In our carefully selected hotel, substantial breakfasts are served so you can refuel for the journey ahead. Breakfast is a big deal in Turkey. A traditional breakfast includes cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, crispy bread, honey, jam, etc. And a cup of black tea or coffee is the ideal ending. Later, the guide will accompany you to visit the old city area of Istanbul, which has been included into the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. We’ll first visit the
Hagia Sophia, a shining pearl in the world’s architectural history and cultural heritage. It was built in the height of the Byzantine era in 532 - 537 and thus gives you some insight into the style of Byzantine architecture. And it was turned into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire following the fall of Byzantine. Please wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Women are also required to wear a headscarf. Headscarves and shawls are also sold at the entrance.
★ Our Guest Privilege: Skip-the-Line Access to Hagia SophiaHagia Sophia is frequently visited by tourists. But we’ll help you book ahead of time, and our professional guide will lead you to avoid the crowds and enjoy its glorious history without a long wait.
Then we’ll go to the
Blue Mosque opposite the Hagia Sophia. Six minarets demonstrate its illustrious standing. Its name comes from the 21,043 Iznik tiles that adorn the interior walls with white background and blue patterns. We’ll also visit the
Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Square), one of the most important squares in the city. You’ll definitely see the Obelisk of Theodosius at a glance because its pink exterior is so eye-catching! Our next stop is the
Topkapi Palace, the former residence and workplace of 25 Ottoman Sultans. Especially, you can overlook Bosphorus Strait in the final one of its four courtyards. We’ll visit the nearby Basilica Cistern instead when the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday.
Hagia Sophia
Topkapi Palace
Discover the hidden secrets of the Topkapi Palace with our all-included tickets. Learn about the fascinating lives of the Sultans’ wives and concubines.
Finally, the guide will lead you to the
Grand Bazaar, which has over 4,000 stores spread across 61 indoor streets. These stores offer ceramics, gold jewelry, handmade tapestries, carpets, glass lamps and other unique handicrafts. Additionally, you can also sample local snacks here. Lokum, baklava, and coffee will transport your palate to a Turkish adventure.
► Tip: We’ll visit the Beyazıt Square instead when the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
► Fraud Prevention Guide:
Follow our experienced tour guide, you can easily keep away from many traps. Be wary of strangers who approach you under the guise of chat, as they may sweet-talk you to hidden shops with sales traps. Meanwhile, to avoid getting entangled by overly enthusiastic sellers, keep smiling and leave decisively for items you don’t intend to buy. And start your bid from 70% off or less if you come across items that arouse your interest.
Our guide will then escort you back to your hotel. Otherwise, if you’d like to explore the Grand Bazaar further, you can bid farewell to the guide and get back on your own. A 15-minute walk northeast or a 5-minute ride on Tram Line T1 (3 stops from Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı to Gülhane) will take you back to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (4 stars) or similar
Grand Bazaar
Turkish Cuisine
