Imperial Traces of Istanbul – Private Guided Signature Tour

Name: Imperial Traces of Istanbul – Private Guided Signature Tour
Brand: City Balloon Tours
SKU: 1072813
Price: 85 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.97 (70 reviews)

70 Reviews |

Recommended by 100% of reviewers

Badge of Excellence | Istanbul, Turkey

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4 to 6 hours (approx.)

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Offered in: English

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Overview

Voyager of Istanbul tour which will enhance your point of view of Ottomans vs Byzantines. It's not only a tour from the past but also an outlook on the future and experience in Grand baazar in istanbul.

•Hippodrome where Romans used to organize chariot races and gladiators' fights with its remaining Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Constantine Column and German Fountain.

•Visit the famous Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as Blue Mosque due to its magnificent interior decoration of royal Iznik tiles

• Face the highlight of the earth, St. Sophia, built in 537 A. D. - unlike any other construction in the globe-.

• See Topkapi Palace where the great empire was ruled

•See Underground Cistern where Dan Brown's book ''INFERNO '' ended up.

•Finalize the day at the famous Grand Bazaar with 4000 shops.

• Get the personalized experience of a private tour

• Take your Photos as remarkable memory

What's Included

Private tour
Professional Tourist Guide

Entry/Admission - Basillica Cistern
Entry/Admission - Hagia Sophia
Entry/Admission - Topkapi Palace
Lunch

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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Binbirdirek
At Meydanı Cd No:53, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Beyazıt
34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

What To Expect

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Hippodrome

The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, was an ancient chariot racing stadium and a major social center of the Byzantine Empire. Built by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in the early 3rd century and later expanded by Emperor Constantine I, it could hold tens of thousands of spectators.Though much of the original structure is no longer visible, several historical monuments remain: - **The Obelisk of Theodosius**: A 3,500-year-old Egyptian obelisk brought to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius I. - **The Serpent Column**: Originally from Delphi, Greece, this bronze column commemorates a Greek victory over the Persians. - **The Walled Obelisk**: A less ornate stone obelisk built during the reign of Constantine VII.The Hippodrome was not only a place for races but also for political events and gatherings, making it a key hub in Byzantine social and political life.

30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, located in Istanbul, is an ancient underground water storage facility built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. It is famous for its grand, cathedral-like architecture with 336 marble columns, arranged in 12 rows, that support the ceiling. The dimly lit, atmospheric space has vaulted ceilings and is partially filled with water, reflecting the columns beautifully. Two of the columns feature Medusa heads as their bases, adding a mysterious element to the cistern's allure.

40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

TopkapI Palace

Topkapi Palace was the primary residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Built by Sultan Mehmed II after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the palace sits on a promontory with stunning views over the Bosporus and the Golden Horn.Key features of the palace include: - **The Imperial Gate**: The grand entrance leading to the First Courtyard. - **The Harem**: A private section where the sultan's family and concubines lived, featuring intricately decorated rooms. - **The Treasury**: Housing a collection of precious items, including the famous Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker's Diamond. - **The Sacred Relics**: Artifacts of religious significance, including items attributed to the Prophet Muhammad.The palace is a sprawling complex of courtyards, pavilions, and gardens, showcasing Ottoman architecture, art, and culture. Today, it is a museum and one of Istanbul's most visited historical sites.

2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Hagia Sophia, originally built as a cathedral in Constantinople is one of the most iconic architectural achievements in history. Constructed between 532 and 537 AD under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it was the world's largest building and an engineering marvel of its time.The structure has a rich and layered history. It was an Eastern Orthodox cathedral for almost 1,000 years, converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, and then turned into a museum in 1935. In 2020, Hagia Sophia was reconverted into a mosque, although it still retains its status as a cultural and historical monument, welcoming people from all over the world.Hagia Sophia's architecture combines elements of both Christian and Islamic art and design. Inside, it features intricate mosaics, marble pillars, and large calligraphic panels added during the Ottoman era. it remains a symbol of harmony between cultures and religions.

40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı in Turkish) is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, located in Istanbul, Turkey. Established in the 15th century, shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, it spans over 30,000 square meters and contains more than 4,000 shops.The bazaar is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, with a labyrinth of streets and alleys lined with stalls selling everything from carpets and textiles to jewelry, ceramics, and spices. Its architectural design reflects Ottoman aesthetics, featuring domed roofs, arched passages, and intricate tile work.The Grand Bazaar is not only a major tourist attraction but also a vital part of Istanbul’s commercial and cultural life, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant traditions.

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a historic mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque is known for its stunning architecture, with its six minarets and beautiful blue tiles adorning the interior, which give it the nickname "Blue Mosque." It is a popular tourist attraction and a significant symbol of Istanbul's skyline.

30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Imperial Traces of Istanbul – Private Guided Signature Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-5510164P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.97

70 reviews

Average 4.97 out of 5 stars based on 70 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

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