Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Full Day Tour

Highlights

• Discover the countless wonders of “Sultan Ahmet Center”, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled
• Visit all the main tourist attractions in Old Town
• Explore the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia, Grand Mosque, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, The Hagia Irene, Sultan Tombs and more
• Learn about the rich history of Istanbul as you explore its many historic sites

Departure

We’ll pick you up from your hotel between 08:00 – 08:30 AM

(Only from Sultanahmet, Laleli, Taksim areas)

Itinerary

During the Tour, you’ll be visiting:

• • Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi), once the Church of Divine Wisdom, with its innovative architecture, rich history, religious significance and extraordinary characteristics has been fighting against time for centuries, was the largest Eastern Roman Church in Istanbul. Constructed three times in the same location, it is the world’s oldest and fastest completed cathedral.
  • Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with it’s blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.
  • Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome.
  • Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest “souk” in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir. (Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request)

Lunch at a Turkish Restaurant.

• Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Live guide commentary is not allowed in special sections. (Harem is not included in the program)
• The Hagia Irene located in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine). It was also the second largest church in Istanbul after Hagia Sophia. It’s a typical Byzantine structure with its materials and architecture, was built on the site of an old temple in 330.
• Sultan Tombs, there are five tombs of Ottoman Sultans within the graveyard at Hagia Sophia. The ceramic panels are the most beautiful examples of the 16th century with purple, red, green and blue flower motives. Prince robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers are displayed on the sarcophaguses.

Also visioned during the tour ;

Galata Bridge – Golden Horn – Maiden’s Tower

This tour ends approximately at 17:00