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Istanbul Tour: Explore History and Culture
5.0
4 Ratings
Fatih
With my meticulously planned tour, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Byzantine (Roman) Empire and the Ottoman Empire. How did they rise to become the most powerful empires in the world? What decisions led to their eventual decline? Why were the structures we will visit built, and what significant historical events took place there?
With my meticulously planned tour, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Byzantine (Roman) Empire and the Ottoman Empire. How did they rise to become the most powerful empires in the world? What decisions led to their eventual decline? Why were the structures we will visit built, and what significant historical events took place there?
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Hippodrome - The Introduction Tour begins at the Hippodrome. Constructed by the Romans in the 2nd century AD and expanded in the 4th century AD during Constantine’s reign, the structure no longer exists, but several monuments remain, which will be discussed during the tour.
- Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque, the most renowned Ottoman Imperial…
- Hippodrome - The Introduction Tour begins at the Hippodrome. Constructed by the Romans in the 2nd century AD and expanded in the 4th century AD during Constantine’s reign, the structure no longer exists, but several monuments remain, which will be discussed during the tour.
- Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque, the most renowned Ottoman Imperial Mosque, was built in the 17th century. Although visiting hours end around 18:00, the tour will provide insights into what can be seen from the outside.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - For first-time visitors to Istanbul, Hagia Sophia is a must-see. Completed in 537 AD as a patriarchal church, it was converted into a mosque in 1453, later served as a museum in the 20th century, and is now a mosque again. With its symbols, details, and rich history, the tour will enhance understanding of the building. The visit includes the second floor to view the beautiful mosaic icons from the Byzantine Empire. The entry fee is €25.00 per person, and the tour is available for those interested.
- Topkapi Palace - This 15th-century palace was the seat of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years and is now Istanbul’s largest museum, featuring numerous exhibitions. While a full tour takes over two hours, the Introduction Tour covers only the first courtyard, with information provided about other parts of the palace.
- Eminonu Square - Following the Topkapi Palace visit, the tour takes a tram (public transportation) to Eminonu, where information about Istanbul’s public transportation system will be shared. In Eminonu, the tour visits the local Mahmutpasha Bazaar and views the Spice Bazaar from outside (closing around 7 pm), with details about the bazaar and neighborhood provided. A Turkish coffee break offers a chance to discuss Istanbul and its attractions.
- Galata Koprusu - The tour includes a walk across the Galata Bridge, offering excellent photo opportunities of the city. The Galata Bridge connects the Old Town and Pera, with explanations of the neighborhoods on both sides.
- Karakoy - Karakoy, the closest local neighborhood to the old city, is known for its historic buildings and churches, modern restaurants and bars, and street food venues. The tour introduces Turkish food and dining culture, popular street foods, and the most favored baklava store in Istanbul, preferred by locals. (Food tasting is not included in the tour.)
What's Included
- Guiding
- Guiding
What's Not Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- Lunch
- Hagia Sophia: €25.00 per person
- All Fees and Taxes
- Lunch
- Hagia Sophia: €25.00 per person
Location
German Fountain
At Meydanı Caddesi
Just at the beginning of The Hippodrome area and at the corner of the Blue Mosque Complex(close to tomb of I.Ahmet) If you are coming from tram station, then walk through to The Blue Mosque and you will see The German Fountain
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Avid_traveller258
Dec 30, 2024
Excellent day tour of Istanbul - We had an excellent tour of Istanbul with Bahri. Even before the tour, he reached out to introduce himself and very kindly offered to help if we needed anything at all. He brings good knowledge on the history of Istanbul with ability to story tell them very well.
Bahri spoke perfect English and since he is also a food tour guide was able to give us many amazing recommendations for restaurants etc.
Both before, during and after the tour when I messaged with many questions, he very kindly helped out and was always happy to assist
We are grateful for a wonderful tour and glad to have done it with him! Thank you Bahri!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steve
Oct 11, 2024
Istanbul with Bahri the Guide! - We did a famous sites of Istanbul and a street food tour with Bahri and both were fantastic. His knowledge of Istanbul and his friendly personality were great. His recommendations for restaurants, bars, and other activities were spot on. We highly recommend Bahri for your Istanbul experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tradewell
Jun 6, 2024
EXCELLENT - He is an excellent person, with lot of patience. He took us out and explained every details abt what we are seeing. He even went overtime and out of the way (no extra charges) to show us around.
The best was the food tour. Hats of to Bahri.
Next vist to Turkey will be with Bahri only.
Thank you so much brother.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mattw3143
Mar 24, 2024
Superb tour with a passionate and knowledgeable guide - I had a phenomenal time seeing the iconic sights of Istanbul with Bahri! He's such a charismatic and intelligent guy who goes to great lengths to answer any and all of your questions. It felt like I was walking around this extraordinary city with a lifelong friend. He definitely knows how to read the room and is sensitive to when someone might need a break, or if they want to switch gears, or if they are getting information overload. Even after a tour ends, he will make some great recommendations about fun ways to spend the evening - and if you're lucky he might even join you! :) Bahri is always continuing his education and learning more about regional history, culture, and food. He is a fountain of knowledge and knows so much about the history of all the regions of modern day Turkey and of the great empires that preceded it. Honestly he is a natural story teller so hearing him describe the history of all the places he takes you to really made me feel transported to a different time. He is a fascinating person with many different interests so it makes it easy to spend the entire day chatting about the most interesting things. The day flew by, it was a great experience and I woud recommend everyone to explore Istanbul with Bahri!
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