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Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Istanbul’s most iconic sites with an expert guide. Explore stunning landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque without waiting in long lines. Stroll through the Grand Bazaar, delve into Ottoman history at Topkapı Palace, and admire the beauty of Hagia Irene Church. This tour offers an easy experience and lets visitors explore on their own, helping them appreciate Istanbul’s rich history more deeply.
Highlights
- Skip long lines with priority entry to Topkapi Palace and its fascinating Harem section
- Explore Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a 6th-century marvel of Byzantine and Ottoman history
- Admire the stunning Islamic architecture of the Blue Mosque and its blue Iznik tiles
- Mobile Voucher accepted, no need to take the printed tickets!
Itinerary
Aboard an air-conditioned coach, you can sit back, relax, and revel in the spacious comfort during your ride to the departure point and begin your adventure. Your first stop is the stunning Blue Mosque, an architectural masterpiece renowned for its breathtaking beauty. Here, you will have the opportunity to admire the mosque’s exquisite interior, adorned with 20,000 blue Iznik ceramic tiles that create a captivating atmosphere. It was built for Sultan Ahmet I and recognized as the last grand mosque built in the classical period of Ottoman architecture.
Next, you will make your way to the historic Hippodrome, which served as the sporting and social center of ancient Constantinople. As you stroll through this lively area, take the time to view notable monuments, such as the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Bronze Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Column of Constantine. Moving on, you will stop in front of the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a structure that has stood the test of time since its construction in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian as a Greek Orthodox Church. As you explore this architectural wonder, you will discover its storied past, including the transition from a church to a mosque and now a museum, learning how it was celebrated as the largest church in the world for over a millennium.
Before delving into the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, you will stop at a carefully selected gift shop, perfect for finding unique treasures and memorable souvenirs. Afterward, immerse yourself in the bustling ambiance of the Grand Covered Bazaar, the oldest and largest covered market in the world. Here, you can get lost in a labyrinth of 65 streets filled with more than 4,000 shops offering everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and handcrafted items.
In the afternoon, you visit Topkapı Palace, the former home of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years. This grand palace was not just a royal home; it was also the center of the empire's administration. As you walk through its beautifully decorated halls, you will see interesting exhibits featuring sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, valuable imperial treasures, delicate Chinese porcelain, strong weapons, and detailed calligraphy that show the artistic skills of that time.
Make sure to explore the Harem, a private area of Topkapı Palace where the Sultan’s family and concubines lived. As you move through the many rooms, courtyards, and private chambers, you will learn about the complex social, cultural, and political lives of the women who lived there. Your journey also takes you to Hagia Irene Church, an important site from the Byzantine era. This is the first church built in Constantinople. This ancient church holds great historical and architectural value, offering insights into the city’s early Christian heritage and its changes over time.
Schedule
- Departure Timings: 09:00am (Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time)
- Duration: (Approx.) 7 hours
- Meeting Point: You will be picked up from your Hootel, please be ready at the hotel lobby 30 min prior to the start time
- Ending Point: Same as the meeting point.
Includes
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Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off (If available)
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Transportation in an AC Coach
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Hagia Sophia Entrance Ticket & Guided Visit
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Topkapi Palace Entrance Ticket & Guided Visit
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Harem entrance ticket
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Hippodrome Guided Visit
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Lunch
- Professional English Speaking Guide
- Local Taxes
Redemption Info
- You can show your mobile or printed voucher to the representative who will pick you from your hotel.
- Please mention your Hotel name at the time of making the booking or contact the tour operator, contact details will be mentioned in your Booking Voucher.
- In loss of voucher/ticket, company is not liable for any refund.
- Ticket/ Voucher is valid to the travel date you choose.
- Please note: Hotel pickup is offered from hotels that are centrally located. If your Hotel is not in the city center, then please reach to the given pick up point: In front of Buhara 93 Restaurant Google Map
- Address: Sultan Ahmet, Nakilbent Sk. 13/A, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
Know Before You Go
- Stroller accessible : Yes
- Wheelchair accessible : No
- Voucher Information : Mobile and Paper Vouchers are accepted!
- You might encounter delays getting through security checks when you enter the venue because of the increased security procedures.
- During religious Holidays and Sundays , Grand Bazaar will be closed.
- Please dress appropriately when entering sacred sites. Participants are advised to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt. Please bring a scarf to cover head.
- This Tour is a Walking Tour, advised to wear comfortable shoes.
- Pickup is offered from hotels that are centrally located.
- Please provide your Hotel name at the time of making the booking. OR connect with us 24 hours before the tour start date at support@sightseeingo.com to provide the details.
- Pick-up is available from Hotels in Osmanbey, Harbiye, Taksim, Findikli, Karakoy, Tepebasi, Sirkeci, Sultanahmet, Kadirga, Beyazit, Laleli, Aksaray, Yenikapi, Findikzade, Topkapi, Sisli. Please note that there is fixed pick-up time for each hotel.
- Hotel pickup can occur up to one hour before the start of the tour. Kindly wait at your hotel lobby 30 minutes before the scheduled time of pickup.
- Guests will be notified for the pick up time in advance.
- Disclaimer : Due to traffic issues, public holidays, weather conditions and unforseen circumstances, there might be sudden changes in the route or in the schedule. Traffic congestion and road closures - may cause delays and changes to the route. We'll do all we can to provide a smooth and frequent servcie! No refund will be offered for any changes or cancellations due to any unforseen circumstances.
Cancellation Policy
- You must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience to get a complete refund.
- If you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience, you will not be reimbursed.
- Any modifications made less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience will not be allowed.
- The cut-off times are determined by the activity/experience's local start time.
- This activity/experience is weather dependent. If it is cancelled due to inclement weather, you will be given an alternate date or a full refund.
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