Turkey is a country that divides people. Some love it, some don't. Nevertheless, had an amazing time and cannot recommend this tour enough. You might not love their political landscape, but that does not mean you won't love travelling in beautiful Turkey.
This tour is a must in Istanbul. You will begin the day with Roman Hippodrome, where the chariot races were organised by the Romans and Byzantines. Blue Mosque-the only mosque with six minarets and its surroundings will be our next place to visit. Next, you will see the German Fountain - a gift of Kaiser Wilhelm 2. And listen the stories of his liaison with the orient. Hagia Sophia - The Church of Divine Wisdom is the highlight of this day. Following the visits your guide will take you the Grand Bazaar for demonstration of Turkish Handicrafts.
Special Note: Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays until 2 pm; Caferaga Medrese and Blue Mosque will switch places on Fridays.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Experience the stunning sights and tantalising tastes of Turkey on this two-week adventure that takes in all the highlights and then some. Become acquainted with illustrious Istanbul, behold landscapes like no other around Cappadocia and sail the all-too-pretty islands off Kekova. Marvel at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, settle in for a spectacular soaking in Pamukkale’s thermal hot springs and reflect on the tragedies and gallantries that took place along Gallipoli’s windswept peninsula. Brimming with history, bustling with progress and bursting with flavour, Turkey intrigues and delights at every turn of this perfectly paced small group adventure.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Pamukkale, Selçuk, Can
Istanbul, Pamukkale, Selçuk, Canakkale, Beypazari, Goreme, Konya, Antalya, Kas
Tour of "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.
Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.
Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets,
built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.
Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the
old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are
the monuments decorating the Hippodrome.
Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world
with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir.
(Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request)
Great range of activities and interesting things to do. The boat trip in particular stood out as a very high quality inclusion. Our day in Cappadocia was particularly memorable.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Tour of "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.
Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. (Entrance ticket is not included)
Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets,
built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.
Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome.
Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world
with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir.
(Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request)
Lunch at a Turkish Restaurant.
Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics
of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Live guide commentary is not allowed in special sections. (Harem is not included in the program)
Hagia Irene located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine). It was also the second largest church in İstanbul after Hagia Sophia. It’s a typical Byzantine structure with its materials and architecture, was built on the site of an old temple in 330.
I have been dreaming of traveling to Turkey for a long time. I had initially booked this tour in 2020 and clearly it had to be cancelled. Five years later, my expectations were exceeded by this tour. The rich history, culture, the food and the beautiful people of Turkey— this is a trip not to be missed!
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This tour is a must in Istanbul. You will begin the day with Roman Hippodrome, where the chariot races were organised by the Romans and Byzantines. Blue Mosque-the first mosque with six minarets and its surroundings will be our next place to visit. Next, you will see the German Fountain - a gift of Kaiser Wilhelm 2. And listen the stories of his liaison with the orient.
Hagia Sophia - The Church of Divine Wisdom is the highlight of this day. Following the visits your guide will take you the Grand Bazaar for demonstration of Turkish Handicrafts. After Grand Bazaar we will have lunch.
Following lunch the next stop is Topkapi Palace Museum. This is the big one...the most important museum of Turkey and the Balkan Peninsula. It is an incomparably rich treasure chest, brimming with things of historical importance. First, second, third and fourth courtyards; the Audience Hall, Divan-the High Court, Historical Kitchens, Royal Stables, the Treasury, gardens, kiosks…Probably the best commentary on Ottoman History, art and its culture is simply to come direct to the First Courtyard of this amazing Palace.
Next place to see is Hagia Irene Church (from outside). Our final place of interest are Caferaga Medrese and Sogukcesme Street.
All in all, to see these things with a great guide...well, you will never be quite the same again.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Meeting in front of Starbucks near The Marmara Hotel at Taksim Square. First taste is ‘’Wet Burger’’.
Visit Hacıbekir Sweet Shop, confiseur since 1777, to taste the best Lokum (Turkish Delight) and colourful “Bonbon Turc”.
Experiencing different sidewalk tastes, wander through Flower Passage and Nevizade Street.
Explore the uncharted side-streets of Pera, cultural heart of İstanbul.
Tasting kebap wraps at Dürümzade famed by Anthony Bourdain.
Hazzapoulo Passage for Turkish Coffee and watch “coffee fortune telling”.
Visit a typical Meyhane (Turkish Tavern) to enjoy the Turkish Meze and Turkish Rakı.
Hope to meet at another walk…
Meeting in front of famous Güllüoğlu Baklava Shop at Karaköy, one of the oldest districts of İstanbul.
Traditional breakfast amongst the variety of authentic eatery shops.
Ferry to Kadıköy, ancient Chalcedon, where Ecumenical Council met (451 AD) to bring an end to the ecclesiastical chaos.
This will not be only a culinary walk but as well a stroll through the city’s Asian Side to discover
its local culture.
Visit different shops at Kadıköy. Fish Market and meeting new tastes of Turkish Cuisine. Typical delicatessen, muhallebi or baklava.
Main course at the famous Çiya Restaurant with special tastes.
Gossips of the day at a typical Turkish Coffee House. Ferry to Karaköy.
Hope to meet at another walk…
Are you looking for something unique out of Istanbul? This seven-day West Black Sea Tour offers an amazing route, which will take you away from the stressful city environment.
Starting from amazing Sile, we head to Agva to discover its pure natural beauty. Then, we will drive east along the West Black Sea toward Akcakoca, enjoying the beautiful scenery on the way. We will visit the old city of Akcakoca and other local attractions, including Genoese Castle.
Next up in our destinations are Bolu, home to the beautiful Lake Abant, and then the town of Safranbolu, famed for Ottoman architecture. The last stop of our tour is Amasra, a beautiful Black Sea port town, where we will tour its local attractions before returning to Istanbul to end our trip.
Sightseeing ToursWalking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
1-85 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Black Sea Region, Ağva
Istanbul, Black Sea Region, Ağva, Akcakoca, Lake Abant, Safranbolu, Amasra
Explore the highlights of Istanbul in just one day on this convenient, private guided tour.
Capture the details and feel the atmosphere of the Old City by walking from place to place. All the museums and highlights are relatively close to each other, so the walking will not be extreme.
Begin with a walk through the heart of the city of Constantin to visit the dramatic former basilica of the Hagia Sophia. Move on to the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultanahmet Mosque. Continue to Topkapi Palace, a relic of the glory days of the great Ottoman Empire. You will also visit the Hippodrome, the ancient stadium built in 203 AD by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus. See the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Constantine Column. You'll also get to check out the gazebo-like German Fountain of Wilhelm II, made from 8 marble columns. During the tour, your local guide will answer all your questions and keep you informed about all the places you see. The best part? With the tickets we already have for you, you will get to skip all the entrance lines!
At the end of the monument and sightseeing, we’ll stop at the Grand Bazaar; one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with hundreds of small handicraft shops selling everything from handmade carpets to Turkish coffee. Pick up a souvenir if you wish!
Tour of "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.
Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.(entrance ticket is not included)
Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets,
built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.
Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the
old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are
the monuments decorating the Hippodrome.
Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world
with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir.
(Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request)
Our guide takes you from your hotel/seaport to visit most visited places of istanbul. To go to visiting points we use public transport/taxi or walking.
We start our tour by Hippodrome , which at one time was the center of Byzantine social and recreational life. A few parts of this spectacular site remain, including the Obelisk of Thutmose III and Serpent Column.
Near the Hippodrome is the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Its exceptional architectural design features 1 main dome, 8 secondary domes, 6 minarets, and a vast number of blue tiles – hence the name.
And from here we go the Topkapi Palace, which dates back to 1459. It served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 4 centuries. In 1924, the palace was officially declared a museum.
And you will take a break and enjoy a lunch of delicious Turkish dishes
Afternoon we continu on our tour with Hagia Sophia, which served both Christianity and Islam at different times in history. When it was first built in 537, it was an Eastern Orthodox church.
In 1453, coverted to an imperial mosque. Approximately 5 centuries later, Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum.
We finalize our tour with Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, comprising 61 covered streets and more than 3,000 shops offering almost anything you might need. The bazaar is a part of the walled city and was built during the years 1455-1461.
At the end of the tour we drop you back to your hotel/seaport.