Highlights
- Full-day private tour of Istanbul and its main attractions
- Superb Blue Mosque
- Historic Hagia Sophia and its Byzantine mosaics
- Underground Cistern
- Ottoman architecture and museums of Topkapi Palace
- Shopping heaven in the Grand Bazaar
- Lunch included
- Enjoy privileged, personalized attention from your English-speaking guide on this special private tour
- Pick-up and drop-off from central Istanbul hotels
Recent Photos of this Tour
-
Blue MosqueBlue MosquePhoto by: Anonymous08 2012 -
Private Istanbul in One Day ...Blue Mosque from in front of Aya SofyaPhoto by: Theodore F10 2010 -
Blue MosqueInside the Blue Mosque.Photo by: Cheryl WUSA, 05 2008 -
Istanbul PhotosIstanbul photo.Photo by: Cheryl WUSA, 05 2008 -
Old CityBlue Mosque, as seen from Gallery Level of the Hagia SophiaPhoto by: Tonya L08 2011 -
Istanbul PhotoIstanbul photo.Photo by: Cheryl WUSA, 05 2008 -
Istanbul PhotoIstanbul photo.Photo by: Cheryl WUSA, 05 2008 -
Istanbul PhotoIstanbul photo.Photo by: Cheryl WUSA, 05 2008 -
Useful Information
Topkapi Palace interior, Istanbul
Blue Mosque:
Just across from the Hippodrome, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style. The mosque has six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.
Hagia Sophia:
One of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world, this former basilica and mosque is now the Saint Sophia Museum. Many historians have nominated it as the 8th wonder of the world. Take a moment to linger here to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics.
The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı), is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. The cistern, located 500 feet (150m) southwest of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu, was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
Topkapi Palace:
The largest and oldest palace in the world, Topkapi is the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi promises to be a truly fascinating experience.
Hippodrome and Obelisk:
The Hippodrome was once the heart of
Constantinople’s political and sporting life, and the scene of games and
riots through 500 years of Ottoman history. Today it is a city park
called the Horse Grounds (At Meydanı) because of its function in Ottoman
times. The Hippodrome includes the 3500-year-old Egyptian granite
Obelisk, brought to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius in 390 AD.
Grand Bazaar:
In operation since the 14th century, the Grand Bazaar is one of the world's largest covered markets, with 58 streets and over 4,000 shops. The bazaar is specially known for its jewelry, leather, pottery, spices and carpets. (Closed on Sundays; additional time will be spent at the other locations.)
*On Mondays, when Hagia Sophia is closed, this visit will be replaced with a similar museum.
Reviewed by zingasm, April 2013
This tour was everything we expected it to be, and more. Thanks to our helpful and knowledgeable guide Omer, we saw and learned about all the major historical sights. To be sure, it is a very full day so be prepared for a cultural inundation. Omer was able to get us at the front of some very long lines which made the process quite effortless. Having a private guide made us feel special, in particular among the hordes of people who would not have the benefit of immediate facts and knowledge provided by Omer. One thing to note is that it is not permitted for the guide to accompany you inside the various wings of Topkapi and provide any narration. This they must do before you enter so you get a preview of what to look for.
Reviewed by elspeth, April 2013
Fantastic tour with a very well informed and excellent English speaking guide called Omer - highly recommended.
