Private Bases Full Day Classic Old Town of Istanbul Walking Tour

PRIVATE BASES Full Day Classic Old Town of Istanbul Walking Tour –

Duration: 9:00am to 17:00 pm

Full day Private City Tour of Istanbul started from 1001 Direk Sarnici (Cistern) at 09:00am

Address: Binbirdirek, İmran Öktem Cd. No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul

*Our full day tour includes sightseeing outstanding Byzantine and Ottoman edifices and monuments which takes place in the ancient city centre. Our journey begins with the heartland of the archaic Constantinople, The Hippodrome dating back to early 3rd century AD, which functioned as the recreational and ceremonial hub of the city as well as hosting the chariot races. We will be taking a closer look at the picturesque antiquities such as the Egyptian Obelisk, The Serpentine Column and The Walled Obelisk, which once adorned the arena, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II symbolizing the alliance and amity between the German and the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century. Next, we step into the Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque for its adagial tiles mainly in blue and turquoise. Besides seeing the striking decorative elements, it is worth hearing the rumours about its six minarets and the construction phase of the mosque. Our next spot is the unequivocally one of the most renowned landmarks of Istanbul, The Hagia Sofia. Having been destructed twice by two insurrections in the capital of the Empire, The Hagia Sofia found another chance to resurrect in 532 AD. Justinian I commissioned two virtuosos, Isidorus of Miletos and Anthemius of Tralles, in an attempt to rebuild the revered church. The outcome of their work along with the admirable mosaics and resplendent dome was so awe-inspiring that people believed the new Hagia Sofia was by “divine intervention”. This stately edifice was converted into a mosque following the conquest of Constantinople by Mehmet II, the victorious Ottoman Sultan. Although it has been used as a mosque for centuries -except a break from 1934 to 2020-, the opulent mosaics and Christian relics can still be seen except the praying hours. After Lunch break at Sultanahmet area, in the afternoon Our next point in the itinerary is the Topkapı Palace which was both the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire and the residence of the Sultan until the second half of the 19th century. Consisting of four large courtyards and numerous premises, the palace both reflects the sense of art of the Ottomans in different eras and accommodates various mini museums in which objects used by Ottomans Sultans, Islamic relics and prominent pieces like The Dagger of Topkapı (Topkapı Hançeri) and Spoonmaker’s diamond (Kaşıkçı Elması) will be feast for the eyes.

*After this in the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace there is The Church of Hagia Eirene (“Divine Peace”) is a Byzantine church located within in the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace. After Hagia Eirene built by Constantine burned down, it was rebuilt by Justinian in the 6th century and extensively rebuilt by the Iconoclast emperor Constantine V in the 8th century, when its apse was decorated by a simple mosaic cross. After functioning as an arsenal or armory for centuries in the Ottoman era, it became the first museum of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. Hagia Eirene, which was also known as the “Old Church”, served as the cathedral of Constantinople until the inauguration of Hagia Sophia in 360.

In the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace, Hagia Irene, a church known to have been built even before  Hagia Sophia, is located. The church was partly damaged by the earthquake in the midts of the 8th century and repaired. After the conquest of the City by Mehmet II, unlike most of the chruches in the City, it was never converted into a mosque. Instead, was used as an arsenal of the Topkapı place. Later in the 19 th century when the lapsed warfare materials were discovered, the church was commenced to be used as a museum of antqiue warfare.

*After visiting the Hagia Irene, proceed to visit which Known to have been built to replace a church which was destroyed during Nika Revolt in 532 AD., The Basilica Cistern with an estimated capacity of 100000 tons of water was aimed to supply water for the Byzantine palaces and the premises in the environs. Sunk in to oblivion in Ottoman times, the structure is now a tourist attraction with its brick walls, 336 columns, upside down Medusa heads used as pedestals and a mystical ambiance.Today our last visit will be the Historical 500 years old Grand Bazaar, built in 1461 in order to foster trade in the city after the conquest, today lures hundreds of thousands of shoppers with handmade carpets, leather and textile and many other products and offers a stunning shopping experience with more than 4000 shops.

Private Bases Daily Walking Tour Includes:

*English speaking professional guidance throughout the journey.

*Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)

*Entrance fees to the museums and historical places

*Basic tip to the suppliers

*Local taxes and current VAT included in to the quotation.

*This tour is carbon neutral

Please Contact with us for Spanish Speaking Guidance Service Supplement

Private Bases Daily Tour Excluded :

*Meals as per itinerary & soft and alcoholic drinks

*Transportation Any Transfers arrangements Pick up & Drop Off

*Tips to the local guide

Private Tour Period Details :

FOR LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS & LATE DEPARTURES, as museums and some other sites will be closed around 17:30 pm, alternative tour sites will be advised by the tour guide during the tour.

*Meeting Point: Meeting point is in front of the 1001 Direk Underground Cistern, where Hippodrome Square starts. Tour guide will hold a sign with our Company Logo and Tour Name. (www.routeinistanbul.com) Tour guide can only wait until 9:15am to start the group tour.

Many thanks for your kind attention in advance, to be ready at 9:00am on time.