FULL DAY BYZANTIAN & OTTOMAN RELICS TOUR

08:20 You will be picked up from your hotel and you will visit highlights of Istanbul.

Visit;
Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. It has been nominated as the 8th wonder of the world by historians.

Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built between 1609 and 1616 in the name of Sultan Ahmet 1 by Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, who was one of Sinan’ s apprentices. The Blue Mosque dating from the 17th century, an architectural masterpiece famed for its exquisite blue tiles and six elegant minarets.

Hippodrome is the center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city where held. Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column Constantine Column and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome.

Grand Covered Bazaar, Most attractive shopping center and biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewelry, gold, carpets, leatherwear and souvenirs.

Topkapi Palace, Imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans, the maze of buildings that was the focal point of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centruies. In these opulent surroundings the sultans and their court lived and governed. A magnificent wooded garden fills the outer, or first, court. In the second court, on the right, shaded by cyprees and plane trees,stand the palace kitchens, which now serve as galleries exhibiting the imperial collections of crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain. Today the third court holds the Hall of Audience, the Library of Ahmet III, an exhibition of imperial costumes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the treasury and a priceless collection of miniatures from medieval manuscripts. In the center of this innermost sanctuary, the Prophet Muhammet (S.A.V) brought to Istanbul when the Ottomans assumed the caliphaten of Islam.

Suleymaniye Mosque, masterpiece of Sinan, built between 1550 and 1557, it is one of the best Works of the Ottoman Empire, built in the name of Suleyman The Magnificent during the 16th century, considered as the best amongst the imperial mosques.

16:30 End of the tour transfer back to hotel.


CLOSED
* Hagia Sophia on Monday / Replaced with Chora Church
* Topkapi Palace on Tuesday / Replaced with Chora Church
* Grand Bazaar on Sunday