Overview
Explore the vibrant and storied old town of Istanbul on this tour, where you'll have the chance to capture incredible photographs at renowned landmarks such as the subterranean Basilica Cistern and the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet. Take in the aromatic delights of the spice markets and delve into the rich Byzantine heritage of the Hippodrome. Be inspired by the local art and craft scene, and discover the secrets of traditional carpet weaving during a visit to a historic carpet workshop.
What you will be doing
We will see a great Istanbul panorama from the top of this tower. One of the city's most distinctive sights, this great fortification dating back to 1348 was erected by Genoese Italians.
In the Ottoman era, Beyoglu (then known as Pera) was the European Quarter of Istanbul. Home to embassies and trading centres, as well as fine 19th-century, Parisian-style apartment houses.
Museum of Turkish Jews were an artefact chronicling the history of Jewish people in Turkey, plus an art gallery & synagogue. Great to understand the history of the Jewish people in Turkey
Elegant set of 19th-century art nouveau stairs en route to the Galata Tower, popular for photos.
The Bascule bridge that spans the Golden Horn provides both a real and symbolic link between two important parts of Istanbul.
Halic (Golden Horn), meaning inlet in English, separates the old and new sections of Istanbul. The views of this water body are magnificent, especially at dawn or dusk
The Ecumenical Patriarchate is recognised as the spiritual centre (basically the Vatican) of the Eastern Orthodox Christians.
The colourful streets of Fener and Balat await you. One could describe the combined neighbourhoods of Ayvansaray, Balat, and Fener as a miniature chronicle of the Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern times. These streets have hosted the most influential of empires along with their monuments and housed a mosaic of communities.
This is a curious, neo-Gothic white-painted church and interestingly made up of cast iron sections. Built in Vienna in 1896 and carted all the way to Istanbul.
Very emotional and spiritual place
The walls of Constantinople were the greatest fortifications of the medieval age. With various towers and gates, large sections still stand more or less intact today.
The historical city of Istanbul, the only city in the world located on two continents, was the capital of three great empires- Roman, Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire.
One of the oldest and most historic districts of the city, and is today an important commercial centre and transport hub.
Where we'll meet
🧭 Meeting/pick-up point: Yerebatan Caddesi, 34110 Istanbul, TR
🗺️ Instructions: Meet your guide (outside) in front of VOGUE HOTEL SUPREME ISTANBUL, approx. 2 minutes walk from (T1) Sultanahmet tram stop. Your guide will wear a tour guide badge and will be easy to spot. PLEASE ARRIVE AT LEAST 5 MINUTES BEFORE THE ACTIVITY STARTS: If you are going to be late, please contact the tour provider in advance. The guide will wait for you if you are the only participant or they will advise you how to catch up with your group later.
Things to know
Accessibility:
Children friendly
Fitness requirement
Any fitness level
Tour Language
English
License requirement
None
Additional information:
Minimum age is 7.
Blue Mosque is closed on Friday and SEEN FROM OUTSIDE due to Friday congregational prayer
Modest clothing should be preferred when visiting the Sultanahmet Blue Mosque. Shorts for men or women should be below the knee. Women cover their heads and exposed shoulders with a scarf or shawl, skirt should be below the knee.
It may be challenging to do the tour with a stroller, not recommended
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
Entrance to Basilica Cistern (450TL per person) is not included in the tour price. Once you pay your entrance fee to your tour guide, you will have the privilege of skipping the ticket queue. You can pay the tour guide preferably cash in TRY (or in equivalent to USD or EURO).
Inclusion ✅
Tour guide
Exclusion ❌
Pick up and drop off transport
Entrance ticket
Gratuities
About your host
Tematique ToursFounded by highly experienced Tour Guides in 2017, our team brings to you over 15 years of experience leading Istanbul tours. We are 100% owned and operated by our own tour guides. We employee and train our guides, ensuring that we deliver an exceptional in-house product.
For every trip booked, Kodama Travel donates £1 to Just One Tree to restore our forests and the ocean.