Istanbul Uncovered Discovery

Istanbul is a beautiful city, but it pays to know where to look. Join this Istanbul tour to be shown the unmistakable icons as well as the hard-to-find secret spots that make Istanbul so captivating. 

Highlights

• Discover the secret haunts of locals in Sultanahmet and explore the backstreets and hidden gems
• Explore the labyrinth that is the Grand Bazaar
• Wander through the Sahaflar Carsisi (book bazaar), one of the oldest markets in Istanbul
• Explore the Blue Mosque with a local and gain insight into Islam
• Stop of an authentic coffee or tea on the way
• Be stunned by stellar views of Istanbul and hear tales of both Byzantine and Ottoman drama and intrigue.
• Optional Full-Day Discovery Upgrade: Enjoy a local lunch and guided visits to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia

Get the most out of Istanbul in the company of an expert local guide. As we tour Istanbul, your guide will point out places to get the best local snacks and coffee, as well as show you the main points of interest along the way.

Your Istanbul walking tour will begin at the meeting point, where you’ll set off with your expert local guide straight into the city’s rich history and daily life.

The first stops will be the atmospheric Sahaflar (Book Bazaar- a hidden gem where the first printed book in Turkey was sold in 1729), and the legendary Grand Bazaar, where your guide will help you navigate the historic lanes, explain the bazaar’s origins, and point out interesting details.

Along the route, you’ll pause at a local tea house to enjoy traditional Turkish tea, offering a relaxing break and a chance to soak in the atmosphere of the city from a local perspective.

From there, the tour continues toward Sultanahmet, taking you to the Ancient Hippodrome, once the center of public life in Byzantine Constantinople.

Just steps away, you’ll visit the iconic Blue Mosque, renowned for its harmonious proportions and stunning blue Iznik tiles, while your guide shares insights into Ottoman architecture and Islamic culture.

The tour concludes in Sultanahmet, leaving you well oriented and full of tips and recommendations from your guide to help you make the most of the rest of your stay in Istanbul. The tour will end at the same place where it begins.

Go beyond the basics and immerse yourself in Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Upgrade to the full-day discovery option and enjoy a complete cultural experience: after a relaxing lunch at a lokante (small trusted local restaurant) step inside the opulent Topkapi Palace and wander through the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia. All entrance fees are included, and your expert guide will bring centuries of history to life with stories and insights you won’t find in any guidebook. This is the ultimate way to truly understand Istanbul’s rich heritage in one unforgettable day.