Full Day Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Tour

Full Day Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Tour

Highlights: Sultan Ahmet Square, Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), Hippodrome of Constantinople, Caferaga Medresesi, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar.

Welcome to our Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour in Istanbul. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the historical landmarks of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. You’ll visit famous sites like the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace, learning about the rich history that has shaped Istanbul. Join us for a straightforward and informative journey through this historic city, where each site has its own story to share..

Full Day Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Tour Program

• After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your hotel to start our tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman relics. Our first stop is Sultan Ahmet Square, a historically significant area in the heart of the old Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.
• We then move to the Hagia Sophia, an impressive example of Greek architecture and once the world’s largest cathedral. This historical building has evolved from a pagan temple to a symbol of various beliefs and cultures.
• Next on our itinerary is the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue Iznik tiles. This mosque was visited by Pope Benedict XVI during his 2006 visit to Istanbul.
• Following this, we’ll explore the Hippodrome of Constantinople, built in 203 AD. Originally used for chariot races and other events, you can see some of its remains, including The Obelisk of Thutmose III, The Serpent Column, and the Walled Obelisk.
• We will then visit the Caferaga Medresesi, a historical site from the time of Suleiman The Magnificent (Kanuni Sultan Süleyman).
• Our tour continues to the Topkapi Palace, the past residence of Ottoman Sultans for almost four centuries. Now a museum, it displays significant Muslim relics, such as Muhammed’s cloak and sword.
• Our final stop is the Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest covered market. With 61 streets and over 3000 shops, it offers a wide range of jewelry, antiques, and souvenirs.
• At the end of the tour, we will drive you back to your hotel.

Please note that Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays, and Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. In this case, we will visit the Basilica Cistern instead.