Grand Bazaar, St. Sophia, Hippodrome Square and Mosque

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Hassle-free

Cancellation

4.5 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Moderate

Sightseeing/City Tour Archaeological/Cultural Walking Tour Shopping Pre/Post Cruise Skip The Line

Overview

You will be met by your guide at the port of Istanbul.

You will start the tour at the Hippodrome Square also known as 'The Horse Square' in the Ottoman period, this is where the chariot races took place during the Roman Byzantine period. Just a short walk away is the Hagia Sophia built in 532 by Roman Emperor Justinian I an architectural beauty.

A short walk away is the Hagia Sophia which was the Greek Orthodox Christian Patriarchal cathedral, then later the Ottoman imperial mosque, now a museum famous for its massive dome, close by is the Blue Mosque. Sometimes known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, it commands the Istanbul Skyline and is famous for its beautiful blue Iznik tiles. Constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed, it is a most impressive structure that cannot be missed!

The tour will then continue to the Blue Mosque, probably Istanbul's famous landmark and one of the most visited mosques in the city. This magnificent site is the largest in Istanbul and consists of two square buildings which are side by side. The first square is an open courtyard surrounded by a colonnade and the second is the mosque itself, which is capped in domes. Your guide will be with you throughout the inside visit and will be on hand for any questions you may have.

Next, we will head towards the Grand Bazaar one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with more than 58 covered streets and over 1200 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.
Opened in 1461 and is very well known for the goods such as jewelry, pottery, a range of different spices, and of course the many carpet shops.

You will be able to have some free time to wander around the market and shop for souvenirs before heading back to the port.

The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays - Free time will be given for shopping on Nuru Osmaniye Street or in Arasta Bazaar

Order of the itinerary may change on the day.

What's Included

Meeting point at the cruise port
Roundtrip transportation
English speaking guide
Entrance fee to St Sophia
The Grand Bazaar
Hippodrome Square

Considerations

Food and drinks are not included
Gratuities/Tips are not included in your tour, if you would like to leave a tip, please bring cash

Special Instructions

The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays - Free time will be given for shopping on Nuru Osmaniye Street or in Arasta Bazaar.
Shoes are not permitted inside the Mosque. A plastic bag will be given to you where you can put your shoes in and carry with you. For your information, the Mosque is carpeted.
Men and women cannot enter the Mosque with shorts or sleeveless shirts. Men can wear long trousers and a sleeved shirt. Women may wear slacks or a dress or blouse and skirt (at least below the knees), preferably with elbow-length or longer sleeves (no bare shoulders or upper arms). Women should cover their head with a scarf. No need to cover the face, the covering is meant to hide your hair only. If your dress is not matching these requirements do not worry as you are still able to visit the Mosque. At the entrance of the Mosque, the attendants provide robes and/or scarfs to wear during your visit
Wear comfortable walking shoes

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup and Dropoff at the Cruise Port Included.

Hassle-free

Cancellation

4.5 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Moderate

Grand Bazaar, St. Sophia, Hippodrome Square and Mosque

Overview

What's Included

Considerations

Special Instructions

Meeting and Pickup

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Price Info

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