Discoveried The Old City of Istanbul In a Half-Day

Highlights

Itinerary

1. 1

   Hippodrome

   The Hippodrome had been a center for sports and entertainment in the old Constantinople, the Eastern Roman Capital, and an important center for politics since sports and politics were closely knit in these times. No wonder that the Hippodrome had been a starting point for revolts and political movements throughout history. Echoes of cries by slaves riding chariots in ferocious races and the inspirational words of intellectuals and poets that lit the flame of public movements have still been reminiscent of those with a powerful imagination.

   30 minutes•Admission free•See on map

2. 2

   Blue Mosque

   Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as Blue Mosque, arouses admiration with the delicate Ottoman tiles that decorate the shrine’s walls. The floral patterns of the tiles and the well lighted, spacious internal spaces are testimonials of the eternity of the Ottoman spirit.

   30 minutes•Admission free•See on map

3. 3

   Hagia Sophia

   The Shrine of Holy Wisdom, a marvelous Byzantine basilica built in the 6th century, marks the golden age of Justinianus. The domed construction of the sanctuary is an architectural innovation and was so richly and artistically decorated that Justinian proclaimed, "Solomon, I have outdone thee!". Humankind would have to wait for millennia before building a cathedral that would surpass the gigantic size of Hagia Sophia. Converted to a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of the city, by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453, as the young Sultan fulfilled a divine premonition by the Holy Prophet Mohammad himself. In 1935 the building was converted to a museum by the executive order of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Hagia Sophia, whose status was converted to a mosque in July 2020, has been taking its visitors on a journey through the multi-layered texture of history as a mosque ever since.

   1 hour•Admission free•See on map

4. 4

   Grand Bazaar

   The largest, oldest, and most attractive covered bazaar in the world, where people have been trading jewelry, carpets, food, perfumes, and even gossiping for centuries! The tour also includes a short demonstration of Turkish rugs.

   2 hours•Admission free•See on map

Meeting point

Meeting Point: Hereke Halı (Hereke Carpets) Meeting Point Coordinates (Latitude & Longitude): 41.010233027453424, 28.972806646594854

The map shows Istanbul. The exact meeting point is the address above.Open larger map

Pickup

• Everyone meets at the start point

Know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• 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
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking
• Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions. Valid from the time you exchange your voucher, for the duration selected.

Cancellation and refunds

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.