Old Town of Istanbul 2.5-Hour Orientation Walking Tour
by Basis Travel
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€30Overview
This 2.5-hour orientation walking tour in the Old Town of Istanbul is led by an official guide who introduces participants to the city's history, Islam, and key landmarks. The tour begins at the German Fountain, where the guide explains its significance as a symbol of Turkish-German friendship and its connection to World War I. The group then attempts to enter the Blue Mosque to discuss Islam; if the line is too long or it is Friday, the guide takes the group to an alternative mosque to cover similar topics about Islamic architecture and culture. Next, the tour continues outside the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, where the guide shares information about its historical importance without entering, due to the entrance fee. The group then visits the Sultan Ahmet Tomb cemetery to learn about Turkish burial customs and how they have changed since the Republic was founded. Afterward, the guide points out the Column of Constantine and explains its role in ancient trade routes. The final stop is the Grand Bazaar, where the guide shows sections popular with locals before moving through tourist areas. After a brief walk inside, the group exits and the guide offers tips on bargaining and suggests other bazaars to visit. At this point, participants may end the tour or join a short five-minute walk to a quiet rooftop spot for a free sample of Turkish Delight and fruit tea. The guide also provides recommendations for local restaurants for lunch. Interior visits are included only if entry to the Blue Mosque or an alternative mosque is possible. The tour includes guiding fees, booking fees, and the Turkish Delight and tea sampling but does not include tipping the guide.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
German Fountain
The tour starts at the German Fountain, a gift symbolizing friendship between Turks and Germans that contributed to their alliance in World War I. The guide uses this monument to introduce Turkey's history and international connections.
15 min
Blue Mosque
The group tries to enter the Blue Mosque to discuss Islam. If the line is too long or it is Friday, the guide visits another mosque instead to make the most of the 2.5-hour tour while still covering Islamic architecture and culture.
25 min
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
The tour views the Hagia Sophia from outside, as entry requires a 25 Euro fee. The guide explains its historical significance to enhance understanding for those who may visit later.
15 min
Sultan Ahmet Tomb
The group visits a cemetery where royal family members and notable figures are buried. The guide discusses Turkish burial customs and how they have changed since the Republic was established.
10 min
Column of Constantine
The guide introduces the Column of Constantine the Great, explaining its historical importance and the city's role as a major trade hub in ancient times.
10 min
Alternative Mosque Visit
If visiting the Blue Mosque is not possible, the guide brings the group to another mosque to explain Islamic practices and architectural features common to mosques in Istanbul.
15 min
Grand Bazaar
The group explores parts of the Grand Bazaar frequented by locals before moving through more tourist-oriented sections. After a short tour inside, the guide offers tips on bargaining and recommends other bazaars. Participants may leave here or continue to a rooftop spot for a Turkish Delight and fruit tea tasting without any sales pressure. The guide also shares restaurant recommendations for lunch.
15 min
Meeting point
Meeting Poing is Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant. The restaurant is located on the street where the tram lines run through Sultanahmet, an approximately 1-minute walk from the Sultanahmet tram stop. We will be at the meeting point with yellow umbrella
End point
Tour ends out of the Grand Bazaar
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Old Town of Istanbul 2.5-Hour Orientation Walking Tour
by Basis Travel
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€30Overview
This 2.5-hour orientation walking tour in the Old Town of Istanbul is led by an official guide who introduces participants to the city's history, Islam, and key landmarks. The tour begins at the German Fountain, where the guide explains its significance as a symbol of Turkish-German friendship and its connection to World War I. The group then attempts to enter the Blue Mosque to discuss Islam; if the line is too long or it is Friday, the guide takes the group to an alternative mosque to cover similar topics about Islamic architecture and culture. Next, the tour continues outside the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, where the guide shares information about its historical importance without entering, due to the entrance fee. The group then visits the Sultan Ahmet Tomb cemetery to learn about Turkish burial customs and how they have changed since the Republic was founded. Afterward, the guide points out the Column of Constantine and explains its role in ancient trade routes. The final stop is the Grand Bazaar, where the guide shows sections popular with locals before moving through tourist areas. After a brief walk inside, the group exits and the guide offers tips on bargaining and suggests other bazaars to visit. At this point, participants may end the tour or join a short five-minute walk to a quiet rooftop spot for a free sample of Turkish Delight and fruit tea. The guide also provides recommendations for local restaurants for lunch. Interior visits are included only if entry to the Blue Mosque or an alternative mosque is possible. The tour includes guiding fees, booking fees, and the Turkish Delight and tea sampling but does not include tipping the guide.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
German Fountain
The tour starts at the German Fountain, a gift symbolizing friendship between Turks and Germans that contributed to their alliance in World War I. The guide uses this monument to introduce Turkey's history and international connections.
15 min
Blue Mosque
The group tries to enter the Blue Mosque to discuss Islam. If the line is too long or it is Friday, the guide visits another mosque instead to make the most of the 2.5-hour tour while still covering Islamic architecture and culture.
25 min
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
The tour views the Hagia Sophia from outside, as entry requires a 25 Euro fee. The guide explains its historical significance to enhance understanding for those who may visit later.
15 min
Sultan Ahmet Tomb
The group visits a cemetery where royal family members and notable figures are buried. The guide discusses Turkish burial customs and how they have changed since the Republic was established.
10 min
Column of Constantine
The guide introduces the Column of Constantine the Great, explaining its historical importance and the city's role as a major trade hub in ancient times.
10 min
Alternative Mosque Visit
If visiting the Blue Mosque is not possible, the guide brings the group to another mosque to explain Islamic practices and architectural features common to mosques in Istanbul.
15 min
Grand Bazaar
The group explores parts of the Grand Bazaar frequented by locals before moving through more tourist-oriented sections. After a short tour inside, the guide offers tips on bargaining and recommends other bazaars. Participants may leave here or continue to a rooftop spot for a Turkish Delight and fruit tea tasting without any sales pressure. The guide also shares restaurant recommendations for lunch.
15 min
Meeting point
Meeting Poing is Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant. The restaurant is located on the street where the tram lines run through Sultanahmet, an approximately 1-minute walk from the Sultanahmet tram stop. We will be at the meeting point with yellow umbrella
End point
Tour ends out of the Grand Bazaar
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.