Day 01
Explore Istanbul's Historic Highlights
- Start your tour by visiting one of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul - Hagia Sophia. Once a church, then a mosque, and now a museum, this beautiful structure has a lot of history and architecture to offer. Spend some time admiring the mosaics, domes, and intricate details of this masterpiece.
- Go to the Blue Mosque, located just a few steps away. Admire its stunning exterior and take some memorable photos.
- Next, head over to the ancient Hippodrome, which was once the center of entertainment and sporting events in Constantinople. Today, it is a public square with some fascinating historical monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain.
- Take a short walk to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. Here, you can find all sorts of souvenirs, carpets, jewellery, spices, and Turkish delights. Take some time to browse around and haggle with the shopkeepers for the best deals.
- Make your way further to the Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the most significant Ottoman mosques in Istanbul, designed by the famous architect Sinan. Not only is the mosque itself impressive, but it also offers an incredible panoramic view of the city from its terrace. Take your time to appreciate the stunning scenery and take some photos.
- Your next stop is the Column of Constantine, a Roman monument located near the Hippodrome. This 35-meter-tall column was erected in honour of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great and features intricate carvings depicting his victories.
- End the tour at the Roman Cistern, also known as the Theodosius Cistern, located underground in Sultanahmet. This impressive structure was built in the 5th century to provide water to the city and has some unique architectural features, including vaulted ceilings and columns.
