Istanbul
Top Sights of Istanbul Full-Day Tour
Price: $230 USD
DURATION: 8 hours +/-
ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE – walking approximately 1.5 miles, may include steps and inclines
EXCURSION HIGHLIGHTS
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Hippodrome Square
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Blue Mosque
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Hagia Sophia - pass by only
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Topkapi Palace
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Basilica Cistern
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Grand Bazaar, free time
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Pickup and drop off at port
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English speaking guide
EXCURSION DESCRIPTION
Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents, which has been the capital of three great empires – Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman – for more than 2,000 years. We will start our tour at the Hippodrome Square. This is where chariot races took place and the Byzantine riots during Roman and Byzantine periods.
Only a short walk away from the Hippodrome, we’ll visit the Blue Mosque. The Blue Mosque is famous for its beautiful blue Iznik tiles. We will continue walking past the Hagia Sophia to the Topkapi Palace, which was not only the residence of the Ottoman sultans, but also the administrative and educational center of the state. It was constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople.
After our visit to the Palace, we will take a short walk to visit the Basilica Cistern. We will have free time for lunch (at your own expense) before continuing the walk to visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 58 covered streets and over 1,200 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Opened in 1461, it is well known for its jewelry, pottery, spice, and carpet shops. There will be free time in the Bazaar for shopping.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
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The order of the stops may vary, and this excursion will happen rain or shine, so please come prepared for the day.
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Local currency is the Turkish lira, however, Euros and US dollars may be excepted here.
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Wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
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Bring your camera/device fully charged and consider bringing a portable battery, as access to outlets for recharging cannot be guaranteed.
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Women will be required to wear a head scarf to enter the mosque. For both men and women, shoulders must be covered and no shorts are allowed. For those wearing shorts that day, coverings may be available for purchase at the site.
EXCLUSIONS
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Food and beverages
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Gratuities
TESTIMONIALS
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JESSIE V.
We fell in love with Brian within the first 20 seconds. His excursions were well planned extremely well executed, even when monkey wrenches were thrown into the mix. Brian is professional, funny and full of energy that is just infectious! My suggestion book with him book early because the word is out that he is the bomb!! That is, as long as you’re not taking a seat away from me!
ALICIA G.
As novice international travelers, booking excursions with Brian Travels was one of the best decisions my husband and I made. Brian took the time to meet with us, and answer questions we had before we ever left home. We felt confident and secure in knowing that his tours would be intimate, fun and cover a lot of what we wanted to see. If you are looking for a great adventure with great people, do not hesitate to book with Brian Travels.