Private Half-Day Istanbul Tour: Highlights & Basilica Cistern with Your Local Guide

In a half day you will discover the city that was once the capital of two different Empires between 330 A. D. and 1923. We will visit Hagia Sophia which is over 1500 years old and was the largest church over 1000 years in the world till the construction of the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The Basilica Cistern has been water reservoir since 6th century. The basilica has been the venue for many famous movies among which is "Inferno" with Tom Hanks. The Blue Mosque is famous with its blue tiles, stained glasses and 6 minarets. The Hippodrome was the center of the cultural, political and sportive activities. Basically it was the heart of the city since the 3. century with Egyptian obelisk from 15th century B. C. The Grand Bazaar is huge. It has more than ancient 4000 shops from 15th century.

This is the most classical "must-see" of Istanbul. - Blue Mosque (on Fridays can be visited in the afternoon) - Hippodrome - Hagia Sophia - Basilica Cistern - Grand Bazaar (closed on Sundays and holidays) - On your request lunch in a traditional and/or luxury restaurant (up to Michelin) BEST ITINERARY FOR THE CRUISE AND CITY TRIP TRAVELERS. All the must-see's in a half day in the Old City of Constantinople. There is dress code for the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. * Lunch/coffee break upon request. *The itinerary is flexible, for any changes please let me know. *I'm able to purchase tickets in advance to skip the lines. If you desire to use a credit card to purchase tickets the lines may be very long.