Byzantian Heritage-Half Day

Discover the splendour of Istanbul in this half day excursion covering the main sights of this fabled city that straddles Asia and Europe.

After we pick you up from your hotel between 08.00 and 08.30, our first stop will be the Hippodrome, a circus dating from Roman times that became the social and cultural heart of Constantinople, the scene of riots, palace intrigues, love affairs and horse races throughout Byzantine history. It is now a city park, an oasis of calm in this bustling city. One of the main attractions is the 3500-year-old Egyptian granite Obelisk, brought to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius in 390 AD.

Next we'll visit the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque due to its decoration with more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles. The Mosque is just a stone's throw away from the sublime Basilica of Hagia Sophia, built in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to a mosque and is today considered one of the most magnificent buildings in the world.

Our final visit will be to the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of streets and narrow passages where you will find over 4000 shops and stalls with separate areas for the different crafts. This is an ideal place to stock up on traditional Turkish handicrafts such as colourful hand-painted earthenware and hand-burnished copperware, brassware and onyxware before returning to the hotel at around 12.30.

Meeting/ Pick up point: Hotel Lobby.
Start or opening time: 8-8.30am.
End or closing time: 12-12.30pm.
Languages: Tour is available in English, Spanish, German, Italian and French. Please specify your preferred language in the remarks section of booking. All bookings where the language is not specified will be operated in English.

Assistance or guided tour

Admissions

Meal

Drinks

Half Day - Morning

Appropriate age for child ticket from 3 to 7 years