Istanbul Shore Excursion (Private)

Meet your guide at the port to see/visit the below sites for your Istanbul Shore Excursion;

Please note that – The fastest and cheapest way to go to old city is the Tram. Tram station is just outside of the port area and it takes about 15 minutes to get to old city by tram. Also, you can book for a private van for a return ride to old city during the confirmation of the tour.

Hippodrome, which was one of the largest chariot race grounds of the Byzantine Empire. Here you can see the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpentine Column.

Then continue to Blue Mosque one of Istanbul’s most venerable monuments. Once inside you will see how the mosque got its name, viewing the colorful blue Iznik tiles that adorn the interior. These tiles are from the peak of Iznik tile production in the early 17th Century.

Then Visit the Basilica Cistern where was built as an underground water resorvuir for the city. You will see the world famous Medusa Heads that are used as colom bases.

St Sophia, the Church of Divine wisdom and a testament to the sophistication of the 6th Century. The vast edifice was built over two earlier churches and inaugurated by Emperor Justinian in 537. Also The immense dome is an architectural marvel. It seems to hover overhead.

Last, Visit the Grand Bazaar, the largest and oldest covered Bazaar in Turkey with more than 4,000 shops. So A variety of handicrafts, carpets, rare jewels and souvenirs all sold in small shops next to each other. Grand Bazaar is famous for carpets for the last 500 years therefore as a pleasure to your eyes and to improve the knowledge, an educational carpet demonstration will be shown at the recommended store.

On Sundays, only modern section of the Grand bazaar will be visited as old section is closed.