Constantinople to Istanbul – Full-Day Small Group Tour

The "Constantinople to Istanbul – Full-Day Small Group Tour" promises an immersive exploration of the city’s storied past. Visitors can witness iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, all while skipping the queues. Led by an English-speaking guide, this personalized tour also includes a traditional Turkish lunch – a delightful way to savor the flavors of the region. With a maximum group size of 16, travelers can expect an intimate experience. But what secrets might these historic sites unveil?

Key Points

• This full-day small group tour showcases the historic landmarks of Istanbul’s former capital, Constantinople, including Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
• The tour provides fast-track access, traditional Turkish lunch, and all admission fees, ensuring a convenient and comprehensive exploration of the city.
• An English-speaking professional guide leads the group, providing insights and ensuring a personalized experience with a maximum of 16 travelers.
• Round-trip hotel transportation is available for tour participants, making the experience even more seamless.
• The tour is designed to be wheelchair and stroller accessible, with moderate physical fitness required for walking and standing.

Tour Overview

The full-day small group tour of Istanbul’s historic peninsula allows visitors to explore the city’s renowned Byzantine and Ottoman attractions.

The tour includes visits to the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the historic Hippodrome, the iconic Blue Mosque, and the grand Topkapi Palace.

Explore the magnificent Hagia Sophia, historic Hippodrome, iconic Blue Mosque, and grand Topkapi Palace on this captivating Istanbul tour.

With round-trip hotel transportation, it’s a convenient way to experience the highlights of Istanbul’s cultural and historical sights.

The tour is led by an English-speaking professional guide, and includes fast-track access, a traditional Turkish lunch, and all necessary admission fees, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for participants.

Inclusions

This tour includes an English-speaking professional guide to lead the way.

With fast-track access, you’ll skip the lines and dive right into the historic sights. You’ll enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch, and all beverages, admissions, and gratuities are covered.

From the iconic Hagia Sophia to the vibrant Hippodrome, you’ll experience the Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks that make Istanbul a captivating city.

With a maximum of 16 travelers, this small-group tour ensures a personalized and immersive experience.

The convenience of round-trip hotel transportation allows you to relax and focus on exploring Istanbul’s rich history and culture.

Meeting and Pickup

To begin the tour, travelers should meet at the designated location of Hereke Carpets, located at Alemdar, Nuru Osmaniye Cd. No:35, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

The meeting point coordinates are 41.010233027453424, 28.972806646594854.

The tour starts promptly at 8:15 AM and will end back at the same meeting point.

Visitors can expect convenient round-trip hotel transportation for the day’s activities.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring a small group experience.

Accessibility and Requirements

Wheelchair and stroller accessible, the tour accommodates visitors with limited mobility.

During mosque visits, guests must adhere to proper etiquette by covering up and removing shoes.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the day involves walking and standing for extended periods.

The group size is capped at 16 travelers, ensuring an intimate and manageable experience.

Whether you’re exploring the grand Hagia Sophia or the lush Topkapi Palace gardens, this tour is designed to provide access and comfort for all participants, allowing them to fully enjoy the rich history and architecture of Istanbul.

Exploring Byzantine and Ottoman Attractions

As visitors embark on this captivating tour, they’ll be immersed in the rich tapestry of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. The first stop is the grand Hagia Sophia, a former cathedral and mosque that now stands as a museum, showcasing its stunning Byzantine architecture and mosaics. Next, they’ll explore the Hippodrome, the ancient sporting and entertainment hub, followed by the magnificent Blue Mosque, renowned for its beautiful blue tiles and six minarets. The final highlight is Topkapi Palace, the opulent home of the Ottoman sultans, filled with treasures and stunning views.

| Attraction | Significance |

| — | — |

| Hagia Sophia | Former cathedral and mosque, now a museum showcasing Byzantine architecture and mosaics |

| Hippodrome | Ancient sporting and entertainment hub |

| Blue Mosque | Renowned for its beautiful blue tiles and six minarets |

| Topkapi Palace | Opulent home of the Ottoman sultans, filled with treasures and stunning views |

| Sultanahmet Square | Historic center where many of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks are located |

Lunch at a Traditional Turkish Restaurant

After exploring the captivating Byzantine and Ottoman attractions, the tour takes a break for a delicious lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant.

Guests savor an authentic Turkish feast, sampling a variety of local specialties. The menu might include dishes like kebabs, meze platters, and baklava for dessert.

Dining in a cozy, atmospheric setting, visitors get a taste of Turkish culture and hospitality. The lunch provides a welcome respite before continuing the comprehensive tour of Istanbul’s historic highlights.

This culinary interlude is a highlight, giving travelers a chance to refuel and experience the flavors of Turkey.

Feedback and Ratings

The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a 5.0 rating based on feedback from Viator and Tripadvisor.

Travelers have consistently praised the knowledgeable guides, who provide informative and engaging experiences throughout the historic tour. Highlights include skip-the-line access to top attractions and a delightful lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant.

Reviewers appreciate the convenience of round-trip hotel transportation and the tour’s accessibility for wheelchair and stroller users.

With a maximum of 16 travelers, the small group size allows for a more personalized and immersive exploration of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.

FAQ

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour appears suitable for children, as it’s wheelchair and stroller accessible. However, visitors must adhere to mosque etiquette, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required. The maximum group size of 16 travelers may also accommodate families.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Mosques?

You can take photos inside the mosques, but visitors must follow the etiquette rules. This means covering up, removing shoes, and avoiding disruptive behavior. The tour guide will provide instructions to ensure a respectful experience.

Will There Be Any Stops for Shopping?

The tour does not include any dedicated shopping stops. However, visitors are free to explore and shop at the various bazaars and markets they visit, such as the Grand Bazaar, during their free time.

How Much Time Will Be Spent at Each Attraction?

The tour guide will allocate approximately 1-2 hours at each major attraction, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Topkapi Palace. This allows ample time to explore and learn about the historic significance of these iconic Istanbul landmarks.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?

The tour is available in multiple languages beyond English, though the specific languages offered may vary. Customers should inquire about language options when booking to ensure the tour is provided in their preferred language.

Sum Up

This full-day tour provides an immersive exploration of Istanbul’s rich history and iconic landmarks. Travelers will enjoy fast-track access, a personalized experience with a small group, and a traditional Turkish lunch. With convenient hotel transportation and an English-speaking guide, it’s an efficient and enjoyable way to discover the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman attractions.