Istanbul Old City Tour - Silver Package Half Day Experience
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Duration Half Day
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Type Heritage tour
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Group Size 20 People
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Languages English
About This Tour
Discover the magnificent history of Istanbul with our Old City Tour Silver Package. This half-day guided experience focuses on the essential highlights of the historical peninsula, offering excellent value with flexible entrance options to major museums and monuments.
Tour Highlights
- Experience the stunning Blue Mosque with its six minarets and intricate tilework (interior visit when open)
- See the magnificent Hagia Sophia from outside and learn about its history as church and mosque
- Walk through the ancient Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine public life and chariot races
- View the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column and Walled Obelisk
- See the mysterious Basilica Cistern exterior and learn its story (optional entry not included)
- Conclude with shopping time at the vibrant Grand Bazaar with thousands of shops
Tour Program
- 08:00-08:45 Hotel pick-up from centrally located Istanbul hotels
- Hippodrome of Constantinople – ancient chariot racing arena with Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column and Walled Obelisk
- Blue Mosque – visit when open, with its Iznik tiles and impressive interior (subject to prayer times)
- German Fountain – neo-Byzantine style gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II
- Hagia Sophia – exterior visit and historical explanation (optional interior visit not included)
- Basilica Cistern – exterior view and stories of the underground cistern (optional entrance not included)
- Grand Bazaar – guided orientation and free time to explore the covered market
- Approx. 13:00 End of tour and return to hotels or free time in Old City
What is included?
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Professional English speaking licensed guide
- Guided tour of main Old City highlights
What is not included?
- Topkapı Palace entrance fee (not visited in this Silver Package)
- Hagia Sophia interior entrance fee
- Basilica Cistern entrance fee
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Drinks during any breaks
- Tips for guide and driver
- Travel insurance
Important Information
- Itinerary order may vary due to seasonal conditions, prayer times, or site schedules.
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended for cobblestone streets and walking between sites.
- Modest dress code required for mosque visits (shoulders and knees covered; women may need headscarf).
- Children 0-2 years old: Free of charge.
- Silver Package focuses on exterior views and guided explanations; museum entrances are optional and not included.
Location
Discover the magnificent history of Istanbul's Old City around Sultanahmet Square. See Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar with an expert guide explaining the stories behind each monument.