Istanbul Old City Morning Tour

Istanbul Old City Tour

About Tour:

Istanbul  Old City Morning Tour is a half day 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 Half Day Old City Morning Tour, if you have limited time in Istanbul. You can save your time and money with our agency.

HAGIA SOPHIA TICKET INCLUDED: 60€ per person

HAGIA SOPHIA TICKET EXCLUDED: 40€ per person

What to Expect?

• Hagia Sophia Mosque:

  Hagia Sophia, originally built as a Christian basilica in the 6th century AD in Constantinople (present-day Istanbul), holds significant historical and architectural importance. Commissioned by Emperor Justinian I, it was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years. In 1453, after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque, and its interior was modified to reflect Islamic architectural and decorative elements. This transformation included the addition of minarets, the removal of Christian iconography, and the installation of Islamic calligraphy and geometric designs. As a mosque, Hagia Sophia became a symbol of Islamic triumph and Ottoman power, serving as a religious and cultural center for the Muslim community in Istanbul for centuries. In 1935, under the Republic of Turkey and the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Hagia Sophia was secularized and turned into a museum, emphasizing its historical and cultural significance as a symbol of both Christian and Islamic civilizations. However, in 2020, it reverted to a mosque, sparking global debates and discussions about its multifaceted history, religious significance, and cultural heritage. Throughout its existence, Hagia Sophia has remained a beacon of architectural brilliance, religious transition, and cultural synthesis, reflecting the complexities and nuances of its storied past.

• Hagia Sophia Museum:

  Hagia Sophia Museum, located in Istanbul, Turkey, stands as a monumental testament to the confluence of Byzantine and Ottoman history and architecture. Originally constructed as a Christian basilica in the 6th century AD during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia served as the principal cathedral of the Byzantine Empire for nearly a millennium. In 1453, following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, it was converted into a mosque, undergoing significant architectural modifications to reflect Islamic traditions, including the addition of minarets and removal of Christian iconography.

  In 1935, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the Republic of Turkey, Hagia Sophia was secularized and transformed into a museum, symbolizing its dual significance as a symbol of Christian and Islamic civilizations. As a museum, Hagia Sophia welcomed millions of visitors annually, offering insights into its rich historical, architectural, and cultural heritage. Visitors could explore its vast interior, adorned with breathtaking mosaics, intricate calligraphy, and architectural marvels, reflecting its multifaceted history and religious transitions.

  However, in a significant development in 2020, Hagia Sophia was reconverted into a mosque, sparking debates and discussions about its historical, religious, and cultural significance on a global scale. Throughout its storied existence as a museum, mosque, and cathedral, Hagia Sophia Museum has remained an iconic landmark, symbolizing the complex interplay of civilizations, religions, and cultures that have shaped its identity and legacy over the centuries.

• Blue Mosque:

  The Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a magnificent architectural masterpiece located in Istanbul, Turkey. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I in the early 17th century, this iconic mosque was designed to rival the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia, reflecting the zenith of Ottoman architecture and craftsmanship. Renowned for its distinctive six slender minarets, cascading domes, and intricate blue tiles adorning its interior walls, the mosque derives its popular name “Blue Mosque” from these exquisite blue tiles.

  Architecturally, the Blue Mosque blends traditional Islamic elements with Byzantine influences, creating a harmonious fusion of styles characterized by its grand central dome, semi-domes, and cascading domes that contribute to its majestic silhouette. The expansive courtyard, ablution fountains, and towering minarets further enhance its grandeur, providing visitors with a sense of awe-inspiring beauty and spiritual tranquility.

  Beyond its architectural splendor, the Blue Mosque serves as an active place of worship, welcoming worshippers and visitors alike to experience its serene ambiance, intricate decorations, and historical significance. Located adjacent to the historic Hippodrome and facing the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque remains a symbol of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage, religious diversity, and architectural excellence, attracting millions of visitors annually who come to marvel at its beauty, spirituality, and timeless allure.

• 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.

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.