Historic Istanbul Highlights Tour
Hippodrome Square: Start at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the social and sports center of the old city. Explore significant artworks such as the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi, and the Fountain of Wilhelm II, also known as the German Fountain.
Blue Mosque: Stroll to the Blue Mosque, a majestic structure with six minarets adorning the skyline of Istanbul. One of the most popular attractions in this ancient city is the imperial mosque of Sultan Ahmet I (Sultan Ahmet Camii) in Istanbul. Foreign visitors call it the Blue Mosque because of the tiles inside. The mosque, which has six minarets and a massive cascade of domes, is a worthy sibling to Ayasofya.
Hagia Sophia: Proceed to the Hagia Sophia Mosque, one of the most significant monuments of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. This architectural jewel's dome and stunning mosaics are on display as your guide shares its turbulent history with you. In 537, Justinian the Great constructed the Church of the Holy Wisdom. It has stood here for over 1,520 years, through 120 generations of men and women, and is known as Aya Sofya in Turkish.
Topkapı Palace: A visit to Topkapı Palace, home to Ottoman emperors between the 15th and 19th centuries, is next on the itinerary. Admire the rich jewels and imperial collections of the Ottoman Empire, along with priceless displays of Oriental porcelain. Topkapı Sarayı was the seraglio, the heart of the vast Ottoman Empire, ruled by the Sultans for nearly 400 years.
Grand Bazaar: Visit the Grand Bazaar, home to over 3,000 shops offering everything from carpets to jewelry, ceramics, and leather goods.
