Introduction to Istanbul's Old Town --- walking tour of Istanbul's historical core;

• You may extend your tour to a full day to also include the back streets walk.

A short introductory lecture followed by an orientation tour of the heart of Old Town, including the Hippodrome, visits to Hagia Sophia Cathedral, Blue Mosque, and the Underground Cistern.

tour duration: approximately 4 hours
walking: easy to moderate


A short introductory lecture followed by an orientation tour of the heart of Old Town, including the Hippodrome, visits to Hagia Sophia Cathedral, Blue Mosque, and the Underground Cistern.

After lunch break, we continue on to the Grand Bazaar. The Bazaar and the surrounding district was the heart of commerce in the city through centuries. This walk takes you to backstage of this old market venue, unknown to travelers.

We take the colorful back streets to the Spice Market. The market has the ambience of a true oriental bazaar. It was built to promote spice trade in the city, and it still serves essentially the same purpose.

Tour also includes a visit to the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificient, or Rustempasa Mosque, known for its fascinating tile decoration.

Although we cover the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, this is not a shopping tour. During the tour, you will see workshops where gold is melted, how artisans engrave on silver, as well as brokers that exchange thousands of dollars at the poor men’s stock market.

tour duration: approximately 8 hours
walking: moderate

• entrance fees to sites and museums listed in the itinerary
• services of a certified SRM guide
• excludes lunch, and personal expenses

• half day tour; USD 125.- per person
• full day tour; USD 149.- per person
• %5 discount for readers of Rick Steves Istanbul book