• Blue Mosque - A 400-year-old imperial mosque constructed by the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century AD.
  • Renowned for its twenty thousand blue ceramic tiles, visitors can admire these stunning blue tiles and stained glass windows inside the mosque.
  • The mosque derives its name from these tiles.
  • A dress code is required for entry: women must wear headscarves and long dresses, while men need long garments that cover their knees.

• Hagia Sophia Mosque - A remarkable and grand place of worship built by the Eastern Roman Empire in the 6th century AD, standing for 1500 years with its massive dome. Known as Hagia Sophia.
  • Initially served as a cathedral for about a thousand years during the Roman era, it was converted into a mosque after 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 alongside Ottoman additions.
  • A dress code is enforced: headscarves and long dresses are required for women, and long garments covering the knees are mandatory for men.

• Topkapi Palace Museum - An imperial palace complex that served the 600-year-old Ottoman Empire for approximately 400 years.
  • Built by Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II in the 15th century AD after the conquest of Constantinople.
  • It was the residence of Ottoman sultans and the empire’s imperial palace.
  • Many rooms display objects from the Ottoman era, such as jewels, swords, and weapons.
  • Note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, and tour guides are restricted from speaking in certain private exhibition rooms.

• Basilica Cistern - Constructed as an underground water reservoir in the 6th century AD by the Roman Empire to supply water to the city. Now a museum, as it is no longer an active reservoir.
  • Descending approximately 10 meters underground, visitors will experience a mysterious underground city with numerous pillars and colorful lights.

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

• Hippodrome - The area known today as the Hippodrome was constructed by Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century AD when he designated the city as the new capital of the Roman Empire.
  • Primarily used for chariot races, it was 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.

• Licensed tour guide

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

Istanbul Private Guided Tours offers an exceptional opportunity to explore this stunning city with a professional, licensed tour guide. This private guided tour allows for easy visits to historical sites within short walking distances, showcasing the most popular attractions from the Roman and Ottoman eras.

HIGHLIGHTS:

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

2. Hagia Sophia: A 1,500-year-old church from the 6th century Roman era, now partially 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 period, featuring 3,500 shops. It is closed on Sundays.

Note: The tour concludes once the itinerary is completed.

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