Tour Summary-
Type: Culture, History, Shopping
Length: 4 Hours
Walking: Difficult - uneven surfaces
Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)
Guide: Licensed Guide
Languages: English
Timing: This half day tour must start before 9:30 AM or after 1:00 PM.
Your driver and licensed guide will meet you in front of Istanbul's port passenger Terminal. You drive along the old city walls and under the ancient Roman aqueduct on the way to St. Sophia (Haghia Sophia), the splendid Church of Divine Wisdom built in the 4th century BC. St Sophia's dome was then the largest in the world. After several conquests and pillages, the building was converted into a mosque, but fell into disrepair as centuries passed. The brilliant Byzantine mosaics were uncovered in the 1900s and the church now is a breathtaking Byzantine-Ottoman museum.
Next you walk to the
Hippodrome used for outdoor chariot races in Roman times. Today it is lined with parks, obelisks and monuments. Next to the Hippodrome is the famous
Blue Mosque, named for its richly adorned interior of magnificent Iznik tiles. Your guide will take you through the Blue Mosque and provide an explanation of this Western leaning Muslim country. Please note that the Blue Mosque is not wheelchair accessible.
Finally you are taken to the Grand Bazaar which houses more than 4,000 stalls selling local goods. Or, if you prefer, you can request to visit the Egyptian Spice Market instead.
Tour Breakdown:
1- Depart pier and drive to St. Sophia- 30 Minutes
2- Tour St. Sophia - 1 Hour
3- Walk to Hippodrome & Blue Mosque- 10 Minutes
4- Visit Hippodrome & Blue Mosque- 40 Minutes
5- Drive to Grand Bazaar - 10 Minutes
6- Enjoy Shopping in Grand Bazaar - 1 Hour
7- Return to pier - 20 Minutes
Monday Notes: St. Sophia Church is closed on Mondays. If your tour is on Monday you will be taken to the Church of Chora instead, which is smaller, but equally famous for its Byzantine mosaics.
Note on visiting Mosques- Shoes must be removed to enter a Mosque, and you may be required to carry them with you in a plastic bag during your visit. We suggest bringing socks to slip on if you are not wearing them. Women should carry a scarf because they may be asked to cover their heads. Bare shoulders, shorts, and dresses above the knee are not allowed. Please come prepared, or you may be turned away.
Note- If additional time is available during your tour, many guides will ask if you are interested in seeing how Turkish carpets are made. These free demonstrations are very interesting and quite informative, but they are also a selling opportunity. Decide on your interest and tell your tour guide clearly whether it interests you or not. You should never feel obligated to make a purchase on any tour.
Turkish VISA note: The Turkish government requires overnight visitors to obtain an entry VISA. However visitors who are visiting the country by cruise ship are exempt from this entry requirement. No entry Visa is required for a shore excursion however an entry Visa is required if your cruise starts in Istanbul. Entry Visas for Americans can be obtained at the airport in Istanbul upon your arrival. The cost is about $25 USD
Tour Code : ADN-144
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