Full Day Ottoman and Byzantium Tour in Istanbul

Full-Day Ottoman and Byzantium Tour in Istanbul

Tour of “Sultan Ahmet Center”, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.

 

 

 

Hagia (St.) Sophia Mosque ( from OUTSIDE  ) , one of the greatest marvels of architecture, was constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Built-in 537 by Byzantine Emperor Justinianus, St.Sophia has been the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years; it is considered the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture; after having been the Patriarchal Basilica of Constantinople, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet ii. the Conqueror and into a museum by Ataturk in 1935. Now since July 2020, it is a mosque again.

 

Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, is famous for its blue Iznik tiles and is unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. The last great imperial mosque of the classical period; it is name comes from 20.000 marvelous blue-toned Iznik tiles decorating the interior walls.

 

Hippodrome, the center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. The Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm ii are the monuments decorating Hippodrome.

Lunch at the Special Turkish Restaurant

Topkapi Palace Museum, this extraordinary and secret palace was the residence of the imperial Ottoman Sultans and the center of the Ottoman might for nearly 400 years. The building is a typical example of Ottoman architecture. The rooms exhibit rich collections of porcelains, robes, weapons, shields, armors, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts, and Ottoman treasures and jewelry.

 

 

Hagia Irene Church: Built during the same period (4th century) as its neighbour the Hagia Sophia.The name Hagia Irene Church means ‘’Godly’’ or ‘’Holy Wisdom’’ in Greek. After the conquest of Istanbul it was incorporated into the grounds of Topkapı Palace and like many other churches was converted into a mosque. However there were no major changes made to the building structure.

 

Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world with more than 60 streets and 4.000 shops, where you may find in an authentic oriental atmosphere all kinds of gifts, leather clothing, rugs and kilims, antiques, jewelry,hand-woven fabrics, etc…

 

Also visiting during the tour ;

• Obelisk of Theodosius
• Serpentine Column
• German Fountain of Wilhelm II

 

HIGHLIGHTS ;

• Hagia Sophia Mosque from OUTSIDE
• Blue Mosque ( Sultanahmet Mosque )
• Hippodrome
• Topkapi Palace Museum with Entrance Ticket
• Hagia Irene Church with Entrance Ticket
• Grand Bazaar

What is Included in the tour ?

• Hotel Pick-up & Drop-Off – By Air-Conditioned Tour Coaches
• Entrance Fees Mentioned by the Itineraries
• Professional Licenced English Speaking Tour Guide
• Services Charges & Local Taxes
• Lunch

What is Excluded from the tour?

• Beverage
• Tips and Gratuities
• Personal Expenses

P.S: Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off Services are Available Only from the hotels located in the city center.

 

PS : If you would like to book with the  second floor of Ayasofya let us know so price goes UP 30 Euro Per Person !!!!!!

 

Contact : Hakan HACIBEKIROGLU
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E-mail : hakan_hacibekiroglu@yahoo.com ( 24/7 Online )