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Daily Tour
Daily Tour
99 people
Ümit
This tour explores the Historic Areas of Istanbul, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the Bosphorus peninsula between Europe and Asia. For more than 2,000 years, this area served as the imperial core of Byzantium, Constantinople, and Ottoman Istanbul, shaped by major political, religious, and artistic developments. The route focuses on the Historic Peninsula, surrounded by the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, and the Sea of Marmara, where successive empires created an unparalleled urban and architectural landscape. Visiting key monuments within this protected zone, the tour offers first-time visitors a strong historical, geographical, and visual orientation to Istanbul’s layered imperial past and its distinctive skyline.
The tour begins at the Hippodrome of Constantine, the ceremonial and social center of Byzantine Constantinople. Constructed during the Roman period and expanded in the 4th century, it hosted chariot races, imperial processions, and public events. Today, the area preserves important monuments including the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the Walled Obelisk, offering insight into the political symbolism and urban life of the Byzantine capital.
The Blue Mosque, completed in the early 17th century, represents one of the final and most refined examples of classical Ottoman architecture. Designed as an imperial mosque complex, it reflects the architectural tradition that reached its height in the 16th century. Its balanced proportions, cascading domes, and interior decoration—featuring fine İznik tilework—illustrate the aesthetic and symbolic language of the Ottoman imperial era.
Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian, Hagia Sophia is one of the most influential monuments in architectural history. Its vast dome and innovative structural system represent a breakthrough in engineering and spatial design. Originally constructed as a Byzantine cathedral and later adapted as an imperial mosque, the building embodies the religious, political, and artistic continuity of Istanbul across successive civilizations.
For nearly four centuries, Topkapı Palace served as the administrative and residential center of the Ottoman Empire. Positioned on the tip of the Historic Peninsula, it commands panoramic views of the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, and Sea of Marmara. The palace complex illustrates Ottoman governance, court ceremony, and daily life, while the Harem section provides insight into the private structure and hierarchy of the imperial household.
The tour concludes at the Basilica Cistern, a monumental underground water reservoir constructed during the Roman period to supply Constantinople. Supported by rows of marble columns, the cistern demonstrates the advanced engineering of ancient urban infrastructure. The reused sculptural elements, including the famous Medusa head bases, highlight the continuity and adaptation of materials across centuries of city life.
Yes. This tour is operated as a private tour, exclusively for you and your party, accompanied by a professional, licensed tour guide.
This tour is primarily walking-based, as all major sites are located within the Historic Peninsula. No vehicle is required during the day. Public transportation may be used only if operationally necessary.
This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, approximately 2.5 km over the course of the day. While the outdoor walking distance is shorter, additional walking is required inside sites such as Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern, including stairs and uneven surfaces. The pace is relaxed, with frequent stops.
This tour is not fully wheelchair accessible. Several sites include stairs, uneven floors, and limited elevator access. Guests with mobility concerns are encouraged to contact us in advance so we can advise on suitability or possible adjustments.
A modest dress code applies for mosque visits. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and women are required to cover their heads. Shoes must be removed before entering mosques; plastic shoe bags are provided on site.
We respect guest privacy and personal data. Any information shared with us is used solely for tour operations and communication and is not shared with third parties except where required to deliver services or by law.
Guests are welcome to take their own photos throughout the tour. We do not take photos or videos of guests for promotional purposes without clear prior consent.
Member Since 2025
