Istanbul has been a center of world civilization for centuries, under the Roman Empire, the Byzantines, and the Ottoman Empire. On this tour, our experienced guides will lead you through the city’s most significant monuments.
The tour begins with a visit to the basilica-mosque of Hagia Sophia. Constructed by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and rebuilt by Justinian, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453. It stands as one of the architectural wonders of the world.
The next stop is the Old Hippodrome, now a square at the heart of the Sultanahmet complex. Here, you’ll see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Column of Constantine, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Following the Hippodrome, you will visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the ‘Blue Mosque’. Erected in the 17th century, it is distinguished by its six minarets and exquisite porcelain decoration, featuring Iznik tiles.
The tour concludes at the Grand Bazaar, a vast covered market that began construction in the 15th century, during the golden age of the Ottoman Empire. In this maze of over 4000 shops, you’ll discover Turkey’s finest arts and crafts, emblematic of the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.
Note: On Monday, Hagia Sophia is replaced with the Underground Cistern; on Sunday, the Grand Bazaar is replaced by the Underground Cistern.
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