Duration
6 hours
Age
0+
Group size
1-6
Transport
On foot
Language
English
About this experience
The beauty and fairytale atmosphere of Istanbul will captivate you from the very first minutes of your stay. You will see elegant palaces, millennia-old temples and mosques, ancient squares, and an underground water storage facility. Walk through picturesque streets, get acquainted with the local friendly mentality, and learn to bargain at the Eastern bazaar.
What to Expect
The Magnificence of Istanbul
You will see all the 'must-see' landmarks of Istanbul and hear the most interesting facts about them. The tour includes:
- Topkapi Palace — one of the most colorful landmarks of Turkey. I will tell you why Selim the Drunkard drowned in the bath here, why Ibrahim the Mad went insane, how Suleiman the Magnificent shone, and the famous Roxelana wove intrigues. You will see the magnificent Harem, priceless treasures of the sultans, the mantle of the prophet Muhammad, and even one Christian relic — the right hand of John the Baptist. You will also be impressed by mosaics and stained glass, gardens and flower beds, fountains, and views of the Bosphorus.
- Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome) — I will reveal the secrets of the legendary square and show its main attractions: the obelisks of Theodosius and Constantine, the Serpent Column, and the Stone Fountain.
- Hagia Sophia — you will learn how many tons of gold were spent on its construction, how many thousands of workers labored daily on the construction of the temple, and how this Orthodox shrine became the main mosque of the country.
- Blue Mosque — one of the main symbols of Istanbul and a true masterpiece of world architecture. I will reveal the secret of its name and explain why the minarets are adorned with exactly 14 balconies.
- Basilica Cistern — a huge underground water storage facility resembling a columned hall built by gnomes. You will learn what distinguishes this basilica from the other 40 cisterns found in the city, why it is often compared to a palace complex. You will also see the upside-down head of Medusa, hear 10 curious facts about the cistern, and discover which famous movies were filmed in it.
- Grand Bazaar — the oldest covered market on Earth. It is not just a place to buy Eastern goods, but a whole quarter with residential buildings, mosques, hotels, and even its own cemetery. I will teach you how to bargain and share other secrets of the Grand Bazaar.
Organizational Details
How the Tour Goes
- The tour will be conducted by one of the licensed guides from our team
- Upon request, we can take a break for Turkish coffee, deliciously prepared fish, and a magnificent hookah in the historic center of Istanbul
Additional Expenses
- Entrance tickets to museums are not included in the tour price (you can buy them without queuing)
- Food and drinks are also paid for separately
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