Istanbul has earned its reputation as the world's cat kingdom, and this tour makes the most of it. On this self-guided walking tour, you'll explore the Ottoman and Byzantine landmarks of old town Istanbul through the lens of its most celebrated residents. You'll also discover how cats have shaped – and been shaped by – a thousand years of Islamic tradition, imperial politics, and neighborhood life. The tour starts inside the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, built in 1664 to fund the New Mosque next door. You'll exit into the surrounding streets, circle the New Mosque's courtyard, and pass the Hünkar Kasrı – the Sultan's private elevated pavilion – before strolling down Soğukçeşme Street, a cobblestone lane running between Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace walls. Along the way, you'll pass the Sublime Porte, once the administrative heart of an empire spanning three continents, and learn how Istanbul evolved from Byzantine Byzantium to Ottoman capital to modern Turkish republic.
You'll wander through the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, Istanbul's aromatic 17th-century market, as your guide points out mounds of saffron, sumac, and Turkish delight lining its L-shaped hall. Entry is free and open to the public.
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You'll step into the courtyard of the New Mosque (Yeni Cami) to hear the dramatic story of its construction — begun in 1597, abandoned for over 50 years, and finally completed in 1665. Entry to the mosque courtyard is free, though modest dress is required.
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You'll stroll down Soğuk Çeşme Sokak, a cobblestone lane of colorful reconstructed Ottoman houses tucked between Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace walls. This scenic street is free to walk and one of Istanbul's most photographed corners.
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You'll pass through the Imperial Gate into Topkapi Palace's free First Courtyard, hearing about the sultans who ruled from here for nearly 400 years. Please note that entry to the palace's inner courtyards, Harem, and Treasury requires a separate paid ticket and is not included in this tour.
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You'll walk through Gülhane Park, once the sultans' private rose garden and now Istanbul's oldest public park. Entry is free.
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You'll pass by the entrance to the Basilica Cistern as your guide describes this 6th-century underground reservoir, its 336 columns, and the mysterious Medusa head bases inside. This tour does not enter the cistern, and a separate ticket is required to visit.
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You'll stand in front of Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, hearing how this former Byzantine cathedral became a mosque, then a museum, then a mosque again. Entry to the ground floor is free, but a separate ticket is required to access the upper galleries and Byzantine mosaics.
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You'll wander through the Arasta Bazaar, a quieter 17th-century market built to fund the Blue Mosque, browsing carpets, İznik ceramics, and textiles along its single covered street. Entry is free.
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You'll walk through Sultanahmet Square, the site of the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, passing its three surviving monuments: the Walled Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the Obelisk of Theodosius. This public square is free to explore.
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You'll pass by the Blue Mosque's courtyard and şadırvan fountain as your guide describes its cascading domes, six minarets, and 20,000 hand-painted İznik tiles inside. Entry to the mosque is free, though modest dress and security screening are required to enter the prayer hall.
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This tour starts at Egyptian Spice Bazaar. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
La carte montre Istanbul. Le point de rendez-vous exact est l'adresse ci-dessus.Ouvrir une carte plus grande
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| Si vous annulez | Remboursement |
|---|---|
| Au moins 1 jours avant | 100 % |
| Entre 0 et 1 jours avant | 0 % |
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15 $US14 $USpar personne