Istanbul Full Day Tour

🕌 Sultanahmet Square – The Historic Heart of Istanbul

Sultanahmet Square is the cultural and historical centerpiece of Istanbul. Located on the European side of the city, this iconic square is surrounded by some of the most famous landmarks from the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Once you step into this atmospheric area, you’ll be immersed in the legacy of sultans, empires, and sacred architecture, alongside vibrant local markets and rich cultural experiences.

🌟 Highlights of the Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour

This guided tour explores the heart of historical Istanbul, where each stop unveils a unique chapter in the city’s grand past:

🕌 Sultan Ahmed Mosque (The Blue Mosque)

Built between 1609–1616 by architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Agha, a student of the renowned Mimar Sinan, the Blue Mosque is a stunning example of classical Ottoman architecture. It is famous for its six elegant minarets, grand central dome, and over 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles in blue hues, giving the mosque its popular name. The interior is adorned with verses from the Quran and exquisite ornamentation.

🏛 Topkapi Palace (Palace of the Sultan’s Harem)

The Topkapi Palace, once the administrative and residential center of the Ottoman Empire, is perched on a hill offering magnificent views of the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, and the Sea of Marmara. Built in the 15th century, the palace now serves as a museum showcasing imperial collections, including royal robes, weapons, manuscripts, and sacred relics.

🕍 Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Müzesi)

Originally built as a church in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia later became a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453, and a museum in 1935. As of 2020, it functions once again as a mosque. Hagia Sophia remains one of the most significant architectural masterpieces in the world, reflecting the blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences.

🌿 Gülhane Park (House of Roses Park)

Located near Topkapi Palace, Gülhane Park was once part of the imperial gardens. Today, it is a beautifully landscaped public park offering relaxing walking paths, rose gardens, and panoramic views of the Bosphorus. It’s a perfect escape after a day of historical exploration.

🕌 Ortaköy Mosque (Büyük Mecidiye Camii)

Overlooking the Bosphorus, this Baroque-style mosque is located in Ortaköy, a lively neighborhood known as the “Sultans’ resort” during Ottoman times. The mosque is famed for its waterside location and stunning architectural detail—especially at sunset.

🛍 Egyptian Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)

Also known as the Spice Bazaar, this market is a vibrant hub of scents, colors, and sounds. Historically, it was the main hub for goods arriving from Egypt and Asia. Today, it is the second-largest covered market in Istanbul and is renowned for its spices, dried fruits, sweets, and souvenirs.

📍 Why Choose This Tour?

• Walk in the footsteps of Ottoman sultans and Byzantine emperors

• Explore world-famous landmarks all in one day

• Enjoy insightful commentary from expert guides

• Visit both architectural wonders and bustling marketplaces

• Suitable for all travelers, history lovers, and culture enthusiasts