Day 01
Explore Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar
- Begin your journey with a guided tour of Topkapı Palace, the heart and soul of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Harem section for additional insight into the sultan's private life. Exploring Topkapı thoroughly will take more than an hour and a half.
- Next, stop at the Hippodrome. This ancient square was the heart of Constantinople, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire. Take some time to explore the monuments and structures around the square, including the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain.
- Capture Hagia Sophia. This iconic building is a former church, mosque, and now a museum, famous for its massive dome and beautiful mosaics. Spend some time admiring the architecture and learning about the history of this impressive structure.
- See the Blue Mosque from the outside. Located just across the square from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks. Although it is closed to visitors during prayer times, you can still admire the stunning exterior and take some photos.
- End the tour at the Grand Bazaar. This sprawling market is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from jewellery and textiles to spices and souvenirs. Take some time to wander through the maze-like alleys and haggle with the vendors for some unique souvenirs.
- End of tour.
