Istanbul Essentials For First Timers
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Istanbul Essentials For First Timers
Next available dates
Wed
Dec 10
Thu
Dec 11
Sat
Dec 13
Bestseller
For Shared (Group) Service
Free cancellation
Manual confirmation
As Shared (Group) Service
From
USD 160.13
For Private Service
Free cancellation
Manual confirmation
Private
From
USD 240.19
Highlights
If you are going to visit Istanbul for the first time, this cultural and culinary walking tour in Istanbul will provide you a detailed information of what I can call "Essentials of Istanbul Experience". We will visit some of the most famous landmarks of Istanbul, understand their historical, architectural and social importance. We will also try some local foods, including (everyone's favourite) Turkish desserts. I will be explaining my guests some of the less-known and little-noticed details for each site.
The experience can be tailored with the consensus of all participants.
Itinerary
Gulhane Park
20 minsAdmission Ticket FreeOnce part of Topkapi Palace, this relaxing and beautiful public park is more than a recreational area. This area played a very crucuial role in the history of Istanbul, but also of Turkish Republic. In April, it is full of tulips. In May, roses replace tulips. Every seasons, it looks amazing in its own way.Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III
10 minsAdmission Ticket FreeThe first-of-its-kind, Sultan Ahmed Fountain in front of Topkapi Palace is an elegant monument in itself. Surrounded by Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, this Fountain rarely gets the attention that it deserves. We will examine its Tulip Period ornaments with a special attention and understand its impact to the city.Basilica Cistern
1 hoursAdmission Ticket Not IncludedYerebatan (Basilica) Cistern is a 6th-century Roman water structure and the largest of its kind in Istanbul. With endless rows of columns, its has a unique appearance. It is considered as a top sight in Istanbul. There may be a 30-minute waiting time on busy days.Blue Mosque
1 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeThis 17th-century masterpiece of Ottoman architecture is one of the top sights in Istanbul. Its interior provides one of the most glamorous examples of Ottoman mosques. It is decorated with thousands of tiles and extensive penwork. Starting from its outer courtyard to the inner corners, this mosque provides several elegant examples of the Turkish artistic taste of the 17th century.Sultanahmet Square
1 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeSultanahmet Square is the ancient Roman Hippodrome and contains some of Istanbul's oldest and most important sights. The Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, Masonary Obelisk and German Fountain are among those sights. Each of them has its own fascinating stories and not-easy-to-notice aspects, which I will happily share during our visit.Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
1 hoursAdmission Ticket Not IncludedThe Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul is one of the masterpieces of world architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 6th-century building contains artistic items and architectural features from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations. It is a must-see in Istanbul, but for that reason, there are long queues which may result with 1-2 hours of waiting time. (If my guests prefer to see the building only from outside in order not to wait in a long queue, an alternative destination can be added)Grand Bazaar
1 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeAs a key city of the Silk Road and the Spice Road, Istanbul boasts the presence of some of the best medieval bazaars in the world. The Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar are still some of most lively commercial buildings in Istanbul. Depending on the personal preference of my guests, we can visit one or both of them. Grand Bazaar is closed on sunday.Beyazit Mosque
1 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeAlthough Blue Mosque is the most visited Ottoman mosque in Istanbul because of its location at the heart of Old City, several other mosques are worth visiting because of their historical significance and architectural aspects. Beyazit Mosque in particular contains very interesting features that are unique in Istanbul. We will take a look at its colorful decoration dated 1505.
What's included
INCLUDED
Professional Licenced Tourist Guidance Service
NOT INCLUDED
Entry Tickets To Museums
Lunch
Public transportation
Customer reviews
Additional information
Must Know
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Good To Know
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important Note: The guide will only provide “tourist guidance service” in accordance with the legal guidelines in Türkiye.
Location
Address
Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya MeydanI No:1, Istanbul, Turkiye 34122
Provider
Unsal Koslu
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USD 160.13
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