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Istanbul Gems Tour: Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi
4.4
5 Ratings
Fatih
Discover the ancient wonders of Istanbul on a full-day tour. Explore historic sites, skip the long lines at museums and mosques, and immerse yourself in the rich history of Roman Byzantium, Byzantine Constantinople, and Ottoman Istanbul.
Discover the ancient wonders of Istanbul on a full-day tour. Explore historic sites, skip the long lines at museums and mosques, and immerse yourself in the rich history of Roman Byzantium, Byzantine Constantinople, and Ottoman Istanbul.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, is one of the most remarkable architectural wonders, originally built as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. To visit the interior of the Hagia Sophia Museum, guests need to purchase a ticket for 25 Euros per person.
- Topkapi Palace - Topkapı Palace, the residence…
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, is one of the most remarkable architectural wonders, originally built as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. To visit the interior of the Hagia Sophia Museum, guests need to purchase a ticket for 25 Euros per person.
- Topkapi Palace - Topkapı Palace, the residence of Ottoman Sultans, showcases the imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, kitchens, Chinese porcelain, weapons, and a calligraphy section. Live guide commentary is not permitted in special sections. (The Harem is not included in the program.)
- Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque, located opposite Hagia Sophia, is renowned for its blue İznik tiles and is unique with its six minarets, built in honor of Sultan Ahmet.
- Hippodrome - The Hippodrome was the center for sporting events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities in the old city. The Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius, and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments that adorn the Hippodrome.
- Grand Bazaar - The Grand Covered Bazaar is the most captivating shopping center and the largest “souk” in the world, with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewelry, gold, carpets, leather goods, and souvenirs. (Art demonstrations of handmade Turkish carpets are available upon request.)
- German Fountain - The German Fountain is a gazebo-style fountain located at the northern end of the old Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square) in Istanbul, Turkey, and is situated across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I.
- Obelisk of Theodosius - The Obelisk of Theodosius is an ancient Egyptian obelisk of Pharaoh Thutmose III, re-erected in the Hippodrome of Constantinople (now known as At Meydanı or Sultanahmet Meydanı in modern-day Istanbul, Turkey) by the Roman emperor Theodosius I in the 4th century AD.
What's Included
- Entrance fees of Topkapı Palace Museum
- Professional guide
- Lunch
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines
- Surcharges on fuel
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
- Entrance fees of Topkapı Palace Museum
- Professional guide
- Lunch
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines
- Surcharges on fuel
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
What's Not Included
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees of Hagia Sophia Museum €25
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees of Hagia Sophia Museum €25
Additional Information
Embark on a comprehensive day-long journey through Istanbul’s prime attractions.
Experience a historical journey spanning the eras of Roman Byzantium, Byzantine Constantinople, and Ottoman Istanbul as you visit stunning sites such as the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace. Enjoy these attractions at a social distance and…
Embark on a comprehensive day-long journey through Istanbul’s prime attractions.
Experience a historical journey spanning the eras of Roman Byzantium, Byzantine Constantinople, and Ottoman Istanbul as you visit stunning sites such as the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace. Enjoy these attractions at a social distance and bypass the queues, for museums and mosques
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Tour price includes A/C transportation, guidance in multiple languages, entrance fees of Topkapı Palace, lunch and taxes
- Drinks are not included during the lunch
- Please kindly be ready by the hotel reception 10 minutes before departure time
- Guests who prefer not to spend time at courtesy transfers should be ready at our departure point 10 minutes before given departure time (09:00am)
- Non smoking on our tours but all tours make frequent stops
- Local Experiences Istanbul is not responsible for loss or theft of personal belongings during the tour
- Guests who do not want to wait at the long queues of Hagia Sophia Museum, they can buy the ticket from their guide
Location
Tamara Restaurant
Küçük Ayasofya Caddesi
We also can meet with the guests in front of Hagia Sophia Museum
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.4
(5 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Helen_j
Sep 21, 2023
Tour guide was knowledgeable about history and facts about the places we were visiting. - The visit to Sofia Hagia Mosque was full of history and the guide knew its history which made the mosque more interesting.
Review provided by Viator
563wilmap
Mar 31, 2023
Istanbul Experience - We stayed at the Rast Hotel, and the staff there are just wonderful. The hotel is old, but very clean and well managed. In the best location for visiting all the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Theodorius Cistern , the Grand Bazaar and many more wonderful places. I totally recommend having a Hammam. We were all a bit apprehensive, but just the most wonderful experience.
I have to also personally thank Sevki, who worked in the cafe at the Rast Hotel, She made our breakfast each day so enjoyable. So friendly, happy and alway up for a chat with us. xxxx Wilma xx
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rita_k
Oct 7, 2024
One day Istanbul tour - I have been a satisfied client for several years and I was highly anticipating a seamless all inclusive one day in Istanbul trip.
The cost was $165.78 and I was told that it would include hotel pick up and drop off, skip the line ( there is no such a thing at the Blue Mosque) that Hagia Sophia is closed on Monday and that the cistern tour would be a substitute.
As it turned out the Hagia Sophia was open and the long line prevented me from joining my tour, so I sat outside until my fellow tour members returned.
I had read previous reports of customers who had been told they would be picked up at their hotel on this itinerary and were told at the last minute that they would need to make their own way to the meeting point.
I received confirmation that my hotel pick up would be at 8 am before the day of the tour.
At 3 pm the day before the trip, I arrived at the hotel and was sent a text by the local operator that I would not be picked up that I was to make my own way to the restaurant pick up point.
I phoned Omer the local operator and was told they he would not pick me up, we texted on 6 occasions, the hotel tried to call and I also tried to call. I finally reached him on the phone and after an hour Omer said he would pick me up first thing in the morning.
I met an English couple on the bus who had the same experience - they were told they would be picked up as well at their hotel.
The tour guide was not engaging or polite, and he engaged in a minimal fashion with the English speaking clients.
The Grand Bazaar was 10 minutes on our own, no visit to the Spice Bazaar was allowed.
The restaurant was a tour operators choice, fixed 2 course, the "fashion show" was not appropriate with our group. It was simply another vendor that Viator chose to use for their mutual benefit, this was not how I wanted to spend my time, shopping in a high end store.
At the end of the tour, I was dropped off at a metro stop left to my own devices.
I asked repeatedly if they could drop me off closer to my hotel as there were many hotels listed.
I would not recommend this tour and the breakdown in communication was clearly between Viator and the local tour operator, leaving the client at their mercy.
Given that this was my only day in Istanbul, at the end of my trip, it was not a positive memory for me.
Review provided by Viator
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