Full-Day Heritage Tour
Highlights
• See Hagia (Saint) Sophia, Sultanahmet Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Hagia Irene Church
• Explore the Grand Bazaar, the commercial heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops full of treasures
• Lunch
• Visit Topkapi Palace, the great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries
•Transfer to your hotel after the tour
Full description
Begin your tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Hagia Sophia. Built by the Emperor Justinian in the early 6th century A.D. and designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isodore of Miletus, the church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Converted into a mosque in 1453, it is now a museum. Its massive dome still dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is also famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses and a expressive Virgin and Child.
Next, you will visit the Blue Mosque which takes its name from the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Built by Sultan Ahmet in the early 17th century and designed by a pupil of Sinan, the greatest of Ottoman architects, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. Its courtyard is especially grand. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi survive. The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style. Enjoy your lunch at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the Bosphorus
Visit Topkapi Palace, the great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries, housing an exquisite collection of precious gems, jewelry thrones of sultans, robes worn by the sultans and their families, miniatures, the Holy Mantle and the Chamber of Sacred Relics.
Includes:
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Entrance fees as per itinerary
• Guide and air-conditioned vehicle
• VAT included
• 4-course lunch (vegetarian menu is available and sample menu: soup and seasonal appetizers and salad, main course like fish, meatball or chicken, dessert)
What’s Not Included
• Gratuities/ tip (optional)
• Drinks
Know before you go
• Children 18-years-old and under must be accompanied by an adult
• During religious holidays, the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar will be closed
• Cover ups and head scarves will be provided at the Blue Mosque
https://youtu.be/JHIbjCSRFP8?si=NEHBK4EWOnJjtM8d
Note: All prices are per person.
Adult Price (Per Person) : 150 €
Child Price (Per Person 3-7) : 75 €
Child Price (Per Person 0-3) : Free
