Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour - YK100

Daily departure at 08.30 and returns at 17.00

Tour of “SultanAhmet Center”, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.

Hagia (St.) Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.Built in 537 by Byzantine Emperor Justinianus, St.Sophia has been the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand yeras; it is considered the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture;after having been the Patriarchal basilica of Constantinople, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet II. the Conqueror and in to a museum by Atataürk in 1935.

Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. The last great imperial mosque of the classical period; it is name comes from 20.000 marvellous blue-toned Iznik tiles decorating the interior walls.

Hippodrome, center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome.

Caferaga Medresesi, of foundation for serving Turkish Culture organizes various workshop on handicrafts and music.

Lunch at a Special Turkish Restaurant

Topkapi Palace, this extraordinary and secret palace was the residence of the Imperial Ottoman Sultans and the center of the Ottoman might for nearly 400 years.The building are a typical example of Ottoman architecture and the rooms exhibit rich collections of porcelains, robes, weapons,shields,armors,Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts as well as Ottoman treasures and jewellery.

(Treasury and Harem sections are not included in the program and are due to extra entry)

Grand Bazaar, the largest covered narket in the world with more than 60 streets and 4.000 shops, where you may find in a authentic oriental atmosphere all kind of gifts, leather clothing,rugs and kilims, antiques,jewellery,hand-woven fabrics etc…

Also visioned during the tour: Galata Bridge, Golden Horn, Leander’s Tower,Obelisk of Theodosius-Serpentine Column,German Fountain of Wilhelm II

Closed: Monday; St. Sophia — Tuesday; Topkapi Palace (Replaced with Underground Cistern)