Full Day Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Small Group Tour

Hotel pick-up: 08:15-08:30 from central hotels.

Haghia Sophia (Aya Sofya) Museum: The ancient Byzantine church, built by Justinian I between 532-537 AD after the Nika Riot, was later converted to a mosque with the addition of minarets in mid-15th century. The remarkable structure with its 56m high immense dome is a museum today in which you can see both Christian and Islamic art. There are good examples of the Byzantine mosaics as well. For about 1000 years this was the largest church in the world, and glory of the Byzantine Empire.

Blue Mosque: The Blue Mosque (Called Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish) is an historical mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design. Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 years, during the rule of Ahmed I. just like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasa and a hospice. 
• After a lunch break we will visit the well-known Little Hagia Sophia Mosque dating back to the 6th century.

Topkapi Palace: UNESCO World Heritage Site still containing important holy relics of the Muslim World including Prophet Mohammed’s (S.A.V) cloak and sword. 

Topkapı Palace was built between 1459 and 1478 by the order of Sultan Mehmed II, the Conqueror. Set on top the most visible hill of Istanbul, Topkapi Palace, is the symbol of the city. Opulent, decadent and steeped in history, it offers visitors a chance to get to know the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire rather more intimately. 

Grand Bazaar: 

One of the largest and oldest covered bazaars in the world, the Grand Bazaar is 30,700 square meters with over 60 streets and alleys and 4,000 shops.

The original historical core of the bazaar, İç Bedesten, was completed by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461. A “bedesten” refers to an indoor arcade with shops and there are several areas within the bazaar referred to by this name.

Hippodrome: During the Byzantine period, the Hippodrome was the centre of the Constantinopolitans’ everyday life. Huge amounts were bet on chariot races. It still survives as a park in which the traces of the old race course are clearly visible and a ruin. Constructed in 203, during the reign of the emperor Septimius Severus, and expanded after 324 by Constantine the Great, it was about 130 meters wide and 450 meters long. 
• Upon tour, transfer to hotel around (16:00)