Half day tour in Istanbul

Istanbul, also known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, is the most populous city in Türkiye. It is also the country’s historical, cultural, and economic center, although it is not the capital. On this half-day guided tour, we will discover the city’s most important landmarks and explore the traces left by the many empires that ruled it, including the Roman, Eastern Roman (Byzantine), Latin, and, most recently, Ottoman Empires.

We will be picked up from our hotel or the nearest designated meeting point in central Istanbul to begin our tour. Accompanied by a guide, we will explore the historic district of Sultanahmet, the seat of power of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Our first stop will be Hagia Sophia, an extraordinary architectural masterpiece built as a basilica in the 6th century by order of Emperor Justinian. We will then continue to the Blue Mosque, renowned for its delicate İznik tiles and six minarets.

Next, we will visit the ancient Hippodrome, once the center of sporting competitions and political activities during the Byzantine era. Here, we will discover historic monuments such as the Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, which evoke the splendor of ancient Constantinople.

Finally, we will explore the fascinating Grand Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most iconic traditional markets, with thousands of shops selling jewelry, gold, carpets, antiques, leather goods, and local souvenirs. We will have the opportunity to discover local craftsmanship and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this historic marketplace. The excursion will end at the Grand Bazaar, where we can continue exploring independently.

Greca Tip: Take your time exploring the Grand Bazaar’s passageways and discovering its traditional crafts. On Sundays, when the market is closed, the visit will be replaced by a stop at traditional shops in the surrounding area.