Highlights of the Tour:
- Ideal for the first time Istanbul visitor for an orientation walk
- Enjoy the the Mosques (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia) & Palaces (Topkapi and Ibrahim Pasha) with an certified guide
- Learn about the Byzantine & Ottoman heritage
- See the iconic UNESCO Monuments
- Take amazing pictures
Where to meet and where to go in this tour in Istanbul?
Meet your local expert guide at the Topkapi Cafe, just next to the entrance of the Topkapi Palace, and kick off our tour of the mosques and palaces of Istanbul. We'll discover all the secrets of Ottoman architecture and the city's most representative buildings! The first stop of the tour will be at the Hippodrome and the Obelisk of Theodosius, which the Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose II commissioned.
Afterward, we'll go to the Blue Mosque, whose name is due to the beautiful mosaics of this color that decorate its structure. Then, we'll see the iconic Hagia Sophia and from outside. Since its construction in the 6th century, this temple has passed through both Christian and Muslim hands, being used as a basilica, Orthodox church, and mosque. Today, Hagia Sophia is a veritable museum of the confluence of religions that have coexisted for centuries in Turkey and whose beauty amazes any visitor.
Next, we'll have look from outside to the Cistern Basilica. Fun fact: it's affectionately known as the Submerged Palace. From here, we'll head to the Topkapi Palace garden, a luxurious building used by the Ottoman sultans to centralize administrative power between the 15th and 16th centuries. Finally, after a total of 3 hours, the tour of Istanbul's mosques and palaces will end at the Hagia Sophia Bazaar. Here, you can continue to learn about Turkish culture and do some shopping.
Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full or 90% refund
Duration: 3 hours
Live tour guide in English
