Istanbul Old City Icons Tour
You can take in some of the most iconic sights of Istanbul in this morning tour that commences with a visit to the Blue Mosque. This magnificent mosque which was designed by Sinan and completed in 1616 is known for its majesty and superb Iznik ceramic tiling.
Continue outside to stroll along the Hippodrome. This vast public space was built by the Romans in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD to accommodate events such as chariot races and gladiator fights. It is also home to the Column of Constantine, an Egyptian obelisk and the Serpentine Column.
Next to the Hippodrome we will visit the Hagia Sophia. Originally built in 537 AD as a Greek Orthodox church, this breath-taking building was converted to a mosque by the Ottomans and is now a museum. Inside there are two floors built around a central nave. It is adorned with superb decorations and has an enormous dome that soars overhead.
Finish the morning with a walk through the Grand Bazaar for some shopping or just to absorb the sights, sounds and historic architectural beauty of this bustling market.
Come on a tour to the famous Topkapi Palace and skip the queues that flock to see this magnificent and historically significant site. Built in the middle of the 15th century, the walled complex comprised of the palace and its buildings dominate a small raised peninsula. The buildings are nestled within beautiful grounds that sweep down to the sea. For centuries, the palace was the political centre of the highly influential Ottoman Empire and although it is now purely a museum, as you visit its parts including courtyards, the Treasury, various pavilions, the holy relics, weapons and the Harem you will see how great it was.
Originally meaning “sacred peace”, the Hagia Irene is located in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace and it is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine). The building reputedly stands on the site of a pre-Christian temple. It ranks as the first church completed in Constantinople, before Hagia Sophia, during its transfiguration from a Greek trading colony to the Eastern capital of the Roman Empire. It was also the second largest church in Istanbul after Hagia Sophia.
Blue Mosque, Hippodrome Square, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Irene
General Information & Conditions
VAT is included in the rates,
Phone call needed for last minute reservations,
We kindly request our guest to be ready 15 minutes prior to departure time. Guests need to arrive promptly at the meeting points given by Tourkeystay, or the tour will proceed without them,
Tours will only be refunded if cancelled more than 24 hours prior to commencement,
Effective Sales Rates of the Turkish Central Bank are valid for payments,
Tourkeystay is not responsible for any loss or theft of belongings during the tour,
Due to traffic conditions beyond our control, pickup may be delayed,
Included
Museums entry fees, parking and road tolls,
Pick up and drop off at your accommodation,
Transportation in A/C non-smoking car or bus with professional English speaking guide and driver and their daily expenses,
Lunch,
Excluded
Suggested optional activities,
Tips of driver and guide,
Items as alcoholic, cold drinks,
Personal expenses,
Any other expenses which are not mentioned at the included section,
Important notice
Not operated on Tuesdays,
Pick up by 08:30, drop off by 17:00,
Pick up locations: Sultanahmet, Gulhane, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, Karakoy, Tophane, Taksim, Beyoglu, Beyazit, Kumkapi.
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