Istanbul Mosques & Palaces Tour

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

Description

At the indicated time, we'll meet at the Topkapi Cafe to begin our tour of the mosques and palaces of Istanbul. We'll explore the secrets of Ottoman architecture and the city's notable buildings.

The first stop will be the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque, named for the beautiful blue mosaics that adorn it.

Next, we'll walk through the Sultanahmet District to learn about its history. During our stroll, 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 functions as a museum showcasing the confluence of religions in Turkey, with an impressive central dome and minarets visible from the exterior.

Following this visit, you'll have 30 minutes of free time for lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Afterward, we'll enter the Cistern Basilica, also known as the Submerged Palace. We will explain its significance as we tour this underground structure. Then, we’ll proceed to Topkapi Palace, which was used by the Ottoman sultans for administrative purposes from the 15th to 16th centuries.

Finally, after a total of 5 hours, the tour will conclude at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world, where you can further explore Turkish culture and shop.