About this experience
Get to know the city with a centuries-old history: I will tell you about its past and present, about rulers and architectural heritage. You will visit the Blue Mosque and the Suleymaniye Mosque, count all the obelisks on Sultanahmet Square, and find the oldest hammams in the Fatih district. Take a boat ride on the Bosphorus, try Turkish tea and pistachio coffee while enjoying the panorama of the Golden Horn bay - and feel the extraordinary atmosphere of ancient Istanbul.
What to Expect
Istanbul from All Angles
On my walking tour, you will stroll through the ancient streets of the Fatih district, take photos against the backdrop of colorful umbrellas, and relax in the shade of Gulhane Park, where once walked Roxelana, the beautiful wife of Suleiman the Magnificent. You will learn not only the history of Sultan Suleiman but also of other famous Turkish and Byzantine rulers. We will have a cup of Turkish coffee or tea - while enjoying a panoramic view of Istanbul. And during the boat ride, you will have an excellent view of the city: you will see the Haydarpasa train station from an unusual angle and pass by the Maiden's Tower.
Must-See Places
I will tell incredible stories of the city's main landmarks - the cultural splendor of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires will not leave anyone indifferent.
- Sultanahmet Square will surprise you with its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, despite its popularity among tourists. Here you will see a whole 'gift box' to our city - the German Fountain, the Egyptian Obelisk, and the Serpent Column.
- The luxurious buildings of Fatih district will tell you who lived within their walls before, and I will explain why you can encounter units of Turkish special services here.
- The famous Blue Mosque of Sultanahmet will amaze you with its expensive interior. Bright blue tiles are brightly illuminated by the daylight streaming through 260 window openings, and around it stand six minarets instead of the usual four.
- The grandeur and wealth of Suleymaniye Mosque will impress no less - it is the largest mosque in the city, built by the great architect Mimar Sinan. You will hear the story of its construction and learn what the Ottoman Empire was like at the height of its glory.
Organizational Details
- The cost of the tour includes tea and coffee; the boat ride is paid separately - $2 per person
- I will be your guide for the tour, or one of the guides from our team