MORNING

Hippodrome

The Hippodrome had been a center for sports and entertainment in the old Constantinople, the Eastern Roman Capital, and an important center for politics since sports and politics were closely knit in these times. No wonder that the Hippodrome had been a starting point for revolts and political movements throughout history.

Hagia Sophia Mosque

Shrine of Holy Wisdom, a marvelous Byzantine basilica built in the 6th century, marks the golden age of Justinianus.

Converted to a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of the city, by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453, as the young Sultan fulfilled a divine premonition by the Holy Prophet Mohammad himself. In 1935 the building was converted to a museum by the executive order of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.

Hagia Sophia, whose status was converted to a mosque in July 2020, has been taking its visitors on a journey through the multi-layered texture of history as a mosque ever since.

Grand Bazaar

The largest, oldest, and most attractive covered bazaar in the world, where people have been trading jewelry, carpets, food, perfumes, and even gossiping for centuries!

The tour also includes a short demonstration of Turkish rugs.

Sultan Ahmed Mosque / Blue Mosque

Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as Blue Mosque, arouses admiration with the delicate Ottoman tiles that decorate the shrine’s walls. The floral patterns of the tiles and the well lighted, spacious internal spaces are testimonials of the eternity of the Ottoman spirit.

LUNCH BREAK

Lunch is NOT included in the tour price. Also, you are kindly requested to be in Sultanahmet area during lunch break. If you need some recommendations about restaurants, you can consult your tour guide.

AFTERNOON

Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace has been the Imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th century. Its design, initially devised by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror himself and then enhanced by Architect Sinan, hides marks of the rituals and structure of Ottoman hierarchy and the running of state affairs.

Tombs of Sultans

While visiting the tombs of Sultans, various essential figures who had a say in the administration of the Ottoman Empire, you both will be fascinated by Ottoman history and have the chance to experience poetry in motion with their delicately constructed and decorated architecture.