• Basilica Cistern - This expansive Roman-built cistern showcases remarkable Roman engineering, commissioned by Emperor Justinian and constructed in 532. As the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in Istanbul, it has served as a backdrop for numerous films over the years. Its vast depths offer a refreshing escape on hot summer days.
• Sogukcesme Sokak - A charming street featuring beautiful historic houses that lean against the wall of Topkapi Palace.
• Caferaga Medresesi - The Caferağa Medresseh, a former medrese, is now recognized as a significant center for Turkish classical arts, where traditional Turkish crafts such as calligraphy, ceramics, and jewelry are taught, created, and sold.
• Hagia Sophia Mosque - Originally built as a church in 532 AD, it was converted into a mosque following the Turkish conquest of Constantinople in 1453 and became a museum in 1935. Widely regarded as the most important Byzantine structure and one of the world’s great monuments, it was constructed under the direction of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Istanbul, it is renowned for its lofty interior, stunning mosaics, and massive dome.
• Topkapi Palace - The imperial residence of Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace is the subject of more colorful stories than most of the world’s museums combined. Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines, and scheming eunuchs lived and worked here between the 15th and 19th centuries when it served as the court of the Ottoman Empire. Approximately 24 sultans ruled from Topkapı Palace for nearly four centuries during the Ottoman Empire’s 600-year reign.
• Sultanahmet District - Known as the “Sultan Ahmet Center,” it is the heart of the “Old City,” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were governed.
• Walled Obelisk - The Walled Obelisk, or Masonry Obelisk (Turkish: Örme Dikilitaş), is a Roman monument in the form of an obelisk. It is located at the southern end of the ancient chariot-racing track of Constantinople’s central barrier, beside the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column.
• German Fountain - Built as a gift from German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1898, it stands as one of the most beautiful monuments in Istanbul.
• Hippodrome - The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that served as the sporting and social center of Constantinople. Today, it is a square with a few remnants of the original structure still visible. Monuments decorating the Hippodrome include the 3500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpentine Column.
• Blue Mosque - The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque due to its bluish interior decoration (blue tiles adorning the walls of the interior design), is Istanbul’s most significant mosque, located next to the Byzantine Hippodrome in the old city center.
• Serpent Column - Also referred to as the Serpentine Column, Plataean Tripod, or Delphi Tripod, this ancient bronze column is situated at the Hippodrome of Constantinople (known as Atmeydanı “Horse Square” during the Ottoman period). It is part of an ancient Greek sacrificial tripod, originally from Delphi and relocated to Constantinople by Constantine the Great in 324.
• Sultanahmet Square - This picturesque square is an excellent spot to pause, relax, and capture photos of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
• Tahtakale District - “Shop till you drop” in Tahtakale, a sub-district of Istanbul’s Eminönü, where you can find anything and everything you desire at reasonable prices.
• Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - No visit to Istanbul is complete without exploring the atmospheric Spice Bazaar, with roots dating back to 1660. It is one of Istanbul’s most famous bazaars. Vividly colored spices are displayed alongside jewel-like lokum (Turkish delight) at this Ottoman-era marketplace, providing visual delight for the thousands of tourists and locals who visit daily. Stalls also offer caviar, dried herbs, honey, nuts, and dried fruits.

• English Speaking Professional Guide
• Small-group or private tour (depending on option chosen)

• Gratuities (Recommended)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

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.

• There is a moderate amount of walking involved

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.