Day 1

Hippodrome Square

Blue Mosque

Hagia Sophia

Topkapi Palace

Basilica Cistern

Grand Bazaar

Itinerary

Day 1

Hippodrome Square; Start at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, which was the social and sports center of the old city. Explore major artworks such as the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi, and the fountain of Willhelm II (aka German Fountain)

Blue Mosque; Take a stroll to the Blue Mosque, a majestic structure with six minarets adorning the skyline of Istanbul. One of the most popular attractions in this ancient city is the imperial mosque of Sultan Ahmet I (Sultan Ahmet Camii) in Istanbul. Foreign visitors refer it as the Blue Mosque because of the tiles inside. The mosque, which has six minarets and a massive cascade of domes, is a worthy sibling to Ayasofya

Hagia Sophia; Proceed to the Hagia Sophia Mosque, one of the most significant monuments of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. The dome and stunning mosaics of this architectural jewel are on display as your guide shares its turbulent history with you. In the year 537, Justinian the Great constructed the Church of the Holy Wisdom. It has stood here for over 1,520 years, through 120 generations of men and women, and is known as Aya Sofya in Turkish

Topkapi Palace; A visit to the Topkapi Palace, which was home to Ottoman emperors between the 15th and the 19th centuries, is next on the itinerary. Admire the rich jewels and imperial collections of the Ottoman Empire, as well as priceless displays of Oriental porcelain. Topkapi Sarayi was the seraglio, the heart of the vast Ottoman Empire, ruled by the sultans for nearly 400 years

Basilica Cistern; Descend into the mysterious sixth-century water reservoir, Basilica Cistern, and marvel at its architecture featuring over 300 columns.

Grand Bazaar; Visit the Grand Bazaar, which is home to over 3,000 shops with everything from carpets to jewelries, ceramics and leather goods.

 

Additional information

Blue Mosque is closed until 2 pm on Fridays Temporarily closed between January 1- April 1 on 2023

Hagia Sophia entrance will be restricted during praying time

Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays

Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays