Small Group Tour: Best of Istanbul
Start Point:
German Fountain
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Small Group Tour: Best of Istanbul
History enthusiasts will enjoy this tour as it tells the fascinating story of Istanbul from a whole different angle. This tour will take you through centuries, diving deep into history. Each section of the tour has several significant locations which covers diverse timeframes, including the Ottoman empire and middle ages.
Witness for yourself an array of settlements, cultures, and empires which have left their traces in Istanbul. Take in everything by admiring the beauty of the buildings, the priceless history behind each monument, and the undeniable fact that this place was the heart of both Christian and Islamic civilizations at one point.
As the tour goes on, you will be told stories about Ottoman rulers, the Byzantine chariots and mounds of monuments, all of which have been able to withstand the test of time. By the end of the tour you will feel like you have been in a time travel machine where you have explored all the different time periods that shaped Istanbul within a blink of an eye.
Tour Info
- Destinations: Istanbul
- Duration: 6 Hours
- Start Point: German Fountain
- End Point: Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar)
- Inclusions: Small Group Tour, Licensed Tour Guide, Museum Tickets & Attraction Fees, Shared Pick Up With Van
- Exclusions: Transportation by Private Van, Drinks, Lunch, Gratuity (Suggested)
- Sight to See: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Hippodrome Square, Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar), German Fountain
The tour is scheduled to commence at 9:00 am at the Hippodrome Square, where you will meet your private guide next to the German Fountain (Alman Cesmesi).
The guide will be distinctly identified by the presence of our company logo for your convenience. The tour will begin with a comprehensive exploration of the city's key attractions.
Byzantine Hippodrome/Sultanahmet Square: The site of chariot races in Roman times. Its Egyptian Column dates back to the Byzantine Empire. Today, the German Fountain is the centerpiece of the square.
Hagia Sophia: Also known as Ayasofya or Santa Sofia, was constructed in the 6th century under the patronage of Emperor Justinian. It holds significant historical and religious prominence in both Christian and Islamic traditions.
Courtyard/Garden of Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi): Topkapi Palace courtyard will be visited, where the guide will give a brief information about the history of palace ranging from official ceremonies to private imperial life of the emperors. There will be no interior visit to Topkapi Palace Museum.
A lunch break will be given for the guests to enjoy their lunch according to their preferences and liking.
Blue Mosque: Constructed in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmet I of the Ottoman Empire, stands as a remarkable architectural masterpiece. Despite its massive scale, the delicate proportions of this structure showcase exemplary craftsmanship and artistry.
Grand Bazaar: Also known as Kapali Carsi, is the largest and oldest covered market in the world, boasting over 4,000 shops. Visitors can explore a wide variety of colorful products, including ceramics, leather goods, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothing, silver, and gold.
Spice Market: Built in the 17th century, Spice Market is one of Istanbul’s oldest covered markets, famous for its vibrant stalls selling spices, dried fruits, teas, and Turkish delights.
This tour concludes at your last stop, Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar).
This is the end of our service. We sincerely hope to welcome you as our guest again!
***Please don't hesitate to email us for information about Bosphorus or Fener-Balat tour options with our private tour guides for the upcoming days. Alternatively, feel free to get in touch if you are interested in another Istanbul tour with different itineraries.
Please Note:
- Topkapi Palace visit will be limited to the courtyard, entry to the museum and harem sections will not be included.
- Minimum 4 participants are required to operate the tour.
Inclusions
- Small Group Tour
- Licensed Tour Guide
- Museum Tickets & Attraction Fees
- Shared Pick Up With Van
Exclusions
- Transportation by Private Van
- Drinks
- Lunch
- Gratuity (Suggested)
24 Hour - Free cancellation
You are eligible for a full refund if you cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time of the experience.
However, if you cancel within 24 hours of the start time, no refund will be issued, and we will not be able to accept any modification requests during this period.
Please note that all cancellation deadlines are based on local time.