Tour
Summary-
Type:
Culture, Food, History, Shopping
Length:
8 Hours
Guide:
Licensed Guide
Languages:
English
TOUR ITINERARY
Istanbul Private Tour: Option 2
Your driver and licensed guide will meet you in front of Istanbul's port
passenger Terminal. You'll drive along the old city walls and under the ancient
Roman aqueduct on the way to view the best of Istanbul's stunning architecture
and attractions. The impressive Roman Hippodrome was once used for chariot races
and today is your first stop.
You visit the beautiful Blue Mosque which is named for the vivid Iznik tiles
lining its interior. With the full day tour you are certain to hear the calls to
prayer as they echo throughout the city center five times a day. Please note
that the Blue Mosque is not wheelchair accessible.
Next you will walk through the amazing Topkapi Palace. This large complex of
buildings was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans and includes the
courts, pavilions, mosques, fountains and a treasury. In the Sultan's chapel you
can hear the Imam reading continually from the Koran.
After a stop for lunch you visit the jewel in Turkey's Byzantine crown, the
Museum of St. Sophia (Haghia Sophia). This splendid Church of Divine Wisdom was
originally built in the 4th century AD as a Christian Basilica and later was
converted to a Mosque. It was lovingly restored in the 1900s, reflecting the
true history of this glorious city astride two continents.
Later this afternoon you'll visit the Grand Bazaar which houses more than 4,000
stalls selling local goods. Or if you prefer, you can request to visit the
Egyptian Spice Market.
Tour Breakdown:
1- Depart pier and drive to Hippodrome- 30 Minutes
2- Tour the Hippodrome & Blue Mosque - 40 Minutes
3- Walk to Topkapi Palace - 15 Minutes
4- Visit Topkapi Palace - 1.5 Hours
5- Lunch Break- 1.5 Hours
6- Tour St. Sophia - 1 Hour
7- Drive to Grand Bazaar - 10 Minutes
8- Enjoy Shopping - 1.5 Hours
9- Return to pier - 20 Minutes
Monday Notes: St. Sophia Church is closed on
Mondays. If your tour is on Monday you will be taken to the Church of Chora
instead, which is equally famous for its Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.
Tuesday Notes: The Topkapi Palace is closed
on Tuesdays. If your tour is on Tuesday you will instead be taken to the Ottoman
Dolmabahce Palace decorated with priceless carpets, chandeliers and paintings.
Included in this tour:
• Pick up and Drop off
• Transportation in non-smoking mini/midi bus with professional English speaking
guide and experienced driver.
Not Included:
•
Entrance fees
• Lunch
Note: During the tour you should pay for the
entrance fees and Lunch by your own.
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