Full description
Explore Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman treasures on this compact small-group tour. Visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern with Medusa heads. Walk the historic Hippodrome with an expert guide. Perfect for travelers short on time looking for rich history and a seamless journey.
Experience Istanbul’s cultural treasures on a compact, expertly guided tour through Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Explore the majestic Hagia Sophia’s glittering mosaics and towering domes, then visit the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its serene atmosphere and more than 20,000 hand-painted blue İznik tiles. This journey offers a seamless exploration of the city's architectural wonders.
Walk through the historic Hippodrome and learn about the German Fountain before descending into the atmospheric underground chambers of the Basilica Cistern. Featuring vaulted ceilings, ancient columns, and the famed Medusa head carvings, this small-group tour provides rich historical insights. It is the perfect choice for travelers short on time looking for a deep dive into Istanbul's vibrant social and sporting history.
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Additional information
● Please be at the meeting point 20 minutes before the tour departure time
● Minimum age of participants is: 4
● Clothes revealing the shoulders, underarms, back, and knees are not allowed in some sites on this tour. Kindly bring a scarf or sweater to cover up or wear clothes that fit the dress code
● The entrance fee to the Cistern (approx. 1500 TRY) must be paid in Turkish Lira
● Tour not suitable for people with reduced mobility, heart problems, wheelchairs or strollers
● The tour involves moderate walking, dress comfortably
● Languages available: English, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish
● If you are headed to the meeting point, we would like to stress that heavy traffic in the morning is expected, and can vary greatly when compared to the travel time stated in navigation apps (e.g. Google Maps, Waze, etc.). Please make sure to consider leaving with enough time to reach your destination
● As this tour includes visits to religious temples, the itinerary may be adjusted, extended, or shortened due to changes in prayer times throughout the year
Inclusions
✔ Professional Licensed Tour Guide (in selected language)
✔ Non-alcoholic beverages
Exclusions
✖ Hotel pick-up and drop-off
✖ Tickets for Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern (cash payment required)
✖ Entrance fees, meals, and drinks unless expressly specified in the tour inclusions
✖ Any other service not specified
Cancellation policy
Cancellation without charge up to 48 hours before the service.
No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 48 hours before the service or for no-shows.
Meeting point
German Fountain: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı St, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey