering a vibrant array of carpets, jewelry, spices, and more.
- Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): Enjoy a scenic tram ride to this aromatic marketplace, famed for its colorful selection of spices, teas, and Turkish delights.
- Tailored Guiding Experience: Accompanied by a licensed local guide fluent in your preferred language, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience.
Includes
- Private transfer throughout the tour
- Drinks on the transfer vehicle (water, sparkling water)
- Licensed Local Guide in Your Preferred Language
- Specific vehicle request for transfer (additional fee applies)
- Personal expenses, including dining
Details
Step into the heart of Istanbul, where history and commerce have intertwined for centuries, shaping the city’s vibrant soul. This immersive half-day tour takes you through the historic Old Town, where emperors once ruled, and traders from all over the world gathered to exchange goods, stories, and cultures.
Your journey begins in the iconic Sultanahmet Square, a place that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires. Here, you’ll admire the grandeur of the German Fountain and the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Mosque, whose elegant domes and intricate blue tiles have captivated visitors for centuries. As you walk through the ancient Hippodrome, once the epicenter of Byzantine entertainment, you’ll get a glimpse of the city’s lively past.
From history to commerce, the next chapter of your adventure takes you to Nakkaş, a hidden gem where art, culture, and history come together. This unique store not only offers exquisite handcrafted goods but also features a remarkable scale model of the ancient Hippodrome, bringing its lost glory to life.
Next, you’ll dive into the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. With over 4,000 shops lining its labyrinthine streets, this historic marketplace is a paradise for those seeking authentic Turkish carpets, jewelry, ceramics, and spices. Let the sights, sounds, and scents of this vibrant bazaar transport you to a different era.
To complete your journey, hop on a scenic tram ride to the Spice Bazaar, a sensory wonderland filled with fragrant spices, exotic teas, and traditional Turkish delights. Here, you can sample flavors that have been traded along the Silk Road for centuries, making it the perfect place to pick up a piece of Istanbul to take home.
With expert guidance, comfortable private transfers, and a seamless itinerary, this tour is the perfect way to experience Istanbul’s rich heritage and lively marketplace culture in just a few hours.
Know Before You Go
- Recommended Start Time: Between 09:30 and 10:30.
- Duration: 4-5 hours.
- Dress Code: Comfortable and modest attire suitable for walking and visiting religious sites.
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, camera, cash or credit card for personal purchases
- Itinerary may vary: Based on local conditions and guide recommendations.
What To Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera for capturing stunning moments
- Cash or credit card for personal purchases
