ISTANBUL: THE HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE, BLUE MOSQUE, GRAND BAZAAR, TOPKAPI PALACE, HAGIA IRENE CHURCH TOUR

T4F Full Day, walking Tour

Offered in: English, Arabic

Overview

Skip the ticket line and explore Topkapı Palace & Harem with a knowledgeable history guide. Dive into UNESCO-listed landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and other iconic sites during this guided excursion.

• The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
• Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque)
• The Hippodrome & Unique Monuments
• Fountain of Sultan Ahmet III
• Grand Covered Bazaar
• Topkapı Palace
• Harem
• Hagia Irene Church

What's Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Local guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Local taxes
• Lunch

What's not Included

• Topkapı Palace & Harem entrance ticket
• Hagia Sophia entrance ticket
• Gratuities
• Drinks

Departure & Return

Itinerary

Enjoy the convenience of a hotel pick-up before embarking on your guided tour of Istanbul's iconic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazar, Topkapı Palace and the Hippodrome.

Visit Hagia Sophia, 6th century building that was constructed by the emperor Justinian as a Church. Hear about how the Hagia Sophia has transformed over time and how it was the largest church all over the world for 1000 years.

Continue to the Blue Mosque to admire its blue Iznık ceramic tiles and its 6 towering minarets. Find out how it was built for Sultan Ahmet I and how it was the last great mosque of the Classical period.

Take a stroll in the Hippodrome, the sporting and social center of ancient Constantinople See the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Bronze Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Column of Constantine.
Shop at the Grand Covered Bazaar, the oldest and biggest covered market in the world. Get lost in 65 streets with more than 4000 shops. You can buy gifts for yourself and your friends from the tourist store we will visit.

Following lunch, proceed to Topkapı Palace, formerly the exclusive abode of the Ottoman Sultans, served as the primary residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years. See exhibits of sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, imperial treasures, Chinese porcelain, weapons, and calligraphy works.

The harem, situated within the expansive confines of Topkapı Palace, served as the residence for the sultan, his mother, concubines, wives, other female relatives, and the offspring born within this secluded domain. By venturing through the Harem section, you will discover a myriad of rooms, courtyards and chambers that reflect the complex cultural, social and political complexities of the Ottoman Empire.

Proceed to the Hagia Irene Church, a significant landmark from the Byzantine era and notably the first church constructed in Constantinople. This ancient structure holds immense historical and architectural importance, offering insights into the early Christian heritage of the city.

Conclude your exploration with a comfortable drop-off at your hotel, ensuring a seamless and convenient conclusion to your day of sightseeing.

Hotel Pickup

• Pick-up from hotels in the Sisli, Osmanbey, Harbiye, Taksim, Findikli, Karakoy, Tepebasi, Sirkeci, Sultanahmet, Kadirga, Beyazit, Laleli, Aksaray, Yenikapi, Findikzade, Topkapi areas
• This is a shared transfer and pick up could be early or late.
• For each hotel there is a fixed pick-up time.
• Please wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time

Additional Info

• Not recommended for participants with walking difficulties
• During religious holidays and Sunday Grand Bazaar will be closed.
• Operated all year round except Tuesday, Friday, May 1st and January 1st
• Please dress appropriately when entering sacred sites.
• Participants are advised to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt.
• Please bring a scarf to cover head.
• Since Januar 2024, the Hagia Sophia Mosque main Saloon is closed for the visit of tourists. We only can visited the Upper Gallery for an extra cost of 25 Euro.
• You will be notified of your pick-up time after we have received your booking.