You'll be picked up by your tour guide from your hotel to begin the Istanbul city tour.
Istanbul is a vibrant blend of rich history, diverse cultures, and modern urban life. The main historical part of Istanbul is called Old Istanbul where you will be amazed by witnessing the fascinating Byzantine(East Roman) and Ottoman empires' historical and cultural structures.
In today's tour, we will visit the following highlights of Old Istanbul:
Topkapi Palace: Explore the former palace of Ottoman sultans, showcasing imperial collections, courtyards, and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus. This palace was the first administrative palace of the Ottoman Empire after conquering the city.
Hagia Sophia: This iconic building has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum. Hagia Sophia is known for its massive dome and innovative architectural design. It was considered the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years.
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Known for its stunning blue tiles, this mosque is a significant religious and architectural landmark with 6 minarets. This mosque has a capacity of more than 10000 prayers.
Hippodrome: A chariot-racing track originally constructed by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in AD 203 and later expanded by Constantine the Great in the 4th century.
Grand Bazaar: Finally, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4000 shops.
After finishing your tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Please note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
Overnight: N/A
Meals: Lunch
Activities: Daytime tour
