Old City Tour
Istanbul Old City Tour
Depart: 08:30 Return: 12:00
Half Day / Morning Tour
Everyone without exception likes a sightseeing tour of Istanbul by bus. People who have visited Istanbul call it a museum city. The tour program covers many attractions, guides conduct excursions, which is very convenient for tourists from Europe countries. The city will surprise you with its unique heritage and world-famous monuments of history and culture. Our company Minister Tours provides only the best Excursions in Istanbul
Highlights
- SULTAN AHMET CENTER
- HAGIA (ST.) SOPHIA
- BLUE MOSQUE
- HIPPODROME
- GRAND COVERED BAZAAR
- EGYPTIAN SPICE BAZAAR
- ART DEMONSTRATION OF HANDMADE TURKISH CARPET
Included
- Hotel Pick-up & drop-off by air-conditioned non-smoking tour coaches
- Entrance Fees mentioned by the itineraries
- Professional Licensed Tour Guide
- Services Charges & Local Taxes
Excluded
- Lunch and Beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuitie
Tour Itinerary
HAGIA SOPHIA
Hagia Sophia, originally a cathedral, is a major historical and architectural monument located in Istanbul, Turkey. Built during the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century, it served as the seat of the Orthodox patriarch of Constantinople until the Ottoman conquest in 1453. After the conquest, it was converted into a mosque and remained so until it was turned into a museum in 1935 by the Turkish Republic.
Hagia Sophia is known for its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and its historical significance as the center of Eastern Christianity for almost 1000 years. It has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, in July 2020, the Turkish government revoked the museum status and declared Hagia Sophia to be a mosque once again, sparking international controversy and debate.
BLUE MOSQUE
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. The mosque was built during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I from 1609 to 1616 and was named after him. It is known for its distinctive blue tiles that line the interior walls and give the mosque its nickname. The mosque features a massive dome, six minarets, and numerous smaller domes, along with a spacious courtyard and other decorative elements. It has been a popular tourist destination for many years and also serves as an active mosque for worshippers. Visitors are required to remove their shoes and dress modestly before entering the mosque. The Blue Mosque is considered one of the most beautiful and impressive examples of Islamic architecture in the world and is an important symbol of Istanbul’s cultural and religious heritage.
HIPPODROME
The Hippodrome was once an ancient chariot racing arena located in the historic district of Sultanahmet in Istanbul, Turkey. The Hippodrome is now a public park that has preserved three ancient monuments that date back to the Byzantine Empire, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the Walled Obelisk. The Obelisk of Theodosius was constructed in the 4th century and stands approximately 20 meters tall, while the Serpent Column was built to commemorate a victory of the Greek city-states over the Persians in 479 BC and stands almost 8 meters tall. The Walled Obelisk was erected in the 10th century and once displayed emperor Constantine VII’s porphyry statues. The Hippodrome was a significant center for political and social events in Istanbul during the Roman and Byzantine eras and remains an important tourist destination today.
GRAND COVERED BAZAAR
Grand Covered Bazaar, also known as the Grand Bazaar or Kapalıçarşı in Turkish, is a historic covered marketplace located in Istanbul, Turkey. With over 4,000 shops spread across 60 streets, it is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, dating back to the 15th century.
The Grand Bazaar is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. It is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, unique architecture, and vast array of goods for sale, including jewelry, textiles, clothing, ceramics, spices, and more.
Visitors can easily get lost in the maze of streets and shops, but it’s all part of the experience. Be prepared to barter with the shopkeepers for the best prices and take your time exploring all that the Grand Bazaar has to offer. Just be sure to arrive early and wear comfortable shoes, as the bazaar can get crowded and hectic during peak hours.
EGYPTIAN SPICE BAZAAR
The Egyptian Spice Bazaar, also known as the Misir Carsisi, is located in Istanbul’s historic Eminonu district, adjacent to the famous New Mosque. This bustling market is a feast for the senses, with vibrant colors and heady aromas of spices filling the air.
Visitors to the bazaar can expect to find a wide array of spices, along with nuts, dried fruit, and sweets. The scent of cinnamon, cumin, and coriander mingles with the aroma of Turkish coffee and freshly baked pastries.
The bazaar has a long and storied history, having been established during the Ottoman period. The market is still a hub of commercial activity today, with local merchants selling everything from traditional Turkish spices to exotic herbs from around the world.
Notes
- We kindly ask you to be ready in the lobby of your hotel 10 minutes before your definite pick up time
- Blue Mosque is visited from outside on Friday mornings until 13:00 because of noon-pray
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
- When Hagia Sophia is closed, we visit the Chora Church, famed for its mosaics.
- On Sundays, we visit Nuruosmaniye Street around Grand Bazaar since Grand Bazaar is closed
- We do not recommend this tour for the persons having walking difficulty