• German Fountain - This will be our meeting spot…
• Hippodrome - The Hippodrome, the ancient stadium of Byzantium, could accommodate 100,000 spectators and showcased artifacts from across the empire. Among these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi have endured.

The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that served as the sporting and social hub of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, it is a square known as Sultanahmet Meydanı, internationally referred to as Sultan Ahmet Square, situated in the heart of Istanbul’s historical peninsula.

• Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, officially named the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Turkish: Sultan Ahmet Camii), is a historical imperial mosque from the Ottoman era located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built between 1609 and 1617 during the reign of Ahmed I and continues to function as a mosque today.
• Hagia Sophia Mosque - Only an OUTER visit.

Due to new regulations by the Ministry of Tourism, tour guides are no longer permitted to provide explanations inside Hagia Sophia as of January 15, 2024. Additionally, there is no longer a skip-the-line option for tour guides. Therefore, our visit to Hagia Sophia will include only an outer explanation.

The Hagia Sophia Mosque is a remarkable example of Byzantine architecture and a significant cultural and historical symbol. It is renowned for its Grand Central Dome, intricate mosaics, and delicate stonework. Hagia Sophia’s history spans 1500 years, having been a Church, then a Museum, and now a Mosque, witnessing the rise and fall of numerous dynasties.

• Caferaga Medresesi - A 300-year-old Muslim school. This is where we will take a tea break and discuss the prolific architect of the Ottoman Era. The location serves as a center for Turkish handcraft arts, where you can see excellent examples of these arts.
• Grand Bazaar - The Grand Bazaar! A market with over 500 years of history, 64 streets, 21 gates, and more than 4,000 shops. It is not only a shopping mall but also a manufacturing center. A place where you can immerse yourself in history and mystery. It is the most significant and oldest market in the world. Closed on Sundays! We will visit the Spice Market on Sundays.
• Basilica Cistern - Skip the line. The entrance fee is 1500 Turkish Lira per person and is not included in the tour price. To AVOID long waits, please bring cash (only in Turkish Lira).

A water storage facility dating back to the 6th century, showcasing a spectacular example of Roman architecture.

• Tea and coffee

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Istanbul, offering an in-depth exploration of the city’s treasures.

It provides an excellent introduction to Istanbul, allowing for a more thorough visit to key historical sites than typical tourist paths.

Participants will enjoy a customized tour where questions are encouraged, and have the chance to uncover hidden gems, gaining a richer understanding of the city in this thoughtfully designed one-day experience.

With seven years of experience as a licensed tour guide, a background as a language teacher, and current studies as a PhD candidate in art philosophy, the guide is ready to accompany visitors on their Istanbul adventure for a few hours.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.