Kickstart your Istanbul adventure with this insightful 2.5-hour orientation walking tour. Led by an official tour guide, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the city's history, Islam, and its most essential landmarks, helping you plan the rest of your trip more effectively. Your guide will also share local tips on where to eat, experience a traditional Turkish bath, and much more.
This is an orientation tour and does not include interior visits to major sites. However, depending on the line, we will make an effort to go inside the Blue Mosque or an alternative mosque.
We will begin our tour at the German Fountain, a gift symbolizing the friendship between the Turks and Germans, which later led to their alliance in World War I. Through this monument, we will explore Turkey's history and its connections to the past.
During our tours, we aim to visit a mosque to discuss Islam. If the line at the Blue Mosque is manageable, we will go inside. However, since our tours last 2.5 hours, we want to make the most of our time rather than waiting in a long line. If the wait is too long, we will visit another mosque instead. Please note that the Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays, but we will still make an effort to enter a different mosque.
We'll admire the Hagia Sophia from the outside, as entry requires a fee of 25 Euros per person. Our local guide will share insights into its significance, enriching your understanding. If you choose to visit later, you'll appreciate the Hagia Sophia even more with the knowledge gained from our tour.
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Please note that this is an orientation tour designed to give you a deeper understanding of the city's history, key landmarks, Islam, and more. Your guide is a licensed professional who has studied for four years to become a guide and does this as a full-time career. The recommended contribution for the tour is at least 10 Euros per person. Thank you! You may choose to leave after the Grand Bazaar or continue with your guide for a short five-minute walk to enjoy a complimentary sampling of Turkish Delight with fruit tea. This is not a shopping stop—no one will try to sell you anything. Instead, you'll experience a peaceful atmosphere with access to a free rooftop view. Your guide will also share recommendations for local restaurants to consider for lunch after the tour.