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Explore the history of Istanbul by visiting Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, The Grand Bazaar and many more historical sights.

Highlights

• Explore the history of Istanbul by visiting Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque
• Shop till you drop in the Grand Bazaar
• Knowledgeable and professional commentary from your local tour guide
• Discover Topkapi Palace with local guide

Description

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and guide you through the city to explore the following places in depth: The Blue Mosque is one of the best examples of Ottoman and Turkish art, built between 1609 and 1616 by the Architect Mehmet Aga. The mosque takes its name from the blue Iznik tiles which decorate its walls spelndidly. The ancient Hippodrome, where chariot races took place in the center of Byzantine political life, stands in the open space in front of the Blue Mosque. This area, now called Sultanahmet, was once home to a series of historic monuments. Of the monuments which once stood only three remain, the Obelisk of the Theodosius, the Serpentine Column and the Column on Constantine. Look forward to experiencing the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar. In this labyrinth of streets and passages there are more than 4000 shops with each trade having its own area, selling mostly gold, silver and Turkish handicrafts. Afterwards you will see Topkapi Palace, the great palace of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries. It houses an exqusite collection of crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain, and the Holy Mantle containing relics of the Prophet Mohammed. We will have a stop for lunch around midday and the tour will finish with a drop-off at your hotel. Hotel pick-up service is available only from the hotels located in the city centre HOTELS SUCH AS LALELİ, AKSARAY, BEYAZIT, TAKSİM, BEYOGLU AND SULTANAHMET.

Includes

Professional guide Entrance fees Lunch Hotel pickup and drop-off (from hotels in the Sultanahmet and Taksim area of Istanbul only)

Important Information

• • Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays, Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, will be replaced by Basilica Cistern. • The Blue Mosque is being renovated until end of 2020 so some parts of the ceiling might be temporarily covered.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund