Discover the soul of Istanbul with our Classical Istanbul City Tour, a full-day journey through the city’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll pick you up from your hotel and take you to the historic old city, where Byzantine and Ottoman heritage come alive. Begin with the breathtaking Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece that has stood for centuries, and then proceed to the Roman Hippodrome, once the center of imperial games and ceremonies. Marvel at the beauty of the Blue Mosque, renowned for its stunning blue Iznik tiles, before exploring the grandeur of the Topkapi Palace, which was home to Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Visit the Caferaga Madrasah, where traditional Turkish arts, such as calligraphy and ceramics, are still practiced, and stroll through its peaceful courtyard. Finally, lose yourself in the colorful maze of the Grand Bazaar, the world’s oldest and largest covered market with thousands of shops offering jewelry, textiles, spices, and souvenirs. With hotel pick-up and drop-off included, this tour is a seamless way to experience the timeless treasures of Istanbul in one unforgettable day.
Classical Istanbul City Tour
- We will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the historic center of Istanbul to explore the city’s rich Byzantine and Ottoman Heritage.
- We will visit Hagia Sophia, a timeless masterpiece that bears witness to Istanbul’s rich history spanning thousands of years. Hagia Sophia is an exceptional example of Greek architecture and was once renowned as the largest cathedral in the world. This historic structure has undergone significant changes, evolving from a pagan temple into a symbol of diverse beliefs and cultures.
- We will visit the Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque. This architectural marvel combines Ottoman magnificence with elegant Islamic artistry, featuring blue Iznik tiles that adorn the interior walls.
- You will have an inspiring experience visiting the Roman Hippodrome. It was built in 203 AD and used for centuries for chariot races and social events. Today, you can see remnants of this ancient hearth of Istanbul, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Walled Obelisk.
- We will explore the Caferaga Madrasah, which Mimar Sinan built. Today, it is a center for traditional Turkish Arts. You can stroll through the corridors and discover workshops for ceramics, calligraphy, and marbling or enjoy the peaceful courtyard.
- Our journey will lead us to the Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman Sultans for nearly four centuries. Today, it is a museum that exhibits significant Muslim relics, including the cloak and sword of Muhammad. Today, you can visit courtyards, pavilions, the Imperial Council Chamber, the Privy Chamber, the Imperial Treasury, and many more remnants of the remarkable Ottoman era.
- The last stop on our tour is the Grand Bazaar, the world’s biggest and oldest covered market. It was built in 1455, right after Constantinople was conquered. Today, it feels like navigating a maze with 61 streets and over 3,000 shops, where you can find all sorts of stuff, from jewelry and antiques to unique souvenirs.
- As we conclude this extraordinary adventure through Istanbul’s history and culture, we will drive you back to your hotel.