About this experience
Not far from the Hagia Sophia Cathedral, near the tram tracks, stands an inconspicuous marble fragment. It is a part of the Milion Stone, from which distances in all directions of the Roman Empire were measured from Constantinople - its new capital. This is where the main street of the City began, retaining its significance even during the times of the Ottoman Empire. Along this road of Roman emperors and Ottoman sultans, we will embark on our journey. And along the way, we will reflect on how and why the City changed over the centuries.
What to expect
This tour is perfect for a first acquaintance with Istanbul. You won't even notice how you walk half of the city. Of course, we are talking about Istanbul within its ancient walls, not the present vast metropolis. After our walk, you will definitely know where Europe is and where Asia is, where the Bosphorus Strait is, and where the Golden Horn is, where the ancient city began and ended. Panoramas will alternate with bustling streets, the noise of the bazaar with the contemplative silence of mosques.
In the picturesque park, we will talk about the zigzags of history: a brief excursion into the life of the great city from ancient Greeks and Romans to Turkish sultans and modern Turkey. We will descend into the legendary Basilica Cistern. What secrets does this underground water palace hold?
We will walk to the Hippodrome: where the city's oldest monuments are located, and the citizens' hottest passions once boiled. We will discuss how to start a riot during a break between races and where is the best place to watch the festival in honor of the circumcision of Ottoman princes.
We will visit Emperor Constantine's Forum and see the monument erected in honor of the transformation of Byzantium into the new capital of the Roman Empire - Constantinople. We will explore how the Grand Bazaar is arranged, discover what once was hidden behind the unusual gates of the Istanbul University on Beyazit Square. Let's head to the third hill. There, we will find Suleymaniye Mosque - a magnificent structure of the Ottoman Empire, the love story of the sultan and the slave, and magnificent views of Istanbul.
To conclude the tour, we will cross the Golden Horn to the bustling Istiklal Street, where you can continue exploring on your own or head to the Egyptian Bazaar for shopping. The choice is yours.
Organizational Details
- This is a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are important.
- When visiting the mosque, certain rules should be followed: take off your shoes at the entrance, covered legs for men and women (special clothing can be taken at the entrance of Suleymaniye), covered head, legs, shoulders, and arms for women. It is better for women to have a personal shawl or scarf with them, and everyone - socks if you have bare feet. This will be more hygienic and comfortable.
- Possible expenses: Basilica Cistern entrance - 600 lira per person (if desired, you can replace the visit to the Basilica Cistern with a visit to another object that does not require an additional fee). As well as transportation expenses (tram or metro) and visiting cafes if they are included.
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Extensive shopping during the tour is not planned! The tombs of Sultan Suleiman and Hurrem Sultan are closed on Mondays, only external viewing is possible.
