TURKEY - Touristanbul Free Tour

13:10 Travel Bunny 7 Comments

Turkish Airlines is offering a free Istanbul tour if you have an international connecting flight through Istanbul with Turkish Airlines and your layover is between 6-24 hours. Since I booked Turkish Airlines flying from Kazan to Doha with a long layover, I took the chance to join the free tour, of course.


After I have arrived at Istanbul Atartuk Airport, I signed up for Touristanbul at the Hotel Desk. They would request for your passport and boarding pass. Then they would returned it to you afterwards when they have arranged which group you would follow for the tour. My tour lasted from 9am till 6pm.



This is the tour bus which would take us to the city.



Passed by the old city walls. This is actually my second time in Istanbul. My last visit was more than 4 years ago which I have previously posted my blog Istanbul Day 1 and Istanbul Day 2.



The tour bus dropped us near Hippodrome. The obelisk behind is the Walled Obelisk and the front is the Obelisk of Theodosius. In between the obelisk is the Serpent Column which was part of an ancient Greek sacrificial tripod. No explanation by the guide as we were only passing through.





We had our free breakfast at the Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant.



It is a standard continental breakfast with bread, jam, egg, fruits and coffee/tea. Just a simple breakfast.



After breakfast, the tour started. The group proceeded to Topkapi Palace. But since I’ve been there before, I decided to skip Topkapi Palace and visit Basilica Cistern instead on my own. I informed the guide of my intentions and he told us to meet him back at the same restaurant for lunch.



Basilica Cistern is located at the southwest of Hagia Sophia. It’s just a short walk from the restaurant.



Passed by the million stone. It marks the very point where distances of major cities of the Roman empire from Constantinople (modern day Istanbul) is calculated.



Entrance to the Basilica Cistern.



Finally, I’m here! I missed it during my visit in Istanbul last time.



This big underground structure was constructed for Emperor Justinianus I (527-565). It is called ‘Yerebatan Sarnici’ among the public because of the underground marble columns.



The cistern is 140m long and 70m wide. It shelters 336 columns which is 9m high. Erected at 4.80m intervals from one another, the columns are consisted of 12 rows, each has 28 columns.



This column known as Tear or Crying Column, has an appearance as if it was crying because it is wet, unlike other columns. It is reported that the Crying Pillar was built for the memory of hundred of slaves who lost their lives during the construction of the Basilica Cistern.



Two Medusa heads which are used as supports under the two columns at the northwest edge of the cistern, are the great work of art from the Roman period.



The structure from which the Medusa heads have been taken is unknown. As legend has it, the snake-head Medusa has the power of gorgonizing the ones that happened to look at her. Putting the head of Medusa in the cistern was for protection purpose.





The German fountain.



I also took the opportunity to show my family the Grand Bazaar which was not in the tour itinerary of Touristanbul. The itinerary depends on the schedule of the day. The tour schedule can be found on the website. 



This is my beau’s fist time in Turkey.



Walking inside the maze-like Grand Bazaar. As one of the oldest and largest covered market in the world, we didn't wandered too far in as we wouldn't want to be lost. Purchased a souvenir here at the Grand Bazaar.



After visiting the cistern and bazaar, we continued to walk around the streets of Istanbul. Pictured here is the Sinan Pasha Complex. 



There are plenty of shops outside the bazaar too.





Various tea and spice sold at one of the shops.



Turkish delight would make a good souvenir too.





The walls of Gulhane Park. This historical park is located on the grounds of Topkapi Palace.



Last stop of the day before rejoining the group at the restaurant. The Golden Horn with Gelata Tower dominating the skyline. The weather that day was perfect.



The Strait of Bosphorus divides the European side and Asian side of Istanbul. Skipping Topkapi Palace gave me the opportunity to visit the Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar and have a wonderful view of the Bosphorus.



Back to the same restaurant for lunch. The lunch was also included in the tour. You practically don’t need to pay a single penny during the tour.



It was a standard three course lunch which started with a soup.



After lunch, we were brought to visit Hagia Sophia.



This is my tour group with the tour guide explaining the history of Hagia Sophia.



The former church has one of the largest enclosed spaces in the world.





It was my second visit. However, this time I had the chance to see the first floor of Hagia Sophia. My previous visit was a mere 15 minutes. The stop here at Hagia Sophia with Touristanbul was about an hour giving me ample time to explore the church.



This mosaic panel shows Christ in the middle, John the Baptist on the right and Virgin Mary on the left.



The Empress Zoe mosaics (left) and Comnenus mosaic (right) on the eastern wall of the southern gallery date from the 11th century.





A family photo before leaving.





A layout plan of Hagia Sophia.



The remnants of the Theodosian Hagia Sophia (5th Century).



Plenty to see at the surrounding area of Hagia Sophia. Pictured here is the Courtyard of the Baptistery. Some architectural remains in the courtyard indicates that it may be older the Hagia Sophia.



Hagia Sophia or also known as the Church Of Holy Wisdom truly is the highlight of our visit to Istanbul.



Next, we proceeded to visit the Blue Mosque which is located just across Hagia Sophia.



The rules and regulation for visitors to Blue Mosque. Ladies would need to wear scarf before going in.



The courtyard of Blue Mosque.





Interior of Blue Mosque.



Overall, Touristanbul is an enjoyable experience for those who want a free tour around the city. Visit Turkish Arlines website for more details: https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-gb/flights/fly-different/touristanbul/