Here in Istanbul, the crossroads of the world, your day of excitement is just beginning. Today you’ll be treated to a full day private tour of this exquisite town. Begin your journey at the Hagia Sophia. This incredible architectural wonder has stood on these grounds for centuries. For years it was the largest church in the world, but it is the dome that makes it stand out to this day. The church’s name means “Divine Wisdom” and you’ll soon discover why. Next, walk across the park to the Blue Mosque. Snap some pictures of the thousands of blue tiles that give this mosque its nickname. In Turkish, they still call it Sultanahmet Mosque, as it stands close to the Topkapi Palace and was used by the leaders of the city during their reign. We then head to Topkapi Palace Finally we head out for some shopping in the Grand Bazaar. These nearly 4,000 shops and stalls have everything your heart desires, so try your hand at bartering for the best deals around!

A full day private guided tour program to explore the historical peninsula of Istanbul is presented below. This tour will allow you to visit important historical and cultural sites in the Sultanahmet area, the old city center of Istanbul. Please note that tour schedules in Istanbul are subject to change, so you can edit or customize the program.

Tour Program: Istanbul Old Town Tour (Full Day)

Morning:

Topkapi Palace Start your day with an early morning visit to Topkapi Palace. The former palace of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapi Palace is famous for its magnificent historical and artistic riches.

Hagia Sophia: Visit Hagia Sophia, located right next to Topkapi Palace. This historic building was used both as a church during the Byzantine Empire and as a mosque during the Ottoman Empire.

Lunch Break:

For lunch, you can choose a local restaurant in Sultanahmet Square or try local delicacies.

Afternoon:

Blue Mosque (Blue Mosque): After lunch, visit the Blue Mosque. This mosque is covered with exquisite blue Iznik tiles and is one of the symbolic buildings of Istanbul.

Basilica Cistern (Basilica Cistern): Visit the Basilica Cistern. This water cistern is a hidden treasure beneath Istanbul and is famous for its unusual columns.

Hippodrome Square: Visit this ancient Roman square to see the historic stone columns and the Obelisk.

Evening:

Grand Bazaar (Grand Bazaar): Head to the Grand Bazaar for evening shopping. This grand bazaar is the perfect place for handmade souvenirs, jewelry, carpets and more.

Suleymaniye Mosque: End your tour with a spectacular view of the Suleymaniye Mosque. The mosque is one of Sinan’s masterpieces and plays an important role in Istanbul’s skyline.

The tour program can be customized according to your personal preferences and time. For example, you may prefer to dine in the October Grand Bazaar. Also, joining this tour offered by a private guide will help you explore Istanbul’s rich history and culture in more depth. Don’t forget to make a reservation before joining the tour and share any special requests with your guide.

1: What is the duration of the tour?
A.1: This tour lasts a full day. It starts early in the morning and continues until the evening. It usually lasts 7-8 hours.

Q.2: What kind of clothes should I wear for the tour?
A.2: Since you will be visiting the historical and religious sites of Istanbul, comfortable and conservative clothing is preferred. Shoulders and knees should be covered, especially for mosque visits. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as you may need to walk in many places.

Q.3: What is included in the tour fee?
A.3: The tour fee usually includes private guide service, entrance fees and lunch in some places. However, it may vary according to your tour operator, so it is important to check which services are included before booking the tour.

Q.4: Which places will be visited during the tour?
A.4: This tour program usually includes major sites such as Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome Square, Grand Bazaar and Suleymaniye Mosque. However, the tour program can be customized according to your special requests or interests.

Q.5: Is there a meal break during the tour?
A.5: Yes, there is usually a break for lunch. You can try traditional Turkish food in local restaurants in Sultanahmet area. However, lunch may not be included in the tour fee, so you should ask your tour operator about this.

Q.6: Do we have the opportunity to shop during the tour?
A.6: Yes, you will have the opportunity to shop in the Grand Bazaar. This large bazaar offers a variety of products such as jewelry, handmade souvenirs, carpets, textiles and more.

Q.7: How to book the tour?
A.7: You can contact a tour operator or travel agency to book this tour. There are options to book online or by phone. You can send the tour date, payment terms and special requests to the operator.

Q.8: What is the tour fee?
A.8: The tour fee may vary depending on the tour operator and the content of the tour. Since private guiding, entrance fees and in some cases lunch are usually included, you should consider these factors when determining the price of the tour.

Q.9: What is the language used during the tour?
A.9: Depending on your tour operator, the tour guide may present the tour in English or another common language. If you have a specific language preference, it is worth contacting the operator before booking.