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, and it currently functions as a museum for everyone to explore. 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 Ahmetmoskee,’ 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 wheelchairs available free of charge that you can use inside. 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-see. It is one of the world’s biggest and oldest covered shopping markets with about 60 streets and over 5000 shops. Products range from chessboards to carpets and clothing, and obviously, there is a variety of restaurants and bars.

Topkapi Palace

You can not 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.

Other highlights during the tour include Hippodrome Avenue and the Basilica Cistern. 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.