Discover Istanbul’s hidden gems with a personalized, in-depth guided tour. Perfect for first-time visitors seeking a deeper understanding of the city’s rich history and culture.
- German Fountain - Our meeting point…
- Hippodrome - The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi have survived.
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that was the sporting and social center of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today it is a square named Sultanahmet Meydanı, internationaly referred to as the Sultan Ahmet Square and located in the heart of the historical peninsula of Istanbul.
- Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, also known by its official name, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Turkish: Sultan Ahmet Camii), is an Ottoman-era historical imperial mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was constructed between 1609 and 1617 during the rule of Ahmed I and remains a functioning mosque today.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - Only OUTER visit.
Due to the new regulations by the Ministerry of Tourism, tour guides are not allowed to give explanations inside of Hagia Sophia since 15th of January 2024. And additionally there is no skip the line for tour guides anymore. That’s why our visit to Hagia Sophia will be only outer explanation.
The Hagia Sophia Mosque is a true masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and a significant symbol of history and culture. It is known for its Grand Central Dome, intricate mosaics, and delicate stonework. Hagia Sophia’s history spans 1500 years. Once a Church, then a Museum, and now a Mosque, the monument has witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties.
- Caferaga Medresesi - A 300 hundreds years old muslim school. This is the place where we will have a tea break and talk about the prolific architect of Ottoman Era. The place serves as a centre for some Turkish handcraft arts where youı can see some good example of this arts.
- Grand Bazaar - Grand Bazaar! A market with more than 500 years of history, 64 streets, 22 gates, and more than 4,000 shops. Not only a shopping mall but also a manufacturing center. A place where you can lose yourself in history and mystery. That is the most significant and oldest market in the world. (Closed on Sundays)
- Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - Built in 1664, as part of the Yeni Camii (New Mosque) complex, it is known in Turkish as Mısır Çarşısı, and sometimes translated to “Egyptian Bazaar” or “Corn Market” (mısır means both Egypt and corn in Turkish)
Just about every spice you can imagine is on offer, heaped into vibrant domes. However, rather than go home with the familiar, it’s better to look out for some typically Turkish spices and products, so you can continue to enjoy your favorite Turkish tastes on your return.
- Basilica Cistern - Skip the line. Entrance fee is 18 Eruos and is not included in the tour price.
A water storage dates back to the 6th century which has a spectacular sample of Roman architecture.
- Tea and coffee
This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Istanbul, offering an in-depth exploration of the city’s treasures.
It provides an excellent introduction to Istanbul, allowing for a more thorough visit to key historical sites than typical tourist paths.
Participants will enjoy a customized tour where questions are encouraged, and have the chance to uncover hidden gems, gaining a richer understanding of the city in this thoughtfully designed one-day experience.
With seven years of experience as a licensed tour guide, a background as a language teacher, and current studies as a PhD candidate in art philosophy, the guide is ready to accompany visitors on their Istanbul adventure for a few hours.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.