Item: Istanbul Classics: Exploring Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace & Grand Bazaar
Rating: 5
Author: John_f

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Istanbul Classics: Exploring Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace & Grand Bazaar

5.0

3 Ratings

Istanbul

If you’re a first-time visitor in this magnificent metropolis, this guided tour is essential. Istanbul is a city imbued with a rich past, with Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman influences.

Duration: 8 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Hagia Sophia Mosque - The ancient Aya Sofya, often called Hagia Sophia in English and one of Istanbul’s most iconic and enduring monuments at nearly 15 centuries old, has been converted from a museum back into a mosque with a recent decree from Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The building has been classified as a museum since 1934 after a declaration from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first Turkish president and founder of the Republic of Turkey.
The structure, considered a jewel of Byzantine architecture, was originally built as a cathedral in 537 CE by Roman Emperor Justinian I. Aya Sofya also had an almost five-century stint as a mosque when the Ottomans conquered Istanbul, then called Constantinople, in 1453 and converted the building into a religious space for Muslims.

What's Included

Hotel pick-up included.
Entrance to Topkapı Palace covered (Harem requires extra charge).
Hagia Irene Museum admission included.

What's Not Included

Alcoholic Beverages
Drop off to hotel is extra charge (20 USD per transfer up to 4 people)
Lunch

Location

Hagia Sophia Mosque

Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya MeydanI No:1

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

5.0

(3 Ratings)

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1 star

Niklas_w

Apr 29, 2024

Accurate description, but have patience. - Like most Viator tours I have done in foreign countries, the driver was late to pick up (30 minutes), but once we finally started, everything went smoothly. Beza is a friendly guide and informative. Full day tour, and I saw what I wanted to see.

Review provided by Viator

John_f