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Discover the grandeur of Topkapı Palace & Harem. Immerse yourself in Istanbul's rich heritage as you explore UNESCO-listed landmarks Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar.

Highlights

• Step back in time as you learn about the 6th-century Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
• Experience the grandeur and allure of Islamic architecture at the Blue Mosque
• Explore residence of sultans at Topkapı Palace & Harem
• Look for a bargain as you pass by hundreds of stalls in the Grand Covered Bazaar
• Uncover the mysteries of Constantinople's first church, the Hagia Irene Church

Description

Find your guide at the meeting point or enjoy the convenience of being picked up from centrally-located hotels in Istanbul. Sit back and relax in an airconditioned coach with plenty of space on your way to the departure point. Begin your tour with a visit to the magnificent Blue Mosque, renowned for its 20,000 hand-painted blue Iznik tiles and six elegant minarets. Learn how this architectural masterpiece was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I and stands as the last great mosque of the Classical Ottoman period. Next, step into the heart of ancient Constantinople at the Hippodrome, once the city’s vibrant social and sporting center. Admire historical monuments including the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Bronze Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Column of Constantine. Visit the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century marvel built by Emperor Justinian as a Greek Orthodox church. Discover the building’s rich history as it transitioned from church to mosque and later into a museum—standing as the world’s largest church for nearly a millennium. Before reaching the Grand Bazaar, enjoy a brief stop at a local shop—an ideal opportunity to pick up authentic souvenirs and handcrafted goods. Then, gather in front of the Grand Bazaar’s main gate to hear fascinating insights about its rich history. Afterward, explore the Grand Bazaar at your own pace. Lose yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the world’s oldest and largest covered market, with 65 bustling streets and over 4,000 shops offering everything from carpets and jewelry to spices, ceramics, and more. In the afternoon, after the free time for Lunch, continue to Topkapı Palace, once the exclusive residence and administrative center of the Ottoman Sultans for over four centuries. Explore its opulent chambers and marvel at priceless collections, including sacred Islamic relics of the Prophet Mohammed, imperial treasures, Chinese porcelain, weapons, and exquisite calligraphy. Admire the Harem, nestled within the palace grounds, which once housed the sultan, his mother, wives, concubines, children, and other female members of the court. A walk through this secluded section reveals a maze of rooms, courtyards, and private chambers, offering a unique glimpse into the complex social and political life of the Ottoman Empire. Next, visit the Hagia Irene Church, a remarkable Byzantine landmark and the first church built in Constantinople. This ancient structure provides deep insight into the city’s early Christian history and architectural legacy. Wrap up your enriching day with a comfortable return to your hotel, ensuring a smooth and relaxing end to your journey through Istanbul's imperial past

Includes

Hotel pickup (If option selected) Blue Mosque Guided visit Hagia Sophia Guided visit Topkapı Palace and Harem Guided visit Hippodrome Guided visit Hagia Irene Church Guided visit English-speaking tour guide All taxes

Important Information

• Please dress appropriately when entering sacred sites. Participants are advised to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt. Please bring a scarf to cover head.
• Hagia Sophia skip-the-line entrance ticket costs €25 and Topkapı Palace & Harem skip-the-line entrance ticket costs: 2400 Turkis Lira and must be paid in cash.
• Even though you'll skip the ticket lines,the security checks at the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque are mandatory and cannot be bypassed.
• If you choose the tour with pickup option, you'll need to confirm the pick-up location and time directly with the local operator. You'll find the contact details in the voucher after booking
• The Grand Bazaar is closed on religious holidays and Sundays.
• This is a shared transfer with Minibus or Midibus and pick up could be early or late.
• For each hotel there is a fixed pick-up time. before the tour starts time
• This is walking tour

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund