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Hidden Istanbul

General Info | Photo Gallery | Traveller Feedback
Highlights:

• Discover the secrets haunts of locals in Sultanahmet and explore the back streets and hidden gems
• Walk the ancient highway to Rome "Divanyolu"
• Explore Aya Sofya and other mosques with a local and gain insight into Islam

• Be stunned by stellar views of Istanbul and hear tales of both Byzantine and Ottoman drama and intrigue
• Explore the labyrinth that is the Grand Bazaar.

 

Tour style:Local Life & Culture, Walking & Orientation, Food/Cuisine & Market, Heritage & History
Inclusion:

English speaking guide, Aya Sofya entry / guiding and Sultanahmet, tour of the Grand Bazaar, Book Bazaar, Beyazit Mosque, tea at Local teahouse in Suleymainye, visit to Suleymainye Mosque Complex.

Exclusion:

Extra Drinks and additional food stuff shopping, tips or gratuities for your local guide.

Group size:Maximum 12
Schedule details:

• Duration: 4 hours
• Pickup location:

  Intrepid Istanbul office. Address: Divanyolu cad. Ticarethane sok No 5. Kat 1 Sultanahmet.

• Pickup Time: 8.30 AM
• Drop off location:

  Sultanahmet. Your local guide can provide instructions on how to get back to your hotel or you are free to continue your own personal exploration.

Additional information :

• Voucher exchange details:

  Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the trip.

• Confirmation of booking:

  Please contact Istanbul Urban Adventures to confirm your trip 24 hours prior to departure.

• Dress standard:

  Please be aware that the standard of Dress through out Turkey is both conservative and modern. On this walking tour we visit a variety of Mosques. To respect this and for your own comfort we recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for both men and women. We would also request that women have their own scarf to cover their heads which can be easily purchased in istanbul. The weather in Istanbul is highly variable depending on the time of year. Winters range from freezing cold to extremely hot and humid in Summer (June, July and August).

• Child policy:

  Children must be aged 6 to 11 years inclusively.  Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.

• Language: English

Itinerary:

Get the most out of Istanbul with a few hours in the company of an expert local guide. As we go, your local guide will point out places to get the best coffee, pastries and show you the main points of interest along the way. Explore Istanbul’s monumental Aya Sofya (Hagia Sofia), a Byzantine church-turned-mosque-turned-museum. Following this we make our way across to walk Divanyolu, a historical thoroughfare originally mapped out by Emperor Constantine, in the early 300s AD.

 

For a change of pace, explore the Grand Bazaar, internationally known as the first ever shopping mall, and take a look at the incredible array of goods for sale in any of the 4000 shops. We’ll also stop by the book bazaar, where the first printed book in Turkey was sold in 1729. Just behind the Book Bazaar is Beyazit Mosque, where your local guide will teach you about Islam, the mosque and the roles both play in Turkish society. Then explore the beautifully symmetrical Mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent, including time to try Turkish tea in the sunken garden area in the vicinity of the Mosque.

 

We’ll continue our tour with a visit to the Istanbul University, built by the reforming Ottoman Sultans, and learn about the role of education in the modern republic, and the amazing transformation that was undertaken during the time of Ataturk.

 

We’ll finish the tour in the Grand Bazaar area, where your leader can direct you to a local ‘lokanta’ (small restaurant) for lunch.

 

Photo Gallery:

Traveller Feedback:

Mr. Olaf K.
Australia ~ 06 Apr 2013[back to top]

Salih offered a great tour and proved to be an excellent guide. He showed us interesting places an told a lot of historical stories.

 

Ms. Amelia H.
New Zealand ~ 03 Apr 2013[back to top]

Sammie the guide was great- very helpful and enthusiastic. I unfortunately got sick while in Istanbul but found Bruce the tour organiser very helpful, he ensured that even sick I was able to make the most of my time.

 

Your trip:

This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.

Tipping:

If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour