Istanbul: Best of Istanbul Tour with Lunch and Tickets
ID: GYG311593-548183
Category:
Country: Turkey
Duration:
07:00 hours
Description
Spend a delightful day on a small group walking tour taking in some of the most interesting sites in the heart of Istanbul. See the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar in a group of no more than 10 people.
Meet your guide next to German Fountain and head first to the Hippodrome where chariot races were held during the Roman Empire. Next, marvel at the Blue Mosque, built in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmet I, this is truly a masterpiece of architecture. The blue shade of the 27,000 pieces of Iznik quart tiles give the mosque it’s popular name and six towering minarets give its uniquely recognizable structure.
Continue to Hagia Sophia to see a great blend of Christian and Islamic influences. Built in the 6th century by the emperor Justinian I, the building played a very important role in the Christian and Islamic worlds. After the Ottoman conquest, the bells, altar, iconostasis, and sacrificial vessels were removed, and many of the mosaics were eventually plastered over to convert the church into a mosque.
The next stop is at the Topkapi Palace, more than just an imperial residence for Ottoman sultans, it was the seat of the supreme executive and judiciary council for almost 400 years. Topkapi Palace is a great monument of Asian architecture which houses exhibits of art, books, jewels, plates, costumes, and the Holy Relics.
The tour concludes with a visit to the city’s Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with over 4,000 shops. It was constructed in the 15th century and became the commercial hub of the trade between Asia and Europe.
Highlights
- See the Roman horse racing track at Hippodrome Square
- Visit the towering Blue Mosque and admire its beautiful quart tiles
- Take in the Hagia Sophia with its mosaics and imposing dome
- Admire the exhibitions and kiosks at Topkapi Palace
- Experience the visually stimulating Grand Bazaar
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You are required to bring and wear a mask
You will receive a mandatory temperature check
Meeting point is in front of German Fountain where Hippodrome Square starts. Tour guide will hold a sign with our Company Logo and Tour Name. (Small Group Tour: Best of Istanbul) Tour guide can only wait until 9:15am to start the group tour. You are kindly asked to be present at 9:00am on time.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
