WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE HIGHLIGHTS OF ISTANBUL TOUR – APPROX. 8 HOURS

About this wheelchair-accessible Highlights of Istanbul tour

Your driver and your private licensed guide will meet you at the cruise port, and together you head towards the city center. Istanbul is the historic center of Turkey, and the largest city in the country, situated right along the Bosphorus. For centuries Istanbul has hosted many civilizations, of which the Ottoman and Byzantium empires were the most famous ones. The characteristics and influences of these two different cultures are still visible throughout the city.

Hagia Sophia

One of the main highlights of Istanbul and this tour is the Hagia Sophia. It was once the biggest cathedral globally and known for its stunning architecture and fascinating interior. The Hagia Sophia was built between 532 and 537, initially serving as a church. In 1453 it converted to a mosque, then a museum. Today, it functions as an active mosque again but is still open to visitors. The Hagia Sophia is a perfect example of where you can find both Ottoman and Byzantium influences under one dome.

Blue Mosque

On this tour, you will also see the ‘Sultan Ahmet Mosque,’ commonly known as the Blue Mosque. It is one of the most beautiful Ottoman mosques in the country, with a cascade of domes and the only one with six minarets. Inside, you find thousands of blue Iznik tiles, which explains why the Mosque is referred to as ‘Blue.’ The construction is a project of Sultan Ahmed l, who was determined to build a mosque that rivaled the Hagia Sophia to compensate for his lack of success regarding warfare. Today, you can make up for yourself if he accomplished that task!

Please note that no outside wheelchairs are allowed in the Blue Mosque to prevent damage to the prayer carpet. There are manual wheelchairs available free of charge that you can use inside. A transfer is needed. For the non-disabled traveler, no shoes are allowed.

Grand Bazaar

With food being a central part of the culture, and when looking for souvenirs, the Grand Bazaar is a must-visit. With this tour, an inside visit to this covered shopping markets with about 60 streets and over 5000 shops is included. Grand Bazaar is one of the biggest and oldest covered markets in the world, with products ranging from chessboards to carpets and clothing. And obviously, there is a large variety of restaurants and bars.

Grand Bazaar is mostly wheelchair accessible with step-free entrances and smooth, level floors inside. While some shops are small or have a step at the entrance, shopkeepers are often ready to bring out items for visitors to see if they are unable to enter the shop.

Topkapi Palace

You cannot miss the Topkapi Palace, which makes up part of Istanbul’s skyline. The Palace was the empire’s administrative, educational, and artistic center for about 400 years. It served as the residence of the Ottoman Empire, including its concubines. The Topkapi Palace gives a fascinating insight into their lives from the 15th to the 19th century.

Please note if you wish to visit the inside of Topkapi Palace: the palace is only partially wheelchair accessible due to stairs, slopes, and narrow pathways. In addition, some exhibition entrances have small thresholds, and stone surfaces are uneven in some places.

Hippodrome Avenue & Basilica Cistern

Another highlights during the tour is a drive by Hippodrome Avenue, which was once Byzantine Constantinople’s social and sporting center. You will also be able to see the Basilica Cistern, which was once the storage and distribution place for water to the Great Palace and buildings nearby. At the end of your private tour, you will be taken back to the cruise port, filled with memories of the most picturesque sites in Istanbul.

Your guide will advise an authentic local lunch location to enjoy the scenery and food together halfway through the day. Lunch is not included and has to be paid for on the day. At the end of your private tour, you will be taken back to the cruise port or city center accommodation, filled with memories of the most picturesque sites in Istanbul.

Accessibility of the Highlights: Discover More

If you are curious about these different highlights of Istanbul, make sure to read our dedicated blogs about their accessibility!

• Highlights of Istanbul
• Hagia Sophia
• Topkapi Palace
• Blue Mosque