09.00 a.m. After breakfast pick up from hotel and our journey begins in Istanbul, the only city in...
09.00 a.m. After breakfast pick up from hotel and our journey begins in Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents. Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul – its three names span more than 2600 years, nearly 1600 of them as the capital of two of the greatest empires the world has known, Byzantine and Ottoman. Our First stop is Ancient Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place.
Topkapi Palace, was not only the residence of the Ottoman sultans, but also the administrative and educational center of the state. It was constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople. We will visit the Topkapi Palace including weapons section.
Only a short walk away, reaches Hagia Sophia built in 532 AD by Roman Emperor Justinian I.
Update for St. Sophia interior visit :
Live guiding is not allowed in St. Sophia after the 15th January 2024. Guests have to have their smart phones and headphones during their visit. If guests do not have a headphone, they can buy at the entrance at the cost of 3,5-USD. The system is similar to audio guide system. Guests who does not have smart phones will follow the signs and the given informations on the signs .
Blue Mosque, has its fame from its beautiful blue Iznik tiles.
Grand Bazaar where is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 58 covered streets and over 1,200 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Opened in 1461, it is well known for its jewelry, pottery, spice, Grand Bazaar is our last stop before return back to our hotel for overnight.
