Highlights | Overview

• Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Istanbul's Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. Don't forget to explore the nearby Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar for a true taste of Turkish culture.
• Istanbul's Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia are must-see attractions for any traveler. Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture by visiting the nearby Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar.
• Experience the grandeur of Istanbul's Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, two iconic landmarks that showcase the city's rich history and culture. Don't miss out on the nearby Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar for a truly authentic experience.

Full Description

THE IMPERIAL & OTTOMAN SPLENDOURS TOUR

Byzantine and Ottoman antiquities of Istanbul

Explore the wonders of Istanbul's historical peninsula with a tour that takes you to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and more. Book now and experience the magic of this incredible city!

Istanbul is the largest city of Turkey. It is the 15th largest city in the world. It is the only city in the world with more than one continent. It covers a wide area including the two sides of the Bosphorus and the natural harbor of the Golden Horn.

In this full-day Istanbul city tour, we will visit Istanbul's 4 most important historical values, the unique Hagia Sophia museum, the magnificent Blue Mosque, the 600-year-old covered bazaar and the Topkapi Royal Palace, the master of palaces. We will also see the Hippodrome.

Sultanahmet Square is also named after the Blue Mosque. This valuable structure is one of the most important works that were presented to Istanbul during the Ottoman Empire. The Blue Mosque was built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I between 1609 and 1616. The most typical example of classical Turkish art is the first mosque originally built with 6 minarets. The dome, which is one of the most important elements in all Ottoman mosques, is much more magnificent in the Blue Mosque. The main dome is 43 meters high and 23.5 meters in diameter. The architecture of the Blue Mosque has become a great result of the combination of Ottoman and Byzantine church architecture with 200 years of experience. Although there are inspirations from the Hagia Sophia, Islamic architecture is also known and is known as the magnificent work of the classical period. As a architectural structure, the Sultanahamet Mosque has been put into a fresh atmosphere thanks to 260 windows placed very skillfully. Due to the way the windows are placed, the large dome looks like it hangs in the air.

The most important monument of Istanbul that has survived from the Byzantine period is undoubtedly the Hagia Sophia, which is considered the eighth wonder of the world and the most magnificent work of Byzantium. Hagia Sophia, the work of Emperor Justirian, who made the most important contributions to Constantinople together with Constantinople, remained the most monumental structure of the world for centuries with its size and splendor. Istanbul has survived to the present by confronting many disasters such as fire and earthquake. The construction of the Hagia Sophia Church was started in January 532 by Justinian. Its architects are Anthemios of Tralles (Aydin) and Isidoros of Miletus. Its construction took 5 years and 10 months and was completed on 27 December 537 and opened for use.

Topkapı Palace Museum is a magnificent witness to the history of Istanbul…
Topkapi Palace, which hosted the Ottoman sultans who ruled the world for a period, is now a museum that keeps the magnificent memories of that period alive. Topkapi Palace, built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet after the conquest of Istanbul, which opened a new era in world history, is proudly rising since 1478, dominating the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.

Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
The Grand Bazaar was built in 1461 during the reign of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. The Grand Bazaar is the oldest and largest covered bazaar in the world in the center of Istanbul. Like a giant-sized maze, the Grand Bazaar is a unique must-see center of Istanbul with its 60 streets and more than three thousand shops. This site, which resembles a city and is completely covered, has evolved over time. In the following centuries, the two old buildings with thick walls and covered with a series of domes from the 15th century became a shopping center by covering the developing streets.

Price included

Pick Up Place

Hotel pick-up and drop-off services are available only from the centrum hotels at european side of Istanbul. There might be an added charge for transportations from various other areas or airports.

Pick up Point

At lobby near the reception of the Hotels. We may need your room number to find you easier.

Details to know

Daily Full Day Tour, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Lunch, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Eirene Church, Gulhane Park. Museum fees (except Harem at Topkapi) are included

Vigo Tours reserves the right to transform the excursion itinerary due to unanticipated situations such as museum closures, holidays, strikes, weather, and also various other events.

Additionally seen during the excursions:
Aquaduct of Valens * Obelisk of Theodosius * Serpentine column * German water fountain Wilhelm II

Blue Mosque is visited from outside on Friday mornings until 13:00 because of noon-pray.

On Sundays we visit Nuruosmaniye Street around Grand Bazaar due to Grand Bazaar is closed.

Topkapi Royal residence is closed on Tuesday

Lunch: Homemade Olive oil marinated seasonal vegetables, Traditional fried pastry roll with cheese "Sigara Beurreck" , Seasonal garden greens salad, Traditional grilled meatballs "Kofte" served with rice and boiled seasonal vegetables, seasonal fresh fruit dish

*Vegeterian menu is also available

Additional information

Tour program of Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace, and The Grand Bazaar

Do not leave Istanbul without seeing the unique and magnificent historical values of this ancient city with a magnificent historical past!

• Pick up from centrally located hotels in european side of Istanbul 08:30
• Visit of Ancient Hippodrome
• Visit of Topkapi Ottoman palace and Holy Relics
• Lunch (included)
• Visit of Hagia Sophia
• Visit of Blue mosque
• Visit of Grand Bazaar
• Visit of Hagia Eirene Church
• End of the tour and back to the hotels 17:00

Period & Price

01 January 2024 / 31 December 2024 - Price

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