Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, Spice Market & Turkish Hans Private TourPrivate Tour

Visit the colourful Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, and venture off the tourist trail to explore the local Turkish Hans, Ottoman structures built as urban hotels, stables, and wholesale marketplaces!
This experience is on request only. Please contact us for pricing.

Things to know

Duration:

4 hrs 30 mins

Categories:

Culture, First Time Visitor, Food and Drink, Local Experience, Markets

Private Tour:

You and our own professional guide. 100% exclusive

Transport Mode:

This tour includes private transport from your hotel or preferred location to the old town and returns to your hotel if requested

What's included:

A friendly, professional English-Speaking tour guide for your own private group, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Tastings in the Spice Market

What's not included:

Food & drink (not included), Gratuities (optional), Private driver throughout the day. ( Only hotel pick-up and drop-off)
Meeting points: In front of the main gate to Istanbul university in Beyazit Square, Beyazıt, Ordu Cad., 34134 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

What makes this tour special

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:

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!

What you'll see

Hagia Sophia
Grand Bazaar
Spice Bazaar
Turkish Han

Book with Travel Curious, an exceptional experience guaranteed

Flexible cancellation

Do not worry, we have you covered with our flexible cancellation terms.

Avoid the crowds

Travel like a VIP, avoid crowds, and unnecessary queues.

Authentic Experiences

Bespoke local tours handcrafted for you by our global travel specialists

Professional Guides

All guides are handpicked, trained and licensed to ensure you are immersed in the local culture

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