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Istanbul Walking Tour: Discover the Former Capital of Ottoman Empire
4.9
173 Ratings
Fatih
Embark on an engaging walking tour of Istanbul, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire. Discover magnificent architecture, rich history, and hidden gems with a knowledgeable guide.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
-
Basilica Cistern - This spacious Roman built cistern shows off impressive Roman engineering was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. The largest surviving Byzantine cistern in
stanbul has been backdrop for many movies over time. Its cavernous depths make a great retreat on hot summer days.
What's Included
- Professional Guide
- Small Group
What's Not Included
- Gratuities (Recommended)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
Istanbul, once the epicenter of the Ottoman Empire’s power, brims with life, boasting impressive constructions and a storied past that serves as a cultural crossroads. Ideal for newcomers, our comprehensive walking excursion delves into the foremost sights, as well as seeking out hidden gems. Trust your guide to lead the way and provide fascinating insights along the journey.
Join your guide in the historic Sultanahmet Square and embark on an enchanting walk through this incredible metropolis. As you meander through the cobblestone lanes, your guide will share tales from the zenith of the Byzantine and Ottoman era. The purpose of the tour is to present a panoramic view of the cosmopolitan center, including its historical landmarks, museums, artistic heritage, and local customs.
- This tour is required to be booked by a minimum 2 participants
- It is a walking tour, so there is a moderate amount of walking involved
Location
Foodie-ist Cafe and Brasserie
Muhterem Efendi Sokak
In front (outside) of FOODIE-IST CAFE AND BRASSERIE. It is approximately 2 minutes walking distance from (T1) Sultanahmet tram stop. Your guide will wear a tour guide badge and will be easy to spot.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(173 Ratings)
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Kerry_l
May 17, 2024
Good city tour! - Great guide. MUCH history, almost too much to take in. In all, covers much of the old city. The best!
Review provided by Viator
Robert_m
Apr 27, 2024
A great start to our time in Istanbul - Gamze was such a kind and warm person, so knowledgeable, proud of her country and enthusiastic. Her English was amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed our tour with her. We had some great conversations with her about Turkey and history and she was happy to answer and discuss anything. Gamze, thank you for getting us off to an incredible start on our trip to Istanbul. We are so grateful :)
Review provided by Viator
Al500
Apr 27, 2024
Excellent orientation easy walking tour. - Excellent introductory walking tour to the sights of Istanbul. Our guide Erol was very well informed about the history and cultures of Constantinople/Istanbul. We stopped at all the main sites where he explained their signficance, how/when to visit and what to look for inside - eliminating the need to take guided tours.
The tour meeting point was just up the road from the exit from the Cistern and ended at the Spice Market. The market is a great location to get to the Bosporus Cruise boats and an easy 15 minute stroll through the shopping streets back to the start with plenty of cafes to stop at for a coffee. Take this orientation your first before deciding how to spend the rest of your visit to Istanbul.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nancy_m
Apr 19, 2024
A good way to get your bearings - Much more than I expected! Great overview to get your bearings plus see the inside of the blue mosque.
Review provided by Viator
Diane_l
Apr 17, 2024
Highly recommend this walking tour - So enjoyed this tour. Gumzic was knowledgeable and ensured everyone was well looked after. Good foot wear and reasonable fitness is needed for this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Cendut
Apr 12, 2024
Lots of places to see, we walked 15000 steps in 3 hours - I highly recommend this tour. There are sooo many stops and things to see and learn, it is a wonder they can fit on this 3 hour tour. Our guide Errol was patient, professional and polite. He explained so much and his English was very good. All the places were amazing. Nova Roma is better than well, actual Roma (in my opinion!) In the end he deopped us at this tea and sweets store that was best of the best. Their sweets were better than hafidz mustafa! We ended up buying so much. No pressure, though. For fit and not so fit people, you wouldn't have any problems BUT for lazy old me, the walking and incline was quite, well hardcore (ha ha). But my kids actually enjoyed it. We had a great time. Thanks, errol!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
August_d
Mar 16, 2024
Great tour to see and learn about Istanbul - We loved our tour with Erol. He had interesting facts and stories to share throughout the day. I recommend the morning tour because the sites are less crowded. Thanks again for a memorable experience, Erol!
Review provided by Viator
Ira_l
Mar 10, 2024
an enjoyable walking tour - My daughter and I really enjoyed the tour. It was informative, done in a professional and friendly manner and not too long. It was scheduled for early morning and lasted a couple of hours (roughly) so we had the rest of the day to explore the city the way we wanted to. I can recommend it to everyone who wants to get their bearings of the old city and learn some historical facts without getting overly tired from walking and sightseeing.
Review provided by Viator
Shan_c
May 20, 2024
Description is misleading does not include admission - The tour was informative and I had a great time. However, I would like to call out that the tour description is misleading. It suggests 'free admission' however none of these were included we simply passed by.
The one admission which was included (the blue mosque) the tour guide was late which meant we missed it due to prayer times. She said she would take us back at the end but then said sorry she has another tour so couldn't take us back.
That aside it was a good tour.
Review provided by Viator
Samantha_s
May 10, 2024
A day well spent! - We enjoyed our tour around Istanbul. Erol was friendly, engaging and knew so much about this outstanding city. It was a great introduction. Particularly enjoyed the visit to the Blue Mosque and learned so much.
Review provided by Viator
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