09:00 – Meet Your Guide in Sultanahmet Square
Start your day in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City, where you’ll meet your professional guide and fellow travelers near the German Fountain. Your guide will give a brief introduction to the city’s layered history, once the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.
09:15 – Hagia Sophia
Begin with the crown jewel of Istanbul: the Hagia Sophia. Originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, later converted to a mosque, then a museum, and now once again a mosque, this UNESCO-listed monument is a breathtaking example of Byzantine architecture. Your guide will explain the mosaics, domes, and the religious symbolism that makes this site a bridge between East and West.
10:30 – Blue Mosque
Walk a short distance to the Blue Mosque, officially known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Admire the harmonious blend of Islamic and Byzantine styles, and the thousands of blue İznik tiles that give the mosque its popular name. Your guide will explain its architectural features, religious functions, and significance in Ottoman history.
11:15 – Hippodrome of Constantinople
Explore the Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine public life and sporting events, especially chariot races. See historical monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and the German Fountain, each with fascinating stories from different periods of Istanbul’s past.
11:45 – Short Break / Photo Time / Local Recommendations
Take a short break for tea, Turkish coffee, or to take photos. Your guide will be happy to offer recommendations for lunch or souvenirs.
12:15 – Topkapi Palace
Next, enter the opulent world of the Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries. Skip the ticket line and dive into the fascinating life of the court: imperial pavilions, courtyards, and treasury chambers. Learn about the sacred relics of Islam, royal ceremonies, and daily palace routines. (Harem section optional and not included in standard ticket.)
14:00 – Lunch Break (Free Time)
Enjoy free time for lunch. Your guide can suggest nearby local restaurants serving authentic Turkish cuisine — from kebabs to vegetarian mezes or street food delights.
15:00 – Grand Bazaar
End your tour at the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops under its roof, it’s a maze of colors, scents, and history. Learn about the art of bargaining, traditional craftsmanship, and the bazaar’s importance in trade along the Silk Road. You’ll have time to explore, shop, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere.
16:00 – Tour Ends
Your guide will conclude the tour with final tips for exploring Istanbul on your own. From here, you may return to your hotel or continue exploring nearby neighborhoods such as Spice Bazaar, Eminönü, or Galata on your own.
