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Highlights of Istanbul (Half Day)
Joined 2024
This 4-hour tour takes you on a journey through Istanbul's iconic landmarks. Explore the majestic Hagia Sophia and its stunning dome, marvel at the elegant Blue Mosque, and discover the ancient Basilica Cistern with its impressive columns. Visit the historic Hippodrome, adorned with ancient monuments, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, where diverse goods and rich cultural experiences await.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At the agreed location (e.g. cruise ship port, hotel).
- Upon your request, the meeting time can be adjusted.
Hagia Sophia (with the Upper Gallery)
Hagia Sophia, originally built as a cathedral in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) in the 6th century, is a marvel of Roman architecture and an iconic symbol of the city. Converted into a mosque during the Ottoman era and later transformed into a museum, it features a stunning dome and intricate mosaics that reflect its rich history. The Upper Gallery of Hagia Sophia offers visitors a unique perspective, providing views of the main nave and dome from a higher vantage point. Accessible via ramps, the Upper Gallery allows visitors to admire the grandeur of the structure and appreciate its architectural details up close. Today, Hagia Sophia continues to be a significant cultural and historical landmark, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is an ancient underground water reservoir dating back to the Roman era. Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, it served as a vital water supply for the city for centuries. The cistern covers an area of approximately 9,800 square meters and is supported by hundreds of columns, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere for visitors. One of its most notable features is the Medusa heads, two ancient sculptures located at the base of two columns, adding to its mystique. Today, the Basilica Cistern stands as a remarkable historical site and a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Istanbul's ancient past and architectural ingenuity.
Hippodrome
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was an ancient chariot racing track and the center of social and political life in the Roman Empire. Built by Emperor Septimius Severus in the 3rd century AD, it hosted various events and ceremonies for over a millennium. Today, remnants of the Hippodrome, such as the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpent Column serve as historic landmarks, offering glimpses into the city's rich past. The Hippodrome remains a significant cultural and historical site, attracting visitors with its ancient monuments and intriguing history.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a magnificent architectural marvel located in Istanbul. Built in the early 17th century during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, it is renowned for its stunning blue tiles adorning its interior walls, which give it its popular name. The mosque features a grand courtyard, towering minarets, and a striking dome, creating an iconic silhouette on Istanbul's skyline. With its intricate tilework, delicate calligraphy, and impressive domes, the Blue Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Ottoman architectural splendor. It remains an essential landmark in Istanbul and a must-visit destination for tourists seeking to experience the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
Grand Bazaar *
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, boasting a history that dates back to the 15th century. With over 60 streets and more than 4,000 shops, it stands as a vibrant symbol of Istanbul's commercial and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore a diverse array of goods, including textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and more, while soaking in the bustling atmosphere of this iconic marketplace. With its intricate architecture, labyrinthine alleys, and centuries-old charm, the Grand Bazaar offers a captivating glimpse into Istanbul's rich history, a unique and unforgettable shopping experience, and serves as a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.
* On Sundays, Grand Bazaar is closed and Spice Bazaar is visited.
End of the tour
Ending Point
At the agreed location (I will return you safely to the location).
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Private Guiding Service by a Licensed Local Guide
Priority Access (Skip-the-line) for Admission Tickets
Personal Expenses
Souvenirs
Public Transportation Tickets
Food, Drinks, Snacks
Admission Ticket Fees (per person in your group):
- Hagia Sophia * (30 Euro)
- Basilica Cistern ** (900 Turkish Liras)
* Important Notice: Please, have enough cash on you for admission tickets of Hagia Sophia in order to skip the long ticket line.
** We will also skip the ticket line at Basilica Cistern. You can buy its tickets either by credit card or in cash.
*** During the tour, you do not need to make any payments specifically in local currency (i.e. Turkish Liras). Payments in foreign currencies (e.g. USD, Euro) and all major credit cards are accepted.
Tour Important Information
This is a walking tour. Please, wear comfortable shoes.
If you stay in a walking distance to the sites in the itinerary, we do not need any transportation. We may take public transportation (i.e. tram, metro) if needed.
Upon request, I can arrange a private van with a driver for you.
Please, kindly note that this private tour can be customized according to your wishes and preferences.
There is a dress code for Hagia Sophia and mosques. Men can wear shorts inside these places, but their knees shouldn't been seen. Thus, their shorts should be long enough to cover their knees. Ladies should wear scarfs to cover their heads and also, their shoulders and knees shouldn't been seen when they are inside these places.
Please, kindly note that it is free to borrow scarfs and body covers at mosques and also, you can buy disposal ones of which you need at Hagia Sophia.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Muzaffer E.
Welcome to Türkiye! Your passionate local guide (originally from Istanbul!) is here! It is my pleasure to customize my tours for your unique experiences according to your requests.
After getting my bachelor's degree in econometrics as a valedictorian and working in finance and foreign trade sectors in Türkiye for several years, I went to the USA. When I had studied my master's in economics at George Washington University (GWU), I was offered two prestigious postgraduate scholarships by The University of Nottingham (UoN) and so, I moved to the UK. After getting my PGCert in economics from The UoN, I moved back to Istanbul and started my master's in econometrics in order to pursue a PhD. However, at the same time, I took my first steps towards my professional carreer in tourism.
During my life in Washington DC, for about 4 years, I had experienced not only being a volunteer translator for Turkish delegations and international students hosted by non-profit organizations sponsored by the US government, but also being a volunteer guide of them for cultural tours including the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex.
Therefore, after moving back to Istanbul, I desired presenting Istanbul - my lovely hometown! - and Türkiye to tourists in the right way and completed the tourist guidance program at Cappadocia University as a full scholarship scholar. I also hold an associate of arts degree in cultural heritage and tourism and have been studying art history at Istanbul Medeniyet University.
I have been qualified by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Republic of Türkiye, as an expert professional guide in Istanbul - Cappadocia - Ephesus, Kusadasi and on the Eastern Roman Empire - Gobekli Tepe and Upper Mesopotamia - the Seven Churches of Revelation.
Looking forward to meeting you on your next trip to Türkiye.
Thank you for your time and interest.
All the best,
Muzaffer
$250/ per group
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