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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 36 years and have about 8 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
Shelly Z.
“Yasin made Istanbul the Highlight of Our Travels”
If you are looking for a guide who is personable, knowledgable and fun to be with, look no further than Yasin. Eight of us toured with him for two days and everyone had a fabulous experience! He managed to keep track of us, even in the Grand Bazaar and made sure we saw everything we were interested in as well as some extras. He curated our tour beautifully and we learned so much about Istanbul and the amazing architecture, ate sumptuous Turkish food and bought high quality cashmere and silk scarves in the Grand Bazaar and spices and teas in the spice market. Yasin always has a smile on his face and he introduced us to an Istanbul that we will cherish. If you are looking for an amazing guide,Yasin is definitely the one to choose.
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Yasin K.
Thank you so much, Shelly! It was my pleasure and I hope to see you all again in Istanbul :)
Kesh H.
“Istanbul - 2 days”
We were a group of 6 traveling from the United States to Turkey April 2025. We were very fortunate to get Yasin K for the Istanbul part of the tour. He is a resident of istanbul for more than 30 years. Yasin was easy to communicate with prior to the trip and was very prompt in giving suggestions which made our planning easy. The 2 days with him was a history lesson. All of us in the group have traveled widely over the last 30 years and have had guides in Asia and Europe. Yasin is in the top tier and one of the best I have had. He is very well educated in multiple areas and his English was excellent. His knowledge of regional history and time lines was easy to understand. He would get into more details if asked and his answers were always to the point. He was willing to give opinions on sensitive issues and it was very balanced. We did the all the usual attractions by walk and also used local taxis to go to other neighborhoods. It was an incredible experience. I recommend him highly and wish him all the best Kesh Hebbar ( USA )
Yasin K.
Thank you so much for your wonderful words! It was my pleasure and hope to see you all again in Istanbul :)
Robin F.
“Fantastic guide”
Yasin's great, excellent english and communications skills, very knowledgeable with good planning. Highly recommend for Istanbul tour. 10/10
Yasin K.
Thank you so much, Robin! It was my pleasure :)
$240/ per group
More tours by Yasin K.
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2-Day Private Tour in Istanbul
Is 1 day not enough for you to explore Istanbul? First day will be for the classics such as Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar. On our second day let's go to some beautiful local markets and historical neighborhoods where you can get a local flavour. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to spend more than 2 days with me or customize this tour.
2-Day Private Tour in Istanbul
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The Marvels of Istanbul (Full Day)
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Half Day Customized Tour in Istanbul
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Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Istanbul
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Echoes of Empires in Sultanahmet Old City-Private Tour
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Landmarks of İstanbul
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Istanbul Daily (Old City) Walking Tour
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Taksim - Istiklal Street - Galata Tower
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