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The Top Highlights of Istanbul - 2 Half Days walking tour
Joined 2021
It's always a good idea to see the highlights of the city during the first day of your visit to Istanbul for a good introduction accompanied by the stories of this stunning city blended with history, culture, mythology, geography and cuisine. I have always been amazed by the thinking of those people walking on the streets at the time. Istanbul is not a place people are just passing by. When it comes to the exploring the hidden gems of the city you may need a company.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Day 01 : Adamar Hotel
- Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. No:37, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul
Day 01 : Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is a splendid building where you will enjoy a masterpiece of architecture which is standing for 1500 years.
Day 01 : Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul, hides the mystical stories of Medusa.
Day 01 : Blue Mosque
The mosque has a classical Ottoman layout with a central dome surrounded by four semi-domes over the prayer hall. On the inside, it is decorated with thousands of Iznik tiles and painted floral motifs in predominantly blue colours, which give the mosque its popular name.
Day 01 : Hippodrome
No baseball no basketball what was there to entertain the residents of Constantinople? It was of course the Hippodrome just like in many other Roman cities. I have always been amazed by the thinking of those people watching the chariot races at the time.
Day 01 : Grand Bazaar
After a long day it is time to relax and have fun in the Grand Bazaar, where you can literally find anything in more than 4000 shops. I will accompany you in the bazaar with some recommendations, and will be ready to help you with bargaining, if needed.
Day 02 : Topkapı Palace
Main palace of Ottoman Empire, the Topkapi Palace, which was the main residence for Ottoman Sultans for over four hundred years. In the palace, you will have a chance to see its beautiful courtyards and unique collections of weapons, clocks, jewelries and holy relics. The highlight of the palace is definitely the 86 carat Spoonmaker's diamond.
Day 02 : Spice Market
It’s in this colorful neighborhood that will you find the Mısır Çarşısı, also know as the Spice Market. Mısır Çarşısı, means Egyptian Market, as Egypt was the hub of incoming exotic spices from far off places like India, and South-East Asia, going back as far as the time of Alexander the Great.
Ending Point
Spice Market
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
Guiding fee
Transportation, lunch, entrance fees, accommodation fees, personal expenses
* You will need about 100 USD pp for the admission fees.
Tour Important Information
* Please remember to bring a headscarf for visiting the mosque.
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
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 2021
About Tour Guide Duygu G.
Istanbul is one of the most significant cities on earth that has been drawing the attention of great civilizations throughout the history. There isn't one but millions of reasons for me to fall in love with this amazing city.
The breeze of the Bosphorus, the forgotten stories of Taksim, the majesty of Hagia Sophia, the labyrinths of the Grand Bazaar, the smells of Turkish coffee and its magnificent flavors will take your breath away.
If It was an ordinary city, a short break would be enough for you. But It's Istanbul we are talking about here!
Wouldn't you like to witness the memories of this city through the eyes of a tour guide or a lover of Istanbul?
I have been working as a licensed tour guide in Istanbul and all of Turkey since 2006. I had spent years doing round trips around the country. Troy, Ephesus and Cappadocia were my favorite places. Later when I got married I directed my full interest on Istanbul and started doing elaborate walking tours. I'm also a travel enthusiast, so I know the expectations of a traveller well. I want you to discover not only tourist attractions but also hidden pathways that you won't find by your own. I like places where my guests can try splendid food, deserts and also places with best Turkish coffee while getting lost together in the mazes of Istanbul. This city is like a melting pot between new and old. There are also unbeaten paths which I like strolling through with my guests.
Before you book the tour, please contact me first to see if we can customize it together. Besides the tour I can also provide you with the countless recommendations for the rest of your stay.
Reviews
“Great tour”
Excellent guide. Quite pleasant and very informative. Really good way for someone with a mobility issue to see the city. Rather than me having to keep up with a ship’s tour, she was able to adapt to my slow speed.
Duygu G.
(3 reviews)Thank you very much Kevin. I really enjoyed guiding for you and Mary and I'm hoping to see you again some day. Please take care and stay well
“Great tour of Istanbul”
Excellent guide
Duygu G.
(3 reviews)Thank you Robert. Hope to see you again. Stay well
“Duygu was amazing!!!”
Duygu, our guide for 2 days, knew the city intimately, and offered modern information to go alongside her historical knowledge. She took us to less popular sites, such as Suleimans mosque, which were beautiful, and bigger sites like the Hagia Sophia where she told us exciting details about objects while expertly avoiding crowds. Her patience with our waking pace and constant need for snacks, and flexibility with our special requests to add museum stops made her an incredible guide. We were very happy with our experience.
Duygu G.
(3 reviews)Thank you Wendy. It was a great pleasure to meet you. Pls say hi to everybody from me. I hope to see you again. Pls take care and stay well
