Audio guided Istanbul tour
A walk through the main sights in the old city. An excellent way to orientate yourself! Enjoy an
authentic oriental atmosphere, the ambience of the mosques, bazaars and less known areas of
old Istanbul. Stops include:
Sultanahmet Square: the great square
in front of the Blue Mosque is the site of ancient Hippodrome, the former center
of sportive and civil activities of Constantinople. Today, with its surrounding
area, resembles an open-air museum.
Divan Yolu, the Road of Divan and Yeniceriler Caddesi, the
Avenue of Janissaries, the ancient thoroughfare between Saint Sophia and Beyazit
Square continued to be one of the principal arteries of the town in Ottoman
times, for it was the main road from Topkapi Palace to the center of Istanbul.
For that reason it is lined with monuments of the the imperial Ottoman
centuries, as well as some ruined remnants of imperial Byzantium.
Beyazit Square: the Beyazidiye, the mosque and associated pious foundations of Sultan
Beyazit. The mosque marks the beginning of the great classical period, which continued for
more than two hundred years.
Suleymaniye: the imperial mosque complex of Suleyman the Magnificent, a
masterwork of the greatest of the Ottoman architects, the incomparable Sinan. An exquisite and as
yet unspoiled district with traditional old wooden houses.
Through the Markets and
Bazaars: The region between Beyazit Square and Galata Bridge is the
principal market district of the city. This is one of the oldest and most
picturesque quarters of Istanbul. We will find that many of the streets in this
district are named after the tradesmen and artisans who carry on their
activities there, as they have for centuries past. Sahaflar Carsisi, the ancient
and still busy book market of Istanbul. Covered Bazaar, a labyrinth of
streets and passages that houses more than 4.000 shops. Valide Hani, the
grandest and most interesting of all merchants' lodgings in the city. Spice Bazaar, where the
enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme, and every other
conceivable herb and spice fills the air.
Our guides give you up-to-date advice
about what to do after the tour is over.
