Explore Istanbul's Historic Highlights
- Meet your tour guide at Sultanahmet and visit the following places:
Hagia Sophia - A grand mosque built by the Roman Emperor Justinian I.
Grand Bazaar - With 4,000 shops inside, it is one of the biggest markets, selling mostly handicrafts, handmade carpets, rugs, lamps, and more. It is also the place where you can find unique artistic jewels.
Topkapı Palace - One of the latest and largest palaces of the Ottoman Empire, and the first palace built by the Ottoman Empire itself in Istanbul.
Ancient Hippodrome - One of the oldest historical sites in Istanbul. Today, it is an open area where you can see an ancient obelisk from Egypt, a German Fountain, and a Serpent Column.
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) - A 17th-century mosque built in the name of one of the Ottoman Sultans. Originally named Sultanahmet Mosque, it is well known as the Blue Mosque because of its beautifully designed blue tiles.
Basilica Cistern - One of the water storages in Istanbul, and the most famous one. After restoration, it opened to visitors who want to see the famous Medusa head sculpture and the teardrop, or crying, column. With its newly added features, it became a more authentic place after restoration.
End the tour.
