Classic Istanbul Tour
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Classic Istanbul Tour
Next available dates
Today
8 Dec
Tue
9 Dec
Wed
10 Dec
Bestseller
Classic Istanbul Tour
Instant confirmation
Free cancellation
Pickup included
From
INR 45,572
Highlights
This tour begins in historic Sultanahmet, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. You will see the Hagia Sophia – the Church of the Divine Wisdom – one of the greatest marvels of architecture in the world and often listed as one of the Wonders of the World. It was constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Next, you will visit the Blue Mosque, facing the Hagia Sophia, which is most famous for its blue İznik tiles and unique 6-minaret architecture. Next is the Hippodrome, the centre of sporting events such as chariot races and athletics, and political activities in the old city. A tour of Istanbul would not be complete without a visit to the Grand Covered Bazaar, one of the most attractive shopping centres and the biggest open-air marketplace in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leather goods and souvenirs. In 2013, James Bond's latest movie, Sky Fall, was filmed here.
Itinerary
Hagia Sophia Mosque
45 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedThe Basilica of St. Sophia, now called the Ayasofya Museum, is unquestionably one of the finest buildings of all time. Built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, its immense dome rises 55 meters above the ground and its diameter spans 31 meters. You should linger here to absorb the building's majestic serenity and to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics. (Open every day except Monday).Blue Mosque
30 minsAdmission Ticket FreeFacing St. Sophia stands the supremely elegant, six-minaret, imperial Sultanahmet Mosque. Built between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Mehmet, the building is more familiarly known as the Blue Mosque because its interior gleams with a magnificent panelling, of blue and white Iznik tiles. During the summer months, evening light and sound show both entertain and inform. The cascading domes and four slender minarets of Suleymaniye Mosque dominate the skyline on the Golden Horn's west bank. Considered the most beautiful of all imperial mosques in Istanbul, it was built between 1550 and 1557 by Sinan, the renowned architect of the Ottoman golden age. On the crest of a hill, the building is conspicuous by its great size, which the four minarets that rise from each corner of the courtyard emphasize. Inside, the mihrab (prayer niche) and the mimber (pulpit) are of finely carved white marble; fine stained glass windows colour the incoming streams of light.Hippodrome
30 minsAdmission Ticket FreeThe ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races and the centre of Byzantine civic life, stood in the open space in front of the Blue Mosque, an area now called Sultanahmet. Of the monuments which once decorated it only three remain: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Remains from the curved-end section of the Hippodrome's wall can be seen on the southwest side of these three monuments. Today the square forms the centre of Istanbul's historical, cultural and touristic activities. You should take particular note of the surrounding wooden houses, particularly the 18th-century ones on Sogukcesme Street.Grand Bazaar
45 minsAdmission Ticket FreeOne could visit Istanbul for the shopping alone. The Kapali Carsi, or Covered Bazaar, in the old city is the logical place to start. This labyrinth of streets and passages houses more than 4,000 shops. The names recall the days when each trade had its own quarter: the goldsmiths' street, the carpet sellers' street, the street of the skullcap makers. Still the commercial center of the old city, the bazaar is the original shopping mall with something to suit every taste and pocket. Turkish crafts, the world-renowned carpets, brilliant handpainted ceramics, copperware, brass ware, and meerschaum pipes make charming souvenirs and gifts. The gold jewelry in brilliantly lit cases dazzles passersby Leather and suede goods of excellent quality make a relatively inexpensive purchase. The Old Bedesten, in the heart of the bazaar, offers a curious assortment of antiques. It is worth poking through the clutter of decades in the hope of finding a treasure.
What's included
INCLUDED
Private transportation
Bottled water
WiFi on board
Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge
Parking Fees
NOT INCLUDED
Lunch
Gratuities
Additional information
Must Know
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Good To Know
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Location
Address
Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya MeydanI No:1, Istanbul, Turkiye 34122
Provider
Deren Koray Tourism
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From
INR 45,572
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