Day 01
Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace Tour
- Meet your tour guide and begin your Istanbul tour with a visit to the Blue Mosque, where you can admire its 20,000 blue Iznik ceramic tiles and six towering minarets. Learn how it was built for Sultan Ahmet I and why it was the last great mosque of the Classical period.
- Continue to the Hippodrome, the sporting and social center of ancient Constantinople. See the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Bronze Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Column of Constantine.
- Stop in front of Hagia Sophia and hear about this 6th-century building, constructed by Emperor Justinian as a Greek Orthodox church. Discover how Hagia Sophia transformed over time and why it remained the largest church in the world for 1,000 years.
- Then head to the Basilica Cistern, where you can avoid the hassle of lengthy ticket lines and uncover the wonders hidden beneath the enchanting streets of Istanbul. Take in its impressive architecture and encounter the legendary Medusa heads from Greek mythology.
- Enjoy shopping for memorable gifts at the store visited before reaching the Grand Bazaar, or take a few moments to rest. Then stroll through the Grand Covered Bazaar, the world's oldest and biggest covered market, and lose yourself among 65 streets and more than 4,000 shops.
- Spend your free time for lunch or as you wish.
- In the afternoon, proceed to Topkapı Palace, once the exclusive abode of the Ottoman sultans and their primary residence and administrative headquarters for more than 400 years. See exhibits of sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, imperial treasures, Chinese porcelain, weapons, and calligraphy works.
- Admire the Harem, located within the expansive grounds of Topkapı Palace, which served as the residence of the sultan, his mother, concubines, wives, other female relatives, and the children born within this secluded domain.
- As you venture through the Harem section of Topkapı Palace, discover many rooms, courtyards, and chambers that reflect the intricate cultural, social, and political life of the Ottoman Empire.
- Proceed to Hagia Irene Church, a significant Byzantine landmark and notably the first church constructed in Constantinople. This ancient structure holds immense historical and architectural importance and offers insight into the city's early Christian heritage.
- Conclude your exploration with a comfortable drop-off at your hotel or pick-up point, ensuring a seamless and convenient end to your day of sightseeing.
