Istanbul's Old Town Through Time: A Self-Guided Audio Tour [110804P902]
Immerse yourself in Istanbul's rich history on this self-guided audio tour that bridges the gap between Asia and Europe, where centuries of trade, culture, and social exchanges have shaped this remarkable city. Walk through the heart of the old city starting at Sultan Ahmet Park, exploring well-preserved structures from multiple eras including the Roman Hippodrome, the controversial Blue Mosque, and the world-famous Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. This 90-minute journey reveals Istanbul's dramatic past as you marvel at the 3,500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk, learn about Ottoman rulers like Grand Vizier İbrahim Paşa, and discover charming Soğukçeşme Street with its preserved wooden houses. With fascinating insights into Turkish terminology and architectural significance, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for this elegant city where continents and civilizations have met for millennia.
ADDITIONAL INFO
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- You can navigate most areas with a stroller, but expect to lift it over occasional steps, curbs, and uneven terrain. Some narrow streets like Soğuk Çeşme Sokak may be challenging with larger strollers.
INCLUDED
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
NOT INCLUDED
- Smartphone and headphones
- Transportation
- Food and drink
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
CANCELLATION POLICY
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
ITINERARY
- This verdant oasis sits at the heart of Istanbul's historic district, surrounded by magnificent monuments from different eras. Stroll through this peaceful park where Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans once walked, offering perfect views of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
- The ornate octagonal German Fountain glistens with golden mosaics and intricate Byzantine-inspired designs. Pause at this unique gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II, commemorating his 1898 visit and symbolizing German-Ottoman friendship.
- Once the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, this expansive square features monuments spanning millennia of history. Walk across this historical arena where chariot races thrilled crowds and public events shaped the Byzantine Empire.
- This perfectly preserved 3,500-year-old Egyptian obelisk towers above Sultanahmet Square, covered in ancient hieroglyphics. Marvel at this remarkable monument brought to Constantinople by Roman emperors, withstanding centuries of earthquakes and conquests.
- The twisted bronze Serpent Column stands as one of antiquity's oldest surviving pieces, created to celebrate a Greek victory over Persians. Examine this ancient relic originally topped with three serpent heads, testament to Byzantine emperors' desire to collect the world's treasures.
- This elegant stone palace once belonged to the Ottoman Empire's most powerful Grand Vizier, Ibrahim Pasha. Explore the magnificent home-turned-museum where this influential statesman lived before his dramatic fall from grace.
- Six slender minarets and cascading domes define this breathtaking Ottoman masterpiece with its blue-tiled interior. Discover how Sultan Ahmed's bold architectural vision sparked controversy that changed the skyline of Islam's holiest site in Mecca.
- The ornate mausoleum houses Sultan Ahmed I and his family beneath exquisite tile work and intricate decorations. Step inside this peaceful resting place of the young sultan who built the Blue Mosque but died at just 27 years old.
- The massive dome of Hagia Sophia seems to float above a symphony of arches, columns, and golden mosaics. Witness the incredible transformation of this architectural marvel from Byzantine church to Ottoman mosque to museum and back to mosque.
- This elaborate rococo fountain features ornate calligraphy, intricate carvings, and colorful floral designs. Admire this elegant Ottoman water source that once provided refreshment to worshippers and marked the entrance to Topkapı Palace.
- This charming narrow street lined with restored Ottoman-era wooden houses offers a glimpse into historical Istanbul. Wander through this picturesque lane whose name "Cold Fountain Street" comes from a fountain that once provided cool water to passersby.
- This unassuming marble remnant once marked the center of the Byzantine world, the zero point from which all distances in the Empire were measured. Stand at this ancient milestone where all roads truly began, connecting Constantinople to the farthest reaches of the Byzantine realm.
