full day istanbul old city tour
About Tour:
Istanbul Full Day Old City Tour is a group tour which is included transportation, professional guidance and hotel pick and drop off from city center hotels.
Travel Point Travel Agency higly recommend you Istanbul Full Day Old City Tour, if you have limited time in Istanbul. You can save your time and money with our agency.
Note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday. It is replaced with Basilica Cistern.
MUSEUM TICKET INCLUDED: 150€ Per person
MUSEUM TICKET EXCLUDED: 80€ Per person
Istanbul Full Day Old City Tour
What to Expect?
- Hagia Sophia:
Hagia Sophia, initially constructed as a Christian basilica in 6th-century Constantinople, showcases a blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architectural styles. Serving as a pivotal religious center for both Christians and Muslims over the centuries, it transitioned from a cathedral to a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453. Later designated as a museum in 1935 by the Republic of Turkey, its 2020 reconversion back into a mosque reignited debates about its dual significance as a symbol of Christian and Islamic civilizations, reflecting its rich and complex history.
- Blue Mosque:
The Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a striking landmark located in Istanbul, Turkey. Completed in the early 17th century during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, this magnificent structure is renowned for its intricate blue tiles surrounding its interior walls, which give it the popular name “Blue Mosque.” Designed by architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, the mosque boasts a unique blend of Islamic and Byzantine architectural elements, featuring six slender minarets and a vast central dome. Its spacious courtyard and cascading domes contribute to its grandeur and distinct silhouette on Istanbul’s skyline. Serving as both a significant religious site and a tourist attraction, the Blue Mosque remains an enduring symbol of Ottoman architecture and Islamic culture.
- Hippodrome:
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was an ancient chariot racing and social center located in the heart of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Established by Emperor Septimius Severus in the early 3rd century AD, the Hippodrome was modeled after the Circus Maximus in Rome. Over the centuries, it served as the primary venue for chariot races, athletic competitions, and various public events, becoming a focal point of civic life and political activity. The original structure underwent several renovations and expansions, with seating capacity eventually reaching up to 100,000 spectators. The Hippodrome was adorned with numerous statues, obelisks, and monuments, including the famous Serpent Column, Obelisk of Theodosius, and Column of Constantine. Despite suffering damage during various periods, remnants of the Hippodrome’s foundations and surviving monuments provide insights into its historical significance as a cultural, social, and political hub of Byzantine Constantinople.
- Topkapi Palace Museum:
Topkapi Palace Museum, situated in Istanbul, Turkey, stands as a testament to the grandeur and historical significance of the Ottoman Empire. Originally built in the 15th century following the conquest of Constantinople, this sprawling palace complex served as the residence and administrative center for Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries. Today, it is transformed into a museum that preserves and showcases a vast collection of artifacts, relics, and treasures from various periods of Ottoman rule. Visitors can explore a series of meticulously preserved rooms, chambers, courtyards, and pavilions, including the Imperial Council Chamber, Harem, and Treasury. The museum’s extensive collections feature priceless items such as intricate textiles, exquisite porcelain, ornate weapons, illuminated manuscripts, and the legendary Topkapi Dagger and Spoonmaker’s Diamond. Additionally, the museum offers panoramic views of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the architectural beauty and historical legacy of this iconic landmark. Through its diverse exhibits and architectural marvels, the Topkapi Palace Museum provides a captivating journey into the rich history, culture, and artistic achievements of the Ottoman Empire.
- Harem:
The Harem, located within the confines of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, was the private living quarters and inner sanctum of the Ottoman sultans, their families, and concubines. As a secluded and exclusive area within the sprawling palace complex, the Harem served as a place of residence, entertainment, and administration for the royal family and its entourage. Spanning multiple chambers, courtyards, and apartments, the Harem was intricately designed with ornate decorations, intricate tile work, and lavish furnishings, reflecting the opulence and grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. The structure comprised various sections, including the Sultan’s apartments, the Queen Mother’s quarters, and rooms allocated for concubines, eunuchs, and servants. Within the Harem’s confines, intricate social hierarchies, alliances, and intrigues unfolded, shaping the political and cultural dynamics of the empire. Today, as part of the Topkapi Palace Museum, visitors can explore the Harem’s preserved chambers and gain insights into the private lives, traditions, and rituals of the Ottoman royal family, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of splendor, power, and intrigue.
- Hagia Irene Church:
Hagia Irene, located near the famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, stands as one of the oldest surviving Byzantine churches in the city. Built originally in the 4th century AD by Emperor Constantine I, the church underwent several renovations and modifications over the centuries. Unlike Hagia Sophia, which served as a cathedral and later a mosque, Hagia Irene remained largely untouched by the Ottoman conquest and subsequent transformations, preserving its Byzantine architectural integrity. The church is characterized by its austere exterior and harmonious proportions, reflecting the architectural styles prevalent during the early Byzantine period. Inside, visitors can admire its spacious interior, adorned with intricate mosaics, columns, and vaulted ceilings, which bear witness to its historical and religious significance. Over time, Hagia Irene served various purposes, including as a museum and concert hall, highlighting its versatile and enduring role within Istanbul’s cultural landscape. Today, as part of the Topkapi Palace Museum complex, Hagia Irene stands as a silent witness to the city’s rich history, architectural heritage, and religious diversity, offering visitors a tranquil space to reflect upon its storied past and cultural significance.
- Grand Covered Bazaar:
The Grand Bazaar, located in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, tracing its origins back to the 15th century. Spanning numerous labyrinthine streets and alleys, this vast bazaar encompasses over 60 streets and 4,000 shops, creating a bustling maze of commerce, culture, and craftsmanship. Originally established as a trading hub during the Ottoman Empire, the Grand Bazaar remains a vibrant center for traditional Turkish goods, including intricate carpets, colorful ceramics, fine jewelry, textiles, spices, and leather goods. Beyond its commercial significance, the bazaar serves as a cultural landmark, reflecting Istanbul’s rich history and cosmopolitan character. Its intricate architecture, adorned with vaulted ceilings, domes, and ornate decorations, offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s bygone era. Today, the Grand Bazaar continues to attract millions of visitors annually, offering a unique blend of shopping, cultural immersion, and historical exploration amidst its storied corridors and vibrant ambiance.
istanbul old city walking tour
Cancellation Policy
- If you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience, you will receive full refund.
- When you cancel less than 24 hours before start time, you will not be refunded.
- If you want any changes less than 24 hours before start time, it will not be accepted.
- If the tour canceled due to poor weather, we will offer a different date or a full refund.
