Istanbul Half day Tour
Category
Daily ToursTour Type
Daily ToursLanguage
EnglishResort
İstanbulTour Base
GroupGroup Size
30Meeting Point
Vieri Jewelery - 9:00Duration
3 hoursHighlights
- Guided by a professional, licensed, native English-speaking guide
- An efficient route covering four UNESCO World Heritage sites
- An intimate and interactive touring experience in a small group atmosphere
- An engaging and clear narrative that brings the city's complex history to life
Includes
- Services of a professional, licensed, native English-speaking guide
- Entrance ticket and guided visit to the Hagia Sophia
- Entrance ticket and guided visit to the Basilica Cistern
Excludes
- Transportation to/from the meeting point
- Optional afternoon tours (Topkapi Palace or Bosphorus Cruise).
- Lunches and personal expenses
- Tips/gratuities for the guide (optional but appreciated)
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Route
9:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Meeting Point
Our tour begins with a meet-up at the designated location with our professional, native English-speaking guide.
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
A Brief Introduction
We start with a fascinating overview of Istanbul's thousands of years of history.
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM
The Hippodrome & Historic Monuments
Our first stop is the Hippodrome, the center of social and sporting life in the Byzantine Empire. Here, we will see impressive Roman-era remnants including the Obelisk of Theodosius (Egyptian Obelisk), the Serpentine Column symbolizing ancient Greek victory, and the Column of Constantine.
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Sultanahmet Mosque (The Blue Mosque)
Next, we visit Sultanahmet Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and a defining feature of Istanbul's skyline. Named for the iconic blue tiles adorning its interior, this mosque was built upon the foundations of the former Great Palace of the Byzantine Emperors.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Hagia Sophia
We then proceed to the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a structure that has stood for nearly 1,500 years, serving as both a basilica and a mosque. Its monumental architecture, massive dome, and interior decorations bearing traces of both Christianity and Islam will leave you mesmerized.
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)
We conclude our tour with the mysterious and magnificent Basilica Cistern. This colossal 6th-century underground water reservoir, with its forest of marble columns, mysterious Medusa heads, and mystical atmosphere, offers an unforgettable experience.
