The Best of Istanbul Walking Tour – Full Day
The Best of Istanbul Walking Tour – Full Day
Istanbul
Highlights
- Visit the best attractions Istanbul has to offer in this full-day walking tour
- Take in the beauty of the opulent Topkapi Palace
- See the historic Obelisk of Theodosius at the Hippodrome
- Explore the vast network of ancient Roman reservoirs at the Basilica Cistern
- Marvel at the impressive structures of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
- Stroll around the bustling yet iconic Grand Bazaar
- Enjoy the intimacy of a private/small group tour
About
Want to visit the most famous landmarks in Turkey? We’ve got you covered! In this full day trip, you’ll explore the best historic sites in Istanbul all in one day, with the help and knowledge of your friendly Trip Guru!
Our first stop is the Topkapi Palace. This opulent structure once served as the administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today, its beauty is still a sight to behold, with many flocking to the palace to take photos.
“Gorgeous, stunning, grand. Beautifully maintained… and you get to see all the lavish rooms and halls. Worth a few hours of touring the palace. Or spend the whole day there.” – Clarina, Botswana
Next, we’ll stop by the Hippodrome and the Obelisk of Theodosius. The Obelisk was originally commissioned by the Egyptian Pharaoh Tuthmosis II in the 15th century BC. It was erected in the Hippodrome (a place originally built to race horses during the Roman period) by Theodosius in 388.
We’ll stop for lunch at a local eatery before making our way to the Basilica Cistern. We’ll explore the vast network of ancient Roman reservoirs and marvel at the stunning architecture of the cistern, with its towering columns and intricate carvings.
Then we’ll head to the Blue Mosque, where we can admire the intricate details of the mosque's blue tiles and elegant domes while learning about its rich history and significance to the Muslim faith.
After filling our camera rolls with photos of the Blue Mosque, we’ll visit the classic and ever-popular Hagia Sophia. This great architectural masterpiece boasts a long and storied history, serving as a church, mosque, and now museum. We’ll take in the beauty of the structure with its towering minarets before heading to the last stop of the day.
The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. A trip to Turkey would not be complete without a visit to this iconic landmark. Stroll through the numerous stalls and go shopping for some souvenirs to commemorate the day’s adventure.
“I loved the Grand Bazaar. Twice we ventured into the maze of hallways and streets making up this magical place. The Grand Bazaar is an icon and it cannot be ignored.” – Urius, Lithuania