Here is the chance to visit the most-known historic relics of Istanbul. Private Best of Istanbul Tour covers all the popular historic spots.
We pick you up from your hotel at a time you prefer and your driver will take you to the tour starting point. The first stop of the tour is the heart of the Old City, Sultanahmet Square.
Highlights:
-Hagia Sophia (Closed during Friday Prayers)
It was built by The Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in under five and a half years. This mighty construction was used as a patriarchal basilica and persisted as the largest cathedral in the world until it was conquered by Ottoman armies and Sultan Mehmet, the Conqueror, in 1453. It was used as a mosque until Mustafa Kemal Ataturk converted it into a museum. Now, it is used as a mosque.
-Blue Mosque (Closed during Friday Prayers)
This mosque is well-known for its exquisite blue tiles and six elegant minarets. Also known as Blue Mosque, The Sultanahmet Mosque took its name from the ruler Ahmet the first. It was built between 1609 and 1616. The mosque stands next to Hagia Sophia.
-Grand Bazaar (Closed on Sundays)
Being one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar has more than 4.000 shops and 60 streets where you can find local and traditional products from leather clothing to jewellery and hand-woven fabrics in an authentic oriental atmosphere.
-Topkapi Imperial Palace (Closed on Tuesdays)
This amazing palace that extends over one of Istanbul’s seven hills in a splendid position was built in 1478 by Sultan Mehmed the conqueror. The palace is one of the symbolic structures of Istanbul. It was used as the main administrative centre until Dolmabahce Palace was built in 1856.
-Hippodrome of Constantinople
The construction of the Hippodrome started in 203 AD by a Roman Emperor and continued until it was completed by Constantine the Great in 330 AD. The Hippodrome of Constantinople was used to watch the demonstrations, ceremonies, sporting events, and even executions. Later, it was especially used for chariot races, leading to its Turkish name ‘At Meydani’- literally ‘Horse Square’ during the Ottoman era. Many treasures such as the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi and the Fountain of Wilhelm II can be visited in this area.
-Walled Obelisk
The Walled Obelisk (Turkish: Örme Dikilitaş) is one of the Roman monuments at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, now Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul. Its original date is unknown. The Roman emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus repaired it. Therefore, the column is also called Constantine's Obelisk (Konstantin Dikilitaşı) and dated 10th century.
-Serpent Column
The Serpent Column (Turkish: Yılanlı Sütun), also known as Plataean Tripod or Delphi Tripod, is an ancient bronze column at the Hippodrome of Constantinople. It was originally made and located in Delphi and relocated to Constantinople by Constantine the Great in 324. It is the symbol of commemorating the Greeks who defeated the Persian Empire at the Battle of Plataea (479 BC).
-German Fountain
The German Fountain (Turkish: Alman Çeşmesi) is at the northern end of the Hippodrome of Constantinople. It is the symbol of commemorating the second anniversary of Wilhelm II's visit, who was the German Emperor, Istanbul in 1898. The fountain was originally built in Germany, then assembled and relocated in its current site in 1900.
PSI: This tour is a mostly walking tour.
-Pick-up & drop-off from/to your hotel (Sultanahmet & Taksim Areas. Please ask for other areas)
-Private vehicle during your tour
-Professional licensed guidance (in English only, request other languages)
-Entrance fees
-Lunch in a local restaurant (drinks not included)
-Drinks during the lunch
-Personal expenses
-Customary tip to driver and tour guide
-Anything unless specified being included
-Pick-up and drop-off services include Taksim & Sultanahmet areas. Please ask for other areas.
-We kindly ask you to be ready 10 minutes before your pick-up time at the lobby/address.
-Free for 0-2 years old
-%50 discounted for 3-7 years old
-Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the service date. Cancellations with less than 24 hours are non-refundable.
You can pay to your guide in cash, or by your credit card or through online payment before the tour.
These reviews are made only by customers who have experienced this tour
5
Vikash Agarwal01.12.2022 08:54:40
Istanbul Old City tour was absolutely amazing. Our guide Tuba was very knowledgeable and competent. We will miss this historical city very much. Recommend it to everyone.
5
Yosuke Murakami27.10.2022 20:57:21
Although we have ordered just midnight of the previous day, this agency was very kind to me.
One of us needs help, the guide assist him and arrange the route very flexible.
Coffee is fine, and lunch is also fine, the guide is very kind and skillful.
5
F*** S***10.05.2022 10:49:00
gracias por todo nuestro recorrido fue increíble. Comida deliciosa y guía maravillosa.
5
S*** D***10.05.2022 10:43:24
Wonderful service. Informative guide and smooth organization. Thanks guys
5
Jacqueline Torrijos24.03.2022 14:10:23
Wonderful service. Easy booking and extensive tour plan. Highly recommended for who is looking for old city tour in Istanbul.
Warmest regards and thanks.
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