Half Day Old City Tour by Art Historian
Explore Istanbul’s complete highlights with an art historian as your guide. Dive into the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural wonders in this meticulously curated tour of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.
Overview
This tour begins with a visit to some of Istanbul's most renowned landmarks. The expertise of an art historian guide adds depth and insight, turning every site into a story. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, and learn about its transformation over centuries. From its Christian origins to its Islamic significance, the Hagia Sophia represents Istanbul’s multifaceted heritage.
Delve into the opulent world of Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace. Walk through its ornate halls and lush courtyards while your guide reveals tales of palace life, political intrigue, and imperial glory. Visit the Treasury, showcasing priceless artifacts, and admire the intricate details of Ottoman craftsmanship that adorn the palace interiors.
Step inside the Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue tiles and harmonious design. The mosque’s grandeur and spiritual ambiance make it a highlight of the tour. Your guide will share fascinating stories about its construction and significance in Ottoman and Islamic history.
Wander through the lively Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. With its maze-like alleys and vibrant stalls, it offers a sensory overload of colors, scents, and sounds. This is the perfect place to shop for unique souvenirs and experience Istanbul’s vibrant commercial culture.
This complete highlights tour is designed to give you a holistic understanding of Istanbul’s past and present. Your art historian guide ensures a deep appreciation of the city’s architectural marvels and cultural landmarks, making this tour as informative as it is captivating.
Select date, participants and language
Excursion Itinerary
Begin your journey at the historic Ibrahim Pasha Palace, the perfect starting point to explore the heart of Istanbul.
Duration: 45 minute
Visit the iconic Blue Mosque, famed for its blue-tiled interior and grand design. Enjoy a guided tour, learn its history, and soak in the serene ambiance of this Ottoman architectural masterpiece.
Duration: 15 minute
Explore Sultanahmet Square, the former Hippodrome of Constantinople, known for chariot races and events. Capture photos and hear fascinating stories of its historical significance from your guide.
Duration: 10 minute
Admire the Obelisk of Theodosius, an ancient Egyptian monument brought to Istanbul. Learn about its history and the fascinating journey that led it to its current location.
Duration: 5 minute
Stop by the German Fountain, a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II to the Ottoman Sultan. Hear about its construction and symbolism while snapping photos of this unique structure.
Duration: 5 minute
Visit the Serpent Column, a relic of the ancient Temple of Apollo in Delphi. Your guide will explain its historical and cultural significance in the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
Duration: 5 minute
See the Column of Constantine, a monumental pillar from the Roman era, and learn about its place in Istanbul’s history.
Duration: 5 minute
Pass by the Hurrem Sultan Hammam, a stunning Ottoman bathhouse by Mimar Sinan. Learn about its design and the story of Hurrem Sultan, wife of Suleiman the Magnificent.
Duration: 5 minute
View the Stone of Million, the zero-mile marker of the Byzantine Empire, which marked distances to other cities. Learn about its significance in ancient road systems.
Duration: 5 minute
Pass by the Basilica Cistern, a massive underground water reservoir. Discover its history and marvel at its Roman engineering brilliance.
Duration: 30 minute
Visit the Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Take a guided tour and learn about its history as a church, mosque, and museum, while admiring its stunning dome and mosaics.
Duration: 30 minute
Explore the exterior of Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans. Hear stories about the palace’s history, treasures, and role in the empire's governance.
Duration: 45 minute
Visit Suleymaniye Mosque, a masterpiece by Mimar Sinan and symbol of Ottoman grandeur. Enjoy a guided tour, marvel at its stunning architecture, and soak in panoramic views from its courtyard.
Duration: 30 minute
End your tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest markets. Stroll through vibrant stalls, enjoy Turkish tea, taste local delicacies, and shop for unique souvenirs in this lively marketplace
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- ● Explore the Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine masterpiece, with insights from an art historian.
- ● Visit Topkapi Palace and its stunning Treasury, steeped in Ottoman splendor.
- ● Admire the Blue Mosque and its breathtaking blue-tiled interior.
- ● Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar.
- ● Learn about Istanbul’s rich history and culture from a knowledgeable art historian guide.
What's Included and What's Not?
Included
- Professional Tour Guide for the whole tour
- Blue Mosque and Suleymaniye Mosque, Grand Bazaar and Old Town interior guided tour
- Topkapı Place and Hagia Sophia Outside guided tour
Not Included
- Hotel Pick Up/Drop Off
- Lunch
- Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace (2nd, 3rd and 4th court) interior
Not Suitable For This Activities
- ●People with motion sickness
Not Allowed This Activities
- ●Alcohol and drugs
Important Information
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
- ●This tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking and standing for extended periods.
- ●It is ideal for travelers interested in history, culture, and architecture.
- ●Ensure punctuality to maximize your time at each landmark.
Know Before You Go
- ●Entrance fees to certain attractions may not be included and must be paid on-site
- ●The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately.
- ●Flash photography and certain types of filming may be restricted in some locations.
- ●Be prepared for a mix of indoor and outdoor exploration, with time for questions and additional insights from your guide.
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Elvina Alvin - United Kingdom
24 May
Our guide was Yunis, and we were lucky enough to have the tour all to ourselves. He did a great job, and we really had a good time throughout. I’d definitely recommend this tour.
Valentine Weaver - United Kingdom
04 June
Istanbul can feel a bit overwhelming, but Yunus kept things calm and made sure we had enough time to take in everything we wanted to see. He answered all our questions and shared some really interesting background on the city's history. If you're short on time or just want a solid intro to Istanbul,...
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Customer Reviews
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 Reviews
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24 May
Our guide was Yunis, and we were lucky enough to have the tour all to ourselves. He did a great job, and we really had a good time throughout. I’d definitely recommend this tour.
Helpful? Yes
04 June
Istanbul can feel a bit overwhelming, but Yunus kept things calm and made sure we had enough time to take in everything we wanted to see. He answered all our questions and shared some really interesting background on the city's history. If you're short on time or just want a solid intro to Istanbul, go for this tour with Yunus you won’t regret it!
Helpful? Yes
16 June
The tour was fantastic, and Yunis was a great guide. He was super patient and never minded taking breaks when needed. He really knows his stuff and was friendly, respectful, and always ready to help. I truly enjoyed the whole experience.
Helpful? Yes
28 June
We had a great walking tour with Yunus, who was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also very patient. We explored Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and ended with the beautiful Suleymaniye Mosque. One person in our group had a minor injury, and Yunus was so considerate making sure we had plenty of breaks between stops. He kept things really interesting with stories and details at every location. As a trained historian, he blends his background with engaging storytelling, and you can really feel his love for Istanbul’s history. It was a truly engaging and memorable experience definitely one to try!
Helpful? Yes
05 July
Absolutely recommend this tour. The guide was excellent. Even though the weather was terrible, I still had a great time from start to finish!
Helpful? Yes
10 July
Yunus was a really energetic guide who explained everything clearly and made the experience easy to follow.
Helpful? Yes
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