Half-day tour of Hagia Sophia and Blue Moque in Istanbul

Highlights

• This is a customized half-day small group tour to the heart of Sultanahmet
• Visit treasures of Istanbul such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque
• Learn history about Byzantines, Ottomans and modern Turks from your expert local guide
• Experience shopping in the grand bazaar, which has been the center of shopping for centuries
• Walk along the historical hippodrome and see the German Fountain and obelisk

All about the trip

Enjoy a half-day morning tour of the UNESCO site of Sultanahmet Old Istanbul with an extensive guided tour. You`ll enjoy the magical Istanbul and its signature sights: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome of Constantinople and Grand Bazaar.

According to your group tour pick-up time meet with your guide at the lobby of your hotel and drive to Sultanahmet square. We start your day by introducing you to Istanbul’s most incredible classics such as Hagia Sophia: 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 Mehmet ll. Next; Blue Mosque: Facing Hagia Sophia, famous for its blue Iznik tiles and its unique six minarets, the Blue Mosque was built in the same time when Sultan Ahmet ruled. This is the last great imperial mosque of the classic period.The name for which is commonly now known.Blue Mosque, comes from the 20.000 marvelous blue-toned Iznik tiles decorating the interior walls. Just beside the blue Mosque visit Hippodrome of Constantinople: 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 ll are the monuments that you can find and learn more about while visiting the Hippodrome.

After lunch at the local restaurant continue to Topkapi Palace: This extraordinary and full of secrets, the palace was the residence of the Imperial Ottoman Sultans and 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, armors, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts as well as Ottoman treasures and jewelry. The last visiting place will be the Grand Bazaar: One of the largest covered markets in the world with more than 60 streets and 5000 shops where you will find in an authentic oriental atmosphere, all kinds of gifts, leather clothing, rugs, antiques, jewelry, hand-woven fabrics etc.

After the tour, we will drive you back to your hotel.

What is included in the price

• All sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary
• Pick up from city center hotels (Sultan Ahmet and Taksim hotels)
• Land transportation by air-conditioned non-smoking vehicle

What is not included in the price

• Tips to the guide and driver (optional)
• Beverage with meal

Instructions

Please be ready at your departure point 15 minutes prior.

Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays untill 2 pm,just will visit from the garden.

Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and will be replaced with Arasta Bazaar.

This activity is organised by Tour Altinkum Travel (Kusadasi Tour), Ikicesmelik Mah. Suleyman Demirel Blv. Melis Apt. B-Blok D:5 5, Kusadasi, 09400, Turkey, +90 256 633 62 78, info@kusadasitourcompany.com.