• Hagia Sophia Mosque - A remarkable and awe-inspiring place of worship constructed by the Eastern Roman Empire in the 6th century AD, still standing strong for 1500 years with its grand dome. Known as Hagia Sophia, it served as a cathedral for nearly a millennium during the Roman era before being transformed into a mosque when the Ottoman Empire captured the city in 1453. Today, it functions both as a mosque and a museum. Inside, visitors can admire icons and motifs from the Roman period alongside Ottoman additions.

• A dress code is enforced for entry: women must wear headscarves and long dresses, while men are required to wear long garments that cover the knees.

• Blue Mosque - This is one of the most stunning imperial mosques, constructed by the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century AD. It is renowned for its twenty thousand blue ceramic tiles. Inside, visitors will be captivated by the beautiful blue tiles and stained glass windows. This 400-year-old mosque derives its name from these tiles.

• A dress code is also in place for visiting: women need to wear headscarves and long dresses, and men must wear long garments that cover their knees.

• Hippodrome - The area known today as the Hippodrome was built by Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century AD after he designated the city as the new capital of the Roman Empire. The Hippodrome was primarily used for chariot races, which were 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.

• Topkapi Palace Museum - This imperial palace, with its extensive complex, served as the residence of the Ottoman Empire for about 400 years. It was constructed by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II in the 15th century AD after the conquest of Constantinople. The palace was the home of Ottoman sultans and the empire’s imperial palace.

• Many rooms display objects from the Ottoman period, such as jewels, swords, and weapons.

Attention:
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
• Tour guides are not permitted to speak in certain private exhibition rooms of the palace.

• Grand Bazaar - The Grand Bazaar is a 500-year-old historical market from the Ottoman era, built in 1461. It houses 3,500 shops offering ceramics, spices, sweets, delights, jewelry, and handmade rugs. Visitors can also explore workshops with their guide. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

• Basilica Cistern - Originally constructed 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. Descending approximately 10 meters underground, visitors will feel as though they are in a mysterious subterranean city, surrounded by numerous pillars and colorful lights.

• Licensed tour guide

• Lunch
• Private transportation
• All fees and/or taxes

Istanbul Private Guided Tours provides an exceptional opportunity to discover this stunning city with the expertise of a professional licensed Tour Guide. This private guided tour allows for easy visits to historical sites within short distances, showcasing the most popular attractions from the Roman and Ottoman eras. (Please refer to the itinerary section for a detailed schedule.)

IN BRIEF:
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- HIPPODROME: The site of ancient chariot races, featuring monuments such as the German Fountain, the Serpent Column, the Obelisk from Egypt, and the Walled Column.

5- GRAND BAZAAR: A 500-year-old market from the Ottoman period, housing 3500 shops. It is closed on Sundays.

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