Explore the history of the old city of Istanbul by foot! In this walking tour, you will not only visit iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, but you will also see Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman relics and taste authentic Turkish food.
Brief Itinerary for Istanbul Old City Walking Tour
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Istanbul Old City |
- Monica Mo
- 8 years of travel advisor experience
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Tour Highlights
Here are the awesome attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Highlights Travel (HT Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Highlights Travel (Only With HT) included in this tour:
Find the oldest remaining column in the Hippodrome
Appreciate the exquisite domes of the Blue Mosque
Discover the many roles of Hagia Sophia from past to present
Marvel at Topkapi Palace's treasure and jewels
Getaway to the beautiful beaches in the romantic Phuket Island.
Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration
Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful tour for you.
- Welcome to Istanbul, the end of the ancient Silk Road, and the only city that spans both the continents of Asia and Europe! In this amazing tour, you will explore the highlights of the old city. Let's go!
- Meet your private tour guide at the hotel in the morning. First go to Sultanahmet Square and see the Hippodrome, a great place to begin understanding Istanbul. The Hippodrome was built by the Romans in about 200 AD and was originally used for chariot racing and other public events. Try to find the oldest remaining column the Egyptian Obelisk and guess how old it is!
- Then visit the Blue Mosque. It is probably Istanbul's most famous landmark, and it is also the only mosque in the world with six minarets! Marvel at its domes, 250 windows, and 20,000 amazing Iznik blue tiles.
- Next is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture the Hagia Sophia Museum. It was the largest cathedral for 1000 years until the Seville Cathedral was built. When you enter Hagia Sophia, the vastness of the 32 meter (105 foot) dome towering 56 meters (184 feet) overhead is astounding, especially given that the building was constructed 1500 years ago!
- We will stop for lunch at a nice local restaurant before walking to Topkapi Palace.
- Topkapi Palace was expanded by successive sultans, and remained the sultan's residence during the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years. With opulent rooms, fine art collections, and peaceful courtyards, it is one of the highlights of the city. The Treasury has exquisite jewels, many of which are embedded in daggers, golden thrones encrusted with precious stones, and the 86-carat Spoonmaker's Diamond, the fifth largest in the world, which once adorned the turban of Mehmet IV.
- Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered bazaars in the world, with over three thousand shops. Soak up the bazaar experience and enjoy the hospitality of passionate hawkers.
- The tour ends at the Great Bazaar you can stay there longer, or make your own way back to your hotel.
- Optional trip to enrich your tour
- Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner: Enjoy sightseeing at night from Bosphorus Bay. A delicious Turkish meal will be served for dinner on the cruise.
Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours
Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.
Hand-Picked Hotels
We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.
No hand-picked hotels are listed for this tour on the source page.
Our Service Includes:
Groups of 4 or more enjoy a more competitive price.
- One-to-one consultancy
- Knowledgeable local guides
- Private drivers/driver guides and vehicles as listed
- Hand-picked hotels
- Breakfasts and meals as listed
- Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
- Transportation as listed
- A 24/7 helpline while traveling
Tour code: gh-tk-4