Istanbul is unique, straddling two continents and two seas. Throughout its long history, it has served as the natural bridge between Asia and Europe. On this walking tour, you’ll explore this remarkable city shaped by centuries of economic trade routes, social exchanges, and cultural traditions. The tour starts at Sultan Ahmet Park, in the heart of Istanbul’s old city. After diving into the city’s dramatic history, you’ll explore, one by one, the remarkable structures scattered throughout the old town that have survived different eras. Along the way, you’ll see the Roman Hippodrome with its original columns. You’ll also hear about the Blue Mosque and the sultan who built it, and find out why Istanbul has a German Fountain and who the Byzantines were. You’ll visit the Haseki Hürrem Baths, a historical Turkish bath still in operation today, and learn the fascinating story of the world-famous Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. The tour ends close to where we started, by the Million Stone, which marked the zero point of Constantinople from which all distances in the Byzantine Empire were measured. On this Istanbul tour, you’ll have a chance to : • Marvel at the 3,500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk, brought to Constantinople by Roman emperors, standing perfectly preserved despite centuries of earthquakes and conquests • Learn the meaning of Turkish terms like minaret and grand vizier • See the house of Grand Vizier İbrahim Paşa, who served during the Ottoman Golden Age before meeting a tragic end • Find out how Sultan Ahmed’s bold vision for the Blue Mosque sparked controversy that changed the skyline of Islam’s holiest site in Mecca • Wander through charming Soğukçeşme Street with its preserved wooden Ottoman houses and discover the peaceful courtyard of a 500-year-old Ottoman medrese By the end of this 90-minute journey, you’ll have a better understanding of Istanbul’s history and have a greater appreciation for this elegant city. So get ready and come along on this fascinating tour of Istanbul with a local!