Highlights of Istanbul Old City

Tour Summary-
Type: Culture, History, Shopping
Length: 4 Hours
Walking: Difficult - uneven surfaces 
Guide: Licensed Guide
Languages: English
Timing: This half day tour must start before 9:30 AM or after 1:00 PM.

(Option 1) Tour Itinerary

Your driver and licensed guide will meet you in front of Istanbul's port passenger Terminal.  You drive along the old city walls and under the ancient Roman aqueduct on the way to St. Sophia (Haghia Sophia), the splendid Church of Divine Wisdom built in the 4th century BC.  St Sophia's dome was then the largest in the world.  After several conquests and pillages, the building was converted into a mosque, but fell into disrepair as centuries passed. The brilliant Byzantine mosaics were uncovered in the 1900s and the church now is a breathtaking Byzantine-Ottoman museum. 

Next you walk to the Hippodrome used for outdoor chariot races in Roman times.  Today it is lined with parks, obelisks and monuments.  Next to the Hippodrome is the famous Blue Mosque, named for its richly adorned interior of magnificent Iznik tiles.  Your guide will take you through the Blue Mosque and provide an explanation of this Western leaning Muslim country.  Please note that the Blue Mosque is not wheelchair accessible.

Finally you are taken to the Grand Bazaar which houses more than 4,000 stalls selling local goods.  Or, if you prefer, you can request to visit the Egyptian Spice Market instead.

Tour Breakdown:
1- Depart pier and drive to St. Sophia- 30 Minutes
2- Tour St. Sophia - 1 Hour
3- Walk to Hippodrome & Blue Mosque- 10 Minutes
4- Visit Hippodrome & Blue Mosque- 40 Minutes
5- Drive to Grand Bazaar - 10 Minutes
6- Enjoy Shopping in Grand Bazaar - 1 Hour
7- Return to pier - 20 Minutes

What's Included:
* Private professional English speaking tour guide, fully licensed under the Tourism Ministry. The guide is just for you and not shared with anyone else during the tour.
* Private transportation by fully air-conditioned non-smoking new vehicles. The vehicle is just for you and not shared with anyone else during the tour. (Depending on the size of the group, a car, minivan or buses will be used.)
* Pick up from the hotel or port.
* Drop off to the hotel or port after the tour.
* All expenses and petrol for the vehicle.
* All necessary taxes .

Not Included:
* Lunch
* Entrance Fees
* Tips

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