• Blue Mosque - 1- BLUE MOSQUE:

The Blue Mosque is a 400-year-old imperial mosque constructed by the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century AD.
• It is renowned for its twenty thousand blue ceramic tiles. Inside, visitors can admire the stunning blue tiles alongside stained glass windows.
• A dress code is required for entry; women must wear a headscarf and long dresses or pants that cover the knees, while men must wear long pants to cover their knees.

Entry is free.

• Hagia Sophia Mosque - 2- HAGIA SOPHIA:

Hagia Sophia is one of the oldest cathedrals in Constantinople/Istanbul, built by the Eastern Roman Empire in the 6th century AD. It has stood for 1500 years with its massive dome.
• It served as a cathedral for nearly a thousand years during the Roman era before being converted into a mosque when the Ottoman Empire captured the city in 1453.
• Today, it functions partly as a mosque and museum. Inside, visitors can see icons and motifs from the Roman period, along with Ottoman additions.

• A dress code is enforced for entry. Women need a headscarf and long dresses that cover the knees, and men must wear pants that cover their knees.

Note: It is currently undergoing partial restoration.

• Topkapi Palace Museum - 3- TOPKAPI PALACE:

Topkapi Palace is an imperial palace complex that served the 600-year-old Ottoman Empire for about 400 years. It was constructed by Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II in the 15th century AD after capturing Constantinople.
• It was the residence of Ottoman sultans and the empire’s imperial palace.

• Many rooms display objects from the Ottoman period.

Attention:
• (TOPKAPI PALACE IS CLOSED on Tuesdays)
• (Tour guides are not permitted in some private large exhibition rooms due to the size of guided tour groups)

• Basilica Cistern - 4- BASILICA CISTERN:

Built as an underground water reservoir in the 6th century AD by the Roman Empire to supply water to the city, it now serves as a museum since it is no longer an active tank.
Visitors descend approximately 10 meters underground, experiencing a mysterious underground city with numerous pillars and colorful lights.

It has been a filming location for movies such as “From Russia with Love” (1963) – James Bond and “Inferno” (2016) – Tom Hanks, based on Dan Brown’s novel.

• Hippodrome - 6- HIPPODROME:

• The area known today as the Hippodrome was constructed by Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century AD after designating the city as the new capital of the Roman Empire.

• The Hippodrome was primarily used for chariot races, the city’s most popular activity.
• Today, visitors can see the Egyptian obelisk from Egypt, the Serpent Column from Greece, the German Fountain from Germany, and the Walled Obelisk from the city.

• Grand Bazaar - 5- GRAND BAZAAR:

The Grand Bazaar is a 500-year-old historical market from the Ottoman era, built in 1461. Inside, there are 3,500 shops offering ceramics, spices, sweets, delights, jewelry, and handmade rugs. Visitors can also witness art demonstrations as part of the market experience.

The Grand Bazaar is CLOSED ON SUNDAYS.

• Roman and Ottoman Historical Major Attractions
• Personal Licensed Private Guide
• Top sites: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Hippodrome

• Lunch
• Museum Entrance Fees
• Transportation

This full-day private guided tour showcases Istanbul’s major attractions without the hassle of ticket lines. During this tour, visitors will explore Istanbul’s top sites in one day, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar. These historical landmarks are conveniently located within walking distance of each other.

BRIEFLY

1. BLUE MOSQUE: A 400-year-old mosque constructed by the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century AD.

2. HAGIA SOPHIA: A 1500-year-old church from the 6th century Roman era, now serving as both a mosque and museum.

3. TOPKAPI PALACE: A 500-year-old imperial palace of the Ottoman Empire (closed on Tuesdays).

4. BASILICA CISTERN: An underground water reservoir from the 6th century AD, built by the Roman Empire to supply water to the city.

5. HIPPODROME: The area where chariot races were historically held.

6. GRAND BAZAAR: A 500-year-old market from the Ottoman era, featuring 3,500 shops (closed on Sundays).

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.