Istanbul Walking City Tour for Cruise Passengers

Istanbul Walking City Tour for Cruise Passengers

Istanbul, earlier known as Constantinople, is witness to the intertwined legacies of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. With its rich historical heritage, this charming city continues to captivate visitors with its exceptional landmarks that not only offer a brief look into its glorious past but also reveal the cultural mosaic that is modern-day Istanbul.

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya): Hagia Sophia, a timeless masterpiece, was originally constructed as a Byzantine cathedral in the 6th century. It later transformed into an imperial mosque during the Ottoman era. Later under Turkish Republic Hagia Sophia turned into a museum. But it is now it is serving as a mosque. Its iconic dome, intricate mosaics, and magnificent architecture not only echo the city’s historical significance but also serve as a symbol of the seamless blend of architectural styles over the centuries.

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): At short distance from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is a charming example of Ottoman architecture. With its six towering minarets and breathtaking blue tiles, it earned its name as the “Blue Mosque.” The mosque’s peaceful courtyard and elegant design invite visitors to explore its serene ambiance, while the harmonious mixture of culture and religion is evident in its design.

German Fountain (Alman Çeşmesi): Located in Sultanahmet Square, the German Fountain is a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany to Sultan Abdulhamid II. Its ornaments and design, blending Ottoman and German styles, symbolizes international cooperation during the late 19th century.

Obelisk of Theodosius (Dikilitaş): Situated in the Hippodrome, this ancient relic from Egypt, placed in the 15th century BC, was brought to Constantinople in the 4th century. It serves as a witness to the city’s importance as the center of the Eastern Roman Empire, a connection to the distant past that continues to shine through time.

Serpentine Column (Yılanlı Sütun): Another important remain in the Hippodrome, the Serpentine Column is a remainder of the victory at Plataea in 479 BC. While only one serpent head remains, it stands as a reminder to the city’s Roman and Byzantine history, a silent witness to the ever-evolving narrative of Istanbul.

Hippodrome (At Meydanı): Once the heart of Byzantine Constantinople’s civic life, the Hippodrome was a center for chariot races and public gatherings, echoing the city’s vibrant past, where the sounds cheers and celebrations from bygone eras still seem to ring through the very stones.

Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı): Built in the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar is a labyrinthine marketplace that was a bustling hub of trade during the Ottoman Empire. Today, it remains a vibrant bazaar where visitors can shop for everything from Turkish carpets and jewelry to spices and ceramics, offering a unique opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of this historical marketplace.

Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı): Settled overlooking the Bosphorus, Topkapi Palace served as the residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries. Its architecture, gardens, and courtyards reflect the abundance and power of the Ottoman Empire, inviting visitors to step into the shoes of sultans and explore the rich history that living within its walls. While the Harem Section is not included in our tour package, visitors can explore gardens, courtyards, and pavilions, allowing for a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Ottoman royalty.

This Istanbul Walking City Tour promises to be a journey through time, allowing you to get lost in the captivating history and culture of this enchanting city, where every corner reveals a story, and every step takes you closer to the heart of its unique blend of past and present.

Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour Details:

Prepare for a memorable exploration of Istanbul’s rich historical heritage. Your journey starts  as an your tour guide greets you at the port, seamlessly synchronizing with your cruise schedule. We’ll drive you across the Galata Bridge, accompanying you into the heart of Istanbul’s old city.

• Hagia Sophia and  Blue Mosque
  Our time-traveling adventure begins with the amazing Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece transcending centuries. Originally a Byzantine cathedral in the 6th century, it evolved into an imperial mosque during the Ottoman era and turned into a  museum. Now it is serving as a mosque. Its iconic dome, intricate mosaics, and magnificient architecture telling stories about the city’s unparalleled historical significance. In a walking distance, we will visit the Blue Mosque. With six towering minarets and an intricate tapestry of blue tiles, it’s a majestic example to Ottoman architecture. Explore its serene courtyard and experience a harmonious fusion of culture and spirituality.
• The Historic Hippodrome: Our tour continues to the historic Hippodrome, a stage for chariot races and public gatherings, once pulsating with the vibrancy of Byzantine Constantinople. Here, you’ll discover remarkable relics that include the German Fountain, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Serpentine Column, each  witness the city’s mysterious past.
•  Topkapi Palace : Afterwards we will to step into the grandeur of the Topkapi Palace, built majestically overlooking the Bosphorus. Topkapi Palace served as the regal residence of Ottoman sultans for almost four centuries, today, offering us a  glimpse into the empire’s abundance and power. As you explore its architecture,rich gardens, and peaceful courtyards, you’ll find yourself walking into the history of a day in Ottoman’s life.
•  The Grand Bazaar: Our tour continues with the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinthine marketplace that once known as the epicenter of Ottoman trade. Today, it remains an lively bazaar where you can buy a lot of treasures, from Turkish carpets and jewelry to exotic spices and exquisite ceramics.
• At the end of the tour we will drive you back to Galata Port.

Please note: On Tuesdays, when the Topkapi Palace is closed, we will  visit the Basilica Cistern instead.

Visitors should dress modestly when visiting mosques, with appropriate attire for the Blue Mosque. Scarves are required for women inside the mosque, and shoes must be removed (you can carry them in a plastic bag).