Istanbul Old City Tour
Description
Step back in time with our Istanbul Ottoman Empire Tour, a private exploration of the rich heritage of the Ottoman Empire that resides in the city! Whether you're fascinated by the deep history or you want some interesting and stunning places for some photographs. This authentic experience includes your own knowledgeable tour guide, with everything taken care of - just focus on soaking in the Ottoman legacy on this once-in-a-lifetime Istanbul excursion! Discover the city has very much to offer in the way of culture, arts and activities. Whether you’ve promised your extended family a load of souvenirs, catch some assistance and tips from your guide for the best places and spaces to shop until you drop!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Before the tour; Free pick up services from hotels in Fatih, Beyoğlu and Şişli Districts.
We start our tour with Topkapı Palace; Once served as the main residence and administrative Head Quarters of the powerful Sultans of the Ottoman Empire during 15th century. The Topkapi Palace acquired its current appearance in the 16th century after having gone through several renovations and modifications. It is now a complex that includes four main courtyards interconnected to galleries and passages, a Harem, and several small courtyards, pavilions, and gardens.
Unquestionably one of the finest and biggest church constructed by the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian A.D 532 and 537. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, It served as a mosque until 1935 and it became a museum. In 2020, the site once again became a mosque and welcoming both local and foreign visitors.
Historical mosque in Istanbul, the mosque is known as the Blue mosque because of blue and white iznik tiles surrounding the walls of interior design.
The ancient Hippodrome, a public venue for chariot races, athletic events and the centre of Byzantine civil life. Famous with 4 monuments, The German Fountain of Wilhelm II, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Column of Constantine.
Stop at a local Turkish restaurant to savor an authentic lunch.
With over 3000 stores and 61 streets, Istanbul Grand Bazaar it’s one of the world largest covered market and date goes back to 15th century. Unlike any other places, visit to this guaranteed to leave you exhilarated. Charming souvenirs and gifts can be selected from among Turkish crafts, leathers, the World re-owned carpets, brilliant hand painted ceramics, precious jewelleries and many more. (Closed on Sunday and Official Holidays)
After the tour; Free drop off services to hotels in Fatih, Beyoğlu and Şişli Districts.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick up guests staying in Fatih, Eminönü and Beyoğlu regions hotels free of charge. Please note that the pick up times may vary depending on your hotel area, we will provide exact pick up time within 1 day prior to your tour date.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(5)
Terrible. The guide walked in front of us and very fast. He was hard to understand. And he seemed disorganized. Then all of the sudden he brought us to a store, put us through a fashion show and tried to have us buy. Not at all what I signed for. Then he dropped us at the bazar and told me where to meet him later. I felt uncomfortable with tour so I told him I was done.
The guide was very qualified and he obviously took pride in his work and amazed us. The tours of the historical buildings we went were very memorable. For the price it was worth the cost.
Very good tour to see a lot of old city Istanbul historical sites. If you only have a day to spend touring Istanbul like me, this is a great tour you may want to consider. Our tour guide Emil was amazing! Not only was she informative, educational and professional, she also made it fun and humorous at times. She honestly deserves all 5 stars as a guide. Thank you Emil, Istanbul, and the other great people in my tour group for making this a day to remember indeed!
Outstanding full day and very educational tour with our guide Ceren. Well organised and she did beautiful job explaining and showing us around. Thank you for the wonderful day!
We had wonderful day and great experience, covering all the important sites with full insight details on what we were exploring. Definitely they know their way around and explained things very well. Excellent English and definitely recommend.
