Discover Istanbul’s historic peninsula, Sultanahmet, also known as the Old City, on your comprehensive private tour. From the historic Hippodrome and bustling Grand Bazaar, to towering minarets and domes of ancient mosques—learn about the art and history of the Byzantine and Ottoman eras.

Your tour starts with a visit to The Hippodrome, formerly the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life. See the obelisks and statues that still stand today, as your guide tells you stories that bring the past to life.

Visit one of the holiest Islamic sites of the city, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque. You can wander through the great sultan’s tomb, admiring the meticulously arranged tiles and calligraphy along the way. Then continue to The Hagia Sophia, where you can marvel at the domed construction and gaze at the sophisticated interior of this “Church of Divine Wisdom.”

Your next stop, the Grand Bazaar, is one of the largest and busiest covered markets in the world. Have a go at haggling with the local tradesmen, and grab yourself a bargain, before retiring to a local restaurant for lunch.

The opulent Topkapi Palace, once the imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans, is positioned on the edge of the Golden Horn, at the entrance to the Bosphorus. Halls of holy relics, costumes, and imperial weaponry await your discovery. End your journey with a visit to the Rustem Pasha Mosque to view the handmade Iznik tiles that adorn the interior and exterior walls.