Istanbul Classics & Ottoman Relics Tour

Istanbul Classics and Ottoman Relics Tour

Let us start by introducing you to Istanbul’s most incredible attractions. Our driver will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the tour’s starting point between 07:45 - 08:20 according to your hotel’s location. In this tour you will see five of the most important attractions in Istanbul. The morning, starts with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, where you can see amazing treasures and imagine how Sultan's life was. The tour ends with a walk through the Grand Bazaar, where 5000 shops, selling everything: from rugs to lamps, are waiting for you. At lunch time, we will stop in a cosy and local restaurant so you can enjoy some delicious Turkish food. In the afternoon, you will visit the Hippodrome, which was once the social center of Istanbul. The Blue Mosque, with its beautiful hand painted tiles and Hagia Sophia: one of the greatest masterpieces ever built. You will fall in love with Istanbul istantly

This tour is a full day tour and departs everyday.

07:45 - 08:15

Pick up from your hotel and drive to the meeting point to depart for the tour.

-----

Hagia Sophia

( Can be visited as a mosque since 2019 )

One of the greatest marvels of architecture, Hagia Sophia was founded as a basilica in the 6th century. Built by the order of Byzantine Emperor Justinianus, St.Sophia was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years; it is considered the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. After being considered the Patriarchal Basilica of Constantinople, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmed II, The Conqueror, which led to adding the minarets, tombs and fountains. In 1935 it was turned into a museum by Ataturk, and it was turned into a mosque in 2019.

-----

Blue Mosque

( Closed on Friday Mornings because of Friday Pray )

Facing Hagia Sophia, famous for its blue Iznik tiles and its unique six minarets, the Blue Mosque was built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. This is the last great imperial mosque of the classical period. The name for which is commonly now known, “Blue Mosque”, comes from the 20.000 marvellous blue-toned Iznik tiles decorating the interior walls.

-----

Hippodrome and Obelisks

It’s a former center of sportive events (chariot races, for example) and political activities of the old city. The Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments that you can find and learn more about while visiting the Hippodrome.

-----

Cafer Aga Madrasa

Stop by Caferaga Medresesi, of foundation for serving Turkish Culture, also organises various workshop about handicrafts and music.

-----

Grand Covered Bazaar

( Closed on Sundays , replaced with Arasta Bazaar )

In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more then 4,000 shops with each trade having its own area: the goldsmiths' street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as handpainted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brassware and trays, water ewers, onyx-ware and meerschaum pipes

Lunch will be provided in a cozy local restaurant

-----

Topkapi Palace

( Closed on Tuesdays, replaced with Basilica Cistern)

This extraordinary and, full of secrets, palace was the residence of the Imperial Ottoman Sultans and the center of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years. The building is a typical example of Ottoman architecture and the rooms exhibit rich collections of porcelains, robes, weapons, shields, armours, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts as well as Ottoman treasures and jewellery The Treasury and Harem sections are not included in the program and are due to extra entrance fees)

What is Included

• Pick up & Drop off from / to your hotel in Sultanahmet and Taksim
• Proffessional English speaking guide
• Lunch
• Entrance fees to various sites

What is Not Included

• Personal expenses
• Gratitude's & tips to the guide and the driver
• Other (Anything unspecified)

Travel Tips

• At the end of tour, participants will be dropped off to their hotels. Please inform your tour guide if you prefer to return by yourself or to spend more time at wherever you are

What is Included

• Pick up & Drop off from / to your hotel in Sultanahmet and Taksim
• Proffessional English speaking guide
• Entrance fees to various sites
• Lunch

What is Not Included

• Personal expenses
• Gratitude's & tips to the guide and the driver
• Other (Anything unspecified)
• Drinks at the lunch

Travel Tips

• At the end of tour, participants will be dropped off to their hotels. Please inform your tour guide if you prefer to return by yourself or to spend more time at wherever you are