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Imperial Mosques and Bazaars of Istanbul (half-day tour)
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Joined 2024
The Ottoman royal family ruled the empire from 1453 to 1922 in Istanbul. They built so many breathtaking buildings in this city during that time period and this tour gives you a chance to explore some of them such as the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazar etc.
Everything we'll see is within walking distance.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel, cruise ship port or a monument such as the German Fountain
The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmed I and officially known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of the most iconic mosques of Istanbul. It has got hundreds of blue tiles and six minarets which is the only example from the Ottoman era.
The Grand Bazaar
It's one of the oldest and biggest covered markets in the world! It's believed that this giant complex has got 4000 shops and 61 streets.
Suleymaniye Mosque and Complex
Suleymaniye Mosque and Complex was built by Suleiman the Magnificent who ruled the Ottoman Empire for 46 years. It's where you can see a real Ottoman "külliye (complex)" and feel a spiritual atmosphere.
Spice Bazaar
It's a 17th-century bazaar building which is famous for numerous spices, herbs, dried fruits and local products.
End of the tour
We'll finish our tour in Eminönü where the Spice Bazaar is located. I can help you return to your hotel, cruise ship port etc.
Ending Point
Eminönü (Spice Bazaar)
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
Guide fee, hotel meet-up
Transportation Fees
Food, Drinks, Snacks
Souvenirs
Tour Important Information
Please note that the Blue Mosque is closed from morning to afternoon (2:30 pm) on Friday. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday and Eid holidays. The Spice Bazaar is closed on Eid holidays. There is a dress code for the mosques. I'll send you some instructions about it a few days before our tour.
Important message from the supplier
I can work everyday
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 Yasin K.
Merhaba (Hello) from a friendly Istanbulite! My name is Yasin, a licenced tour guide who is in love with his city.
Istanbul is more than a regular city. It has been a melting pot of different empires, religions, languages and cultures for centuries! I've been living in this amazing city for 38 years and have about 10 years of experience as a guide. My purpose is not only to show you some historical buildings but also give you a chance to learn more about our unique history, culture-traditions, cuisine, daily life etc.
I am very interested in both Roman/Eastern Roman (Byzantine) and Ottoman heritage of Istanbul, so I can offer you very specific tours that you'll always remember. I have basic information on the old/medieval Greek and can read the Ottoman Turkish. I can also understand caligraphic inscriptions easily. I believe that if you really want to feel the soul of historical buildings, you should know what those inscriptions explain to us. That's why I spent so much time to improve myself in this field.
I also love photography and trying different types of healthy and traditional food. Fortunately, Istanbul gives us a great chance for them. I'll be so happy to help you with them, too!
Feel free to contact me for either a full-day or a half-day tour. I can provide you a complete program or customizable itinerary. Let's explore this amazing city and unique culture together!
Reviews
Charles W.
“2nd 1/2 day tour with Yasin”
We had booked a 2nd 1/2 day tour with Yasin. Again he was punctual, and walked us to the sights we had planned with him. Helpful with tickets, and informative and helpful - again a positive experience. It should be noted that we had planned these excursions with him some months before, and had chosen the itinerary. He responded to emails promptly and was very good with accommodating our requests. Definitely can recommend.
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Yasin K.
Thank you so much for the review! I really appreciate it. Hope to see you guys again in Istanbul :)
Charles W.
“1st 1/2 day tour with Yasin”
Very positive experience indeed. Yasin arrived punctually at the hotel and took us all in a taxi to the Topkapi Palace. He was helpful in procuring tickets; his accredited guide status meant we legitimately could skip some queues. Yasin was knowledgeable and informative on the parts of the palace we saw. Most importantly, he got us back to the hotel within our specified time, notwithstanding Istanbul traffic.
Yasin K.
Thank you so much for the review! I really appreciate it :)
Thomas C.
“Great tour with Yasin K.”
We did the full day tour. Yasin metus at our hotel. Taxi to Blue Mosque. Yasin was incredibly knowledgeable. Very interesting explanations of Turkish culture and Islam. Very, very, good English. The places we went were very interesting. Yasin has a great sense of humor. We had lots of laughs. We have traveled extensively and this was definitely a banner day. Stunning views after stunning views. Yasin took us to an absolutely wonderful restaurant for real tourist food, delicious. He is a wonderful person and the best guide we have had world wide. He shared that he loves travel and has been to 55 country’s. His knowledge of culture is extensive
Yasin K.
Thank you so much for your beautiful words. It was my pleasure to guide you :)
$240/ per group
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