A Day in Istanbul: Private Full-Day Highlights Walking Tour

Istanbul’s Old Town, known locally as Sultanahmet, is the historic heart of the city, home of its most iconic landmarks. Making your way around its many incredible monuments can be overwhelming, so embarking on a private tour with a knowledgeable local guide is a wonderful way to see the key sites, including the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia, and hear the incredible stories behind them. Our comprehensive full-day tour will give you a deep dive into Sultanahmet and its cultural, architectural and historical treasures.On this private full-day tour, you will: Discover the rich history and heritage of Istanbul’s iconic old town on a guided walking tour of Sultanahmet; Enjoy the undivided attention of your private licensed guide; Marvel at the elegance of the Blue Mosque, famed for its 6 minarets and beautiful blue decorative tiles; Take in the grandeur of Hagia Sophia as you enjoy a fully guided tour of one of the most important Byzantine structures in the world; Hear stories of the Ottoman sultans as you wander through the Topkapi Palace with tickets included; Visit the recently renovated Harem of the Topkapi Palace; Explore the Hagia Irene, a hidden gem in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace; Get a glimpse of Istanbul's Byzantine and Ottoman eras at the Hippodrome of Constantinople; Pause for a traditional Turkish lunch (at your own expense); Make your way around the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul's vast and historic covered market; Learn about Turkish trade and local traditions; See one of the ancient Hans of Istanbul and uncover their cultural significance; In this full-day highlights tour of the historic epicentre of the great city of Istanbul, you will have the pleasure of visiting some of the most iconic attractions of the city, accompanied by your expert guide. Your adventure will begin at a centrally located meeting point in the heart of Sultanahmet. From here you will proceed to enter the stunning Blue Mosque, one of the most beautiful buildings in Istanbul, constructed in the 17th century by Sultan Ahmet I. Your guide will explain the mosque's unique undulating exterior, featuring myriad domes and six slender minarets. Once inside, you will admire the gorgeous blue Iznik tiles that adorn the interior, giving the building its unique name, and discover its fascinating history. Your next stop will be the breathtaking Hagia Sophia, a true marvel of Byzantine architecture. Originally constructed in the 6th century BCE, it is known for its remarkable design and its pivotal role in the history of Christianity and Islam, having served as a church, a mosque, and a later museum before being declared a mosque again in 2020. Your guide will point out the exquisite artistry on display throughout the building. You’ll take in its immense dome, beautiful mosaics and intricate stonework, and hear more about its origins, and transformations as well as its cultural and religious significance.You will then make your way to the opulent Topkapi Palace to delve into the captivating world of the Ottoman Sultans who reigned there for hundreds of years. With tickets included, your guide will take you through the sprawling site, showing you its grand pavilions, dazzling treasury and formal rooms, regaling you with stories of significant events that occurred within these hallowed halls. Your tickets also include entry into the harem, the private quarters of the sultans and their families, giving you a glimpse into the private lives of the Ottoman elites, and the Hagia Irene, the only Byzantine church in Istanbul that has not been converted into a mosque.After all this exploring, you are bound to have worked up an appetite, so your itinerary will include a pause for a delicious Turkish lunch (at your own expense). Then it will be time to discover the iconic Sultanahmet Square, also known as the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Your guide can show you landmarks such as the Obelisk of Theodosius and the striking Serpent Column and explain how the area has been a centre of social and political life for centuries.The last part of your tour will consist of a visit to the colourful Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, which was built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461. As you weave through its labyrinthine alleys, you will have the opportunity to watch craftsmen and artists at work and to peek inside one of Istanbul’s ancient Hans, uncovering the secrets of these traditional trading inns that once buzzed with the activity of merchants and travellers. As your tour comes to an end, you will be left with lasting memories and a profound appreciation for Istanbul’s oldest enclave and the many civilizations that have left their mark upon the city.