Tango. Travel. Enjoy.

6 Hours

GRAND BAZAAR & BASILICA SISTERN TOUR

Take a guided tour of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, the ultimate meeting point of East and West. Explore the diverse shops and artisan workshops, learn about the Bazaar’s history, and see its 600-ye

ar heritage brought to life through fascinating stories. From spice merchants and sword makers to silk merchants and pilgrims, experience the true essence of cultural exchange and history. Gain a local perspective from your knowledgeable guide and avoid the tourist traps for a truly authentic experience.
Entering the Grand Bazaar through the small gates on the Coppersmiths’ Market side, you’ll pass through the second-hand bookstores, tombs, the labyrinthine streets, and inner courtyards of the bazaar. We will visit the Zincirli Inn, Merchants’ Street, passing through the rows of rooms, exploring the Silversmiths’ Market,
Exiting the Mahmutpaşa Gate, visiting, in that order, Abud Efendi, Büyük Yeni Han (with an insatiable view of Istanbul from the domes on the roof of Büyük Yeni Han),
Visiting the famous Orient Han (Little China), where Chinese and Eastern goods are exhibited, walking to the inns and workshops around Rüstem Paşa in Tahtakale.
The Grand Bazaar and Eminönü, Kapanlar, Kumkapanı, Unkapanı, Divanyolu, Çorlulu Alipaşa Madrasa, and Hookah Shops.

Then we move on Basilica Sistern. Descend underground to explore the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, an ancient Byzantine water reservoir supported by hundreds of marble columns and reflected in its still, sparkling waters. Discover the mysterious Medusa heads hidden in the shadows – one of the city’s most intriguing secrets. This structure, also known as the Basilica Cistern, was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I to meet the city’s water needs. Built between 527 and 565, this massive underground cistern, featuring 336 columns with 9-meter-high, has a water storage capacity of 80,000 tons. After the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, it began to be used as a storage facility rather than a water source. The primary reason for this was the belief that stagnant water was undesirable according to Islamic belief. Over time, the structure was subject to various restorations and strengthening, and finally reopened to the public in July 2022. The Basilica Cistern, which has hosted countless exhibitions, shows, movies and events, and has hosted dozens of celebrities, is a must-see.

8 Hours

TOPKAPI PALACE & HAGIA SOPHIA MUSEUM & BLUE MOSQUE TOUR

We will visit the Hippodrome, the ancient entertainment venue built by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in 203 AD. See three monuments remaining from the original building, including the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, an

d the Column of Constantine. Then, we move on to the Sultan Ahmet (Blue) Mosque, located next to it. We tour the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, the only mosque with a total of six minarets, with our guide explaining the details. Pause to admire the panoramic views of modern Istanbul from the mosque’s courtyard before wandering through the ancient streets.

Then, we move on to Topkapı Palace. Explore the magnificent palace complex, a world unto itself, featuring a series of buildings, pavilions, and courtyards where the empire’s elite resided. Stroll through the terraced gardens outside and take in panoramic views of the iconic Golden Horn. As you stroll through the palace’s corridors, imagine the grandeur of the reigning Sultans, once inhabiting its countless rooms, surrounded by their extended families and servants. Enter the enigmatic Harem, where, under the Queen Mother’s rule, hundreds of women and family members resided alongside a legion of eunuchs, each fulfilling their own role. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship that adorns the Harem, from cabinet doors decorated with mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell to exquisite Iznik tiles adorned with floral motifs and Quranic verses; this is a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans.

Then we move on to the Hagia Sophia Museum. Discover the remarkable evolution of this structure from a Greek Orthodox cathedral to a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul. Marvel at the harmonious blend of mosque and church architecture, with its grand domes, soaring minarets, and exquisite mosaics. Continue your journey to Hagia Sophia, where you’ll learn about ornate Iznik tiles, the iconic Virgin Mary mosaic, and the tradition of sultans being buried in its courtyard.