Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, Spice Market & Turkish Hans Private Tour
Explore the sights, sounds, and smells of Turkey's cultural heart on a walking tour with private transport which includes a fully guided tour. On your tour, you will:
- Sit back, relax and enjoy the comforts of a private vehicle throughout the tour, including hotel pick-up and drop-off;
- Enjoy a fully guided introduction to the importance of the Constantine Hippodrome, Obelisk & Serpent Column;
- Expertly navigate through the Grand Bazaar and learn about Turkish trade and local traditions and walk a cross 500 years of history, 64 streets, 22 gates;
- Visit one of Istanbul's famed Hans, built by the Turkish Ottomans, these impressive buildings still serve today as accommodation, storage, and sale points for artisans and traders;
- Visit Hagia Sofia – one of the city’s great attractions and hear about the 1500 years old history;
- Finish your tour by taking in the vibrant colors and scents of the Spice Market.
On this tour, you will journey into the exotic world of Istanbul’s historic markets and bazaars. Your first stop will be the colourful Grand Bazaar, built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461, it expanded to eventually cover the vast labyrinthine treasure trove you see today. You will feel immersed in the ancient marketplace, exploring your way through narrow lanes to watch craftsmen and artists at work and stopping off for an obligatory cup of traditional Turkish tea.
As you wander the vast alleys of the Bazaar, your expert city guide will be happy to discuss the fascinating history of the area and the significance behind Istanbul’s strategic geographical position near the Bosphorus. Do not fear, your intrepid local guide will be able to direct you to the best-hidden gems the market has to offer.
Venturing forth to the Hagia Sophia, commissioned by the Byzantine emperor Justinian, consecrated as a church in 537, converted to a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453, and finally promoted as a museum by Atatürk in 1935- you will find the exquisite artistry of Byzantine architecture and rich history of the region than this great temple.
Your next stop will be at the famous Turkish Spice Market, where you will be able to peruse some of the best herbs and spices imported to Turkey from all over the world. This is sure to be a treat for the senses as you experience sights, sounds, and smells you are unlikely to have ever come across before. Bustling with energy, the delightful market streets will satisfy your intellectual curiosity, as well as satiate any hunger pangs!
