Highlights of Istanbul Old City

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.

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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.

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