Istanbul, Turkey

Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul
Historical Istanbul

Historical Istanbul

$75

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MORE INFORMATION

Highlights

Gülhane, Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Square)
Delve into the architectural masterpiece of the East Roman (Byzantine) World, the mighty Hagia Sophia
Walking by the majestic Topkapı Palace , the residential and administrative center of 24 Ottoman Emperors

Description

Discover the historical, architectural, religious, and political landmarks of Istanbul in this tour. Your journey starts with a ferry ride across the Bosphorus, followed by a walk through Sirkeci Train Station, Gülhane Imperial Gardens , leading to Hagia Sophia As the largest structure on earth for nine centuries, the 56-meter-high central dome of Hagia Sophia served Christianity for 916 years, followed by 481 years of Islamic Era. The tour concludes with  the Hippodrome of Constantinople with detailed information about stunning other monuments like Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, History of Hagia Sophia Museum and the Little Ayasofya Mosque nearby. Once the guided tour is over you are free to have lunch in the area, to return home or visit Yerebatan Cistern, a massive underground cistern and even visit Topkapı Palace, which was once the center of the Ottoman Empire and now houses priceless collections from the classical Ottoman Era.

Who This Experience Is Good For

This experience is perfect for history lovers and those interested in East Roman (Byzantine) and Ottoman history.

Meet Our Local Host 

Murat Toprak

Itinerary 

8:30 AM: Meet at Kadıköy Pier for Eminönü
Ferry ride to Eminonü
Sirkeci Train Station, Gülhane Gardens and The Hippodrome
Hagia Sophia 
3.30 PM: Return to Kadıköy

What’s Included

Local guide
Topkapı museum entry fee

What’s Not Included

Ferry fare / Transportation
Harem entrance fee
Anything not mentioned above

Know Before You Go

Minimum Needed: 6 people
Maximum Capacity: N/A
Booking Deadline: 5 days before start date
Weather Dependent: No
Difficulty Level: Easy
Special Clothing Required: Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, as well as a light backpack with water and snacks
Women should cover their heads when entering Hagia Sophia, and a shawl could be handy to cover the shoulders as well
Moderate clothing for both men and women is required for Hagia Sophia.
Special Dietary Restrictions: Bring  water and snacks
Extra Cash: Needed for tipping (Not mandatory: you liked the service Tip! You did not? Is ok not to Tip. 10% is good), additional services & souvenirs.
Ground Transportation: We will meet at the pier and go there by ferry. ​​For the ferry fare, you have to load money on the transportation cards.
Additional Information: N/A
Liabilities: The liability for any injury, loss, or damage incurred by participants is not assumed by Remote Year or its affiliates.

fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

NATION REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

Based on 8 reviews
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(7)
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M
Maria Leonard Olsen
Fantastic Introduction to Major Sites of Istanbul

Songul was our guide for this outing and she is very knowledgeable about the history of these major sites. She met us at the ferry on the Asia side (where the RY apartments are) and it was nice to learn from a local how to navigate the ferry system. Songul has a great, dry sense of humor and was generous with her time, taking us to the Basilica Cisterns after the official tour was over and sharing information with us (even arranging for us to enter without having to stand in a long line). This tour is a very good introduction to Istanbul's history and Turkish culture. Hagia Sofia is Istanbul's most famous site and a must see for all travelers to this city. Nice rooftop restaurants in the area after the tour concludes, which provide wonderful views of Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque.

J
Jessica S.
Great introduction to Istanbul

This tour was a great way to get acquainted with the European side of Istanbul early in the month, including figuring out the ferry system. We hit the most important tourist spots while learning some fascinating history. Our guide went above and beyond and took several of us who were interested into the Basilica Cistern after the tour ended, providing history that I wouldn't have known about on my own.

A
Ariella
Great tour with a very knowledgeable guide.

Great tour with a very knowledgeable guide. Left out the cisterns but that’s easy enough to visit on your own :)