Private Byzantine&Ottoman Heritage Full Day

See three cities in one day with this guided tour of some of the most interesting Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks in Istanbul.

We’ll pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the Hippodrome, where chariot races were held right up to the Ottoman conquest. Among the attractions here is the Serpent Column, a 2,500-year-old ancient Greek relic.

Then we’ll make our way to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque because of the decorative tiles covering the interior.

A relaxing stroll across the serene Sultanahmet Square brings us to Hagia Sophia, which for a millennium was the largest church in the world. Here you can admire some of the most beautiful mosaics you will ever see. Afterwards, lunch will be served at a traditional Turkish restaurant.

In the afternoon we’ll head to the Topkap? Palace, the vast complex from where the Ottoman sultans ruled an empire and kept concubines in the harem. The exuberance of the lifestyles enjoyed by the sultans is everywhere to be seen as you wander this beautiful Unesco World heritage Site.

At the beguiling Rustempasa Mosque, marvel at the beautifully crafted floral and geometric designs of the tiled walls and dome.

The tour ends at the Grand Bazaar, where every day up 400,000 shoppers scour the more than 3,000 shops in 61 covered streets in search of bargains.



Meeting/ Pick up point: Hotel Lobby.
Start or opening time: 8am.
End or closing time: 5pm.
Languages: Includes services of an English-speaking guide. Others: When Hagia Sophia (Monday) or the Topkapi (Sunday) are closed, the underground Basilica Cistern will be visited. Transfers, admission and lunch are all included. Please dress respectfully for the mosques.

Meal

Assistance or guided tour

Admissions

Drinks

In German