A half day through the quieter corners of the old city, the ones that survive between the famous four.
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Tour highlights
The Blue Mosque, its six minarets and the İznik tiles from the birthplace of the Ottoman empire
The Roman Hippodrome: the German Fountain, the Serpent Column and the obelisk shipped from Egypt to the emperor Theodosius in the 4th century
The 300 year old Çorlulu Ali Paşa madrasa, still a courtyard cafe
Börek straight from a back street pastry maker, stuffed with cheese, mince or potato
The Sahaflar book market, where the first books in the Ottoman empire were printed
The Süleymaniye complex: the mosque, the library, the hamam and the eating houses around it
Rüstem Paşa Mosque, hidden above a row of shops and lined with blue İznik tile
Turkish delight, dried apricots, roasted almonds and herbal teas tasted at the Spice Bazaar
Çay from a tulip glass in cafes where Istanbul actually sits
The famous sights of Sultanahmet take a morning. This walk spends that morning differently. It goes through them and then into the streets behind, where the old city is still doing its own business, with a licensed English speaking guide who knows which door is worth opening.
You start at the German Fountain on the old Hippodrome and finish four hours later at Eminönü, by the Galata Bridge, with both continents in view. In between: the Blue Mosque and its İznik tiles, the Obelisk and the Serpentine Column, the Grand Bazaar and how bargaining really works, the Sahaflar book market, the Süleymaniye complex, the hidden Rüstem Paşa Mosque and the Spice Bazaar. There is a stop for çay in a tulip glass and a börek from a back street baker.
Hagia Sophia is explained from the outside. The tour does not go in, which leaves you free to take your time there on your own.
The plan
Meet your guide by the fountain on the old Hippodrome, in the middle of the old city and a short walk from the tram.
Inside, under the six minarets, with the tiles that were made in İznik, the town where the Ottoman Empire began.
Hagia Sophia and the Roxelana Baths from the outside, then the Obelisk, the Serpentine Column and the ancient chariot track under your feet.
The old Roman road out of the Hippodrome, past Çemberlitaş, the column Constantine raised, and the calligraphers who still work along it.
A labyrinth of streets selling textiles and just about everything else, and a lesson in how to bargain. Closed on Sundays, when the Spice Bazaar takes its place.
A café most people walk past, for çay in a tulip glass and börek straight from the tray.
Where books were first printed in the Ottoman era, now selling old and new to students and locals. Your guide talks here about Islam and the Koran.
Past the facade of Istanbul University and into a district where the shopping is for locals, not visitors.
The bath, the library, the madrasa and the kitchens around the mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent, which still dominates the skyline over the Golden Horn.
Up a staircase above the market, small and covered in blue İznik tiles.
Lokum, spices and herbal teas to taste, then the end of the walk. Your guide will show you how to get back.
The order can change with the weather, the traffic and how busy a site is on the day. Your guide will tell you.
Where we meet
The German Fountain, Alman Çeşmesi in Turkish.
Binbirdirek, Atmeydanı Cd., 34122 Fatih, İstanbul.
The walk finishes at Eminönü, by the Galata Bridge.
Before you book
Worth two minutes before you book, so nothing on the day is a surprise.
Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time and you are refunded in full. Inside 24 hours we cannot refund. Tell us as early as you can and we will move your date rather than lose you.
Tours run in rain and in heat. If conditions make a tour unsafe we cancel it ourselves and refund you in full, or move you to another date, whichever you prefer.
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One of the best tours of a 14 day visit Our experience honestly couldn't have been better! Omer guided us through Topkapi Palace, the Harem, the Eunuch's quarters, and Hagia Irene. As history buffs, we were completely drawn in by how much he knew and the way he shared it. He didn't just list facts, he told stories, added context and details, and made everything so much more interesting. His sense of humor and easygoing personality made the whole tour even more enjoyable. We could tell Omer is someone who genuinely loves what he does. We loved everything about Topkapi Palace and felt this tour was worth every penny.
Beautiful palace This was my first time visiting Topkapi palace. I had been to Istanbul 6 times and have always wanted to see this place. Our guide Omer was very knowledgeable and an amazing guide! Thank you for showing us this beautiful palace!
A window into the everyday world of the Ottoman sultans Omer, the guide, shared lots of fascinating knowledge about the Topkapi palace and the world of the Sultans and the Ottoman Empire. The tour provides a window into the everyday world of the sultans' household. Was really worthwhile.
Been with us
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