Highlights / General details
Join this Istanbul tour to be shown the unmistakable icons as well as the hard-to-find secret spots that make Istanbul so captivating.
Turkey's capital is a beautiful city, but it pays to know where to look. Join this Istanbul tour to be shown the unmistakable icons as well as the hard-to-find secret spots that make Istanbul so captivating.
Discover the secret haunts of locals in Sultanahmet and explore the back streets and hidden gems.
Explore the labyrinth that is the Grand Bazaar.
Wander through the Sahaflar Carsisi (book bazaar), one of the oldest markets in Istanbul.
Explore the Suleymaniye Mosque with a local and gain insight into Islam.
Visit Rüstem Pasa Mosque, whose interior is covered in some of the most exquisite iznik tiles ever produced.
Be stunned by stellar views of Istanbul and hear tales of both Byzantine and Ottoman drama and intrigue.

Inclusion
Local English-speaking guide; Tour of Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar and Book Bazaar; Tea at local tea house; Visit to the Süleymaniye Mosque complex; Visit to Rustem Pasa Mosque.

Exclusion
Hotel pick-up and drop-off; Extra drinks; Additional food; Tips or gratuities for your local guide.

Hours of operation
Available Monday - Saturday at 8:30am.

Duration
Approximately 4 hours.

Location
Meeting point: Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant, Divanyolu Caddesi No.6 34400, Sultanahmet, Istanbul. The restaurant is located on the street where the tram lines runs through Sultanahmet, approximately a 3-minute walk from Sultanahmet tram stop.
Finish point: Sultanahmet. Your local guide can provide instructions on how to get back to your hotel, or you are free to continue your own personal exploration.

Itinerary
Get the most out of Istanbul in the company of an expert local guide. As we tour Istanbul, your guide will point out places to get the best local snacks and coffee, as well as show you the main points of interest along the way.
You'll start this Istanbul walking tour by exploring Istanbul’s ancient Hippodrome. Following this, we’ll make our way to Divanyolu, a historical thoroughfare originally mapped out by Emperor Constantine in the early 300s AD.
We’ll then wander through some of the backstreets of the Grand Bazaar, internationally known as the first-ever shopping mall and showcasing an incredible array of goods in its 4,000 shops (but we recommend you save your shopping for later when you have more time to explore at your leisure). We’ll also stop by the book bazaar, where the first printed book in Turkey was sold in 1729.
Your Istanbul tour will then take you to the magnificent Süleymaniye Külliyesi, where you’ll stop off at the original Turkish baths built as part of the mosque complex, and learn all about this ritual of times past. Your guide will give you local insight into Islam before whisking you off to try Turkish tea in a tea house that has amazing views of the city.
We’ll then pay a visit to the small and stunning Rustem Pasa Mosque — a highlight for sure! The first octagonal plan mosque by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, the interior is covered with some of the most exquisite iznik tiles ever produced.
We’ll finish this Istanbul tour in the Spice Bazaar area, where your leader can direct you to a local lokanta (small restaurant) for lunch, or give you some more great Istanbul tips for you to make the most of the rest of your stay.

Additional Information
Please be aware that the standard of dress throughout Turkey is both conservative and modern. On this walking tour we visit a variety of Mosques. To respect this and for your own comfort we recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for both men and women. We would also request that women have their own scarf to cover their heads which can be easily purchased in Istanbul.
The weather in Istanbul is highly variable depending on the time of year. Winters range from freezing cold to extremely hot and humid in summer (June, July and August).

Participant restrictions
Children younger than 6 are permitted at no extra cost, but please make sure you inform our guides of this before you take the tour.

Policies
This tour is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.
If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point.
The Blue Mosque will be closed from March to May 15 for renovation; Guest will be visiting Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque, which was built in 1572 (older than Blue Mosque) to compensate.
Cancellation: 2 days prior 100% penalty. No show 100% penalty.
Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**