Half Day Walking Tour of Old Istanbul

Your tour guide will meet you in front of the German Fountain and then will introduce the historical Sultanahmet Square. Your tour guide will introduce you the deep Turkish history. You will see The Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, Colossus and Column of Costantine Porphyrgenitus.

You pay a visit to the famous Blue Mosque famous for its 6 minarets and the tiles inside. It wasn't built only as a mosque, it is a 'complex' building where people used to get socialized as well. There is nothing 'blue' from outside but once you get inside of the mosque, you will be amazed seeing beautiful blue tiles which were specially prepared for this mosque in 17th century.

After visiting the Blue Mosque, we will continue our tour with a visit to Hagia Sophia that consists of both Christian and Islamic elements.

After Hagia Sophia, we will head to Grand Bazaar walking on the Divanyolu street which was originally mapped by Constantine the Great. Wandering through the backstreets of Grand Bazaar, you will see the goods sold there and hear about the bargaining culture from your tour leader.

You will be stopping at the Old Book Bazaar where the first books printed in Turkey, Beside historical books, there are modern books to be sold for students - there is one of the oldest university next door - Istanbul University.

Your guide will take you to the Süleymaniye Mosque complex that offers the view of Bosphorus and Golden Horn river. The mosque and its surrounding buildings were designed by Mimar Sinan, the most famous and talented of all imperial architects. Construction occurred between 1550 and 1557. You will have a chance to sit on the beautiful carpet inside of the mosque and learn about Islamic history.

We will then continue to the tiny Rüstempaşa mosque where you see its famous Iznik tiles up close. Mosque is famous for its large quantities of İznik tiles, set in a very wide variety of floral and geometric designs, which cover not only the façade of the porch but also the mihrab, minbar and walls. There are around 80 different patterns.

We end the tour at Spice Market where you can taste some Turkish delights and the spices. Spice Market is still one of the center of shopping for locals in Eminönü suburb. There are different sections for different products inside and outside of the bazaar - such as fish market, cheese market, coffee section and Turkish delight section.