Istanbul Mosques & Palaces Tour

On this tour of the mosques and palaces of Istanbul, we'll discover the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture and see emblematic buildings such as the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

Description

At the indicated time, we'll meet inside the Chimney Bistro to kick off our tour of the mosques and palaces of Istanbul. We'll discover the secrets of Ottoman architecture and the city's most representative buildings.

The first stop of the tour will be the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, more commonly known as the Blue Mosque. Its name is due to the beautiful mosaics of this color that decorate its structure.

Then, we'll stroll around the Sultanahmet District to learn about its history. Along the way, we'll see the iconic Hagia Sophia. Since its construction in the 6th century, it has served as a basilica, Orthodox church, and mosque. Today, Hagia Sophia is a museum representing the coexistence of various religions in Turkey. With the help of the audio guide, you'll admire the interior architecture, including its imposing central dome and impressive minarets.

After visiting Hagia Sophia, you'll have 30 minutes of free time for lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Next, we'll enter the Cistern Basilica, also known as the Submerged Palace. From here, we'll head to Topkapi Palace, a luxurious building used by Ottoman sultans for administrative power between the 15th and 16th centuries.

Finally, after a total of 5 hours, the tour will end at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world, where you can learn about Turkish culture and do some shopping.