Istanbul Highlights Small Group Walking Tours
First Day
After meeting in front of the Hagia Sophia
On the morning part of this full-day tour you’ll begin with a visit to the Hippodrome, which at one time was the center of Byzantine social and recreational life. A few parts of this spectacular site remain, including the Obelisk of Thutmose III and Serpent Column.
Near the Hippodrome is the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Its exceptional architectural design features 1 main dome, 8 secondary domes, 6 minarets, and a vast number of blue tiles – hence the name.
The Blue Mosque was built during the reign of Ahmed the First. It continues to function as a mosque as well as being one of the city’s top tourist attractions.
Across from the Blue Mosque is Hagia Sophia, we walk behind the Hagia Sophia to see the Topkapi Palace, which dates back to 1459. It served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 4 centuries. In 1924, the palace was officially declared a museum.
Break for lunch
Afternoon visit will start whith Hagia Sophia which served both Christianity and Islam at different times in history. When it was first built in 537, it was an Eastern Orthodox church. In 1453, when Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks, the hall was transformed into an imperial mosque. Later on, Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum.
End of the tour in the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, comprising 61 covered streets and more than 3,000 shops offering almost anything you might need. The bazaar is a part of the walled city and was built during the years 1455-1461.
On Tuesday Topkapi Palace is closed. Will be replaced by Turkish and Islamic Art Museum and Basilica Cistern
On Sunday Grand Bazaar is closed will be replaced by Arasta or Spice market
Second Day
After meeting in front of the Hagia Sophia we take the tramway to go to Dolmabahçe.
Our visit starts with Dolmabahçe Mosque which is a Baroque and Rococo style mosque from 19th century.
Than we take a public boat to realize a Bosphorus tour. During the Bosphorus trip you’ll be able to see both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Admire landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Küçüku Mosque. See the luxury wooden houses, known as yali, that were built along the Bosphorus.
Than we visit Dolmabahçe Palace which is one of the most impressive buildings in Istanbul. Its construction began in 1842 and took 12 years to complete. Some says has more luxury than Versalles.
Than we take the tramway to go to Spice market. There we make lunch break.
After luch we visit Spice Market, where you’ll see all kinds of spices and delights from Turkey, and other countries as well. In addition to the spices you’ll find caviar, jewelry, souvenirs, and more.
