Half-day, small group sightseeing tour of Istanbul including visits to the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome from Istanbul centrally located hotels.
Duration: 4 Hours
Operating Days: Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Tour starting time: 09.00
Child: Ages 5–11
HIGHLIGHTS
Excludes
Meet your guide at Istanbul centrally located hotels and begin your tour of the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Hop aboard your convenient ride and head to the Blue Mosque (also referred to as Sultan Ahmet Mosque) one of the premier attractions in Turkey and an important Islamic monument. The Blue Mosque was built during Ottoman rule under the direction of Sultan Ahmet. Admire the six minarets that tower over the dome structure. Then, observe the main chamber’s 20,000 Iznik tiles that are illuminated by 260 windows.
Next, head to Topkapi Palace, the illustrious pinnacle of the Ottoman Empire. Visit one of the world’s largest and oldest palaces full of elegant chambers and heirloom treasures. Stroll with your guide and delve into the interesting history of this palace that sits along the coastline of the Golden Horn. Continue from Topkapi Palace to the former heart and soul of Constantinople’s sporting and political center, the Hippodrome. Learn about this lively area which for 500 years was home to Ottoman sports and even riots! The site is now a city park called At Meydanı (Horse Grounds), named after former chariot races. Walk with your guide to the ancient granite Obelisk and discover how Emperor Theodosius transported it from Egypt to Constantinople in the late 4th century. Finish your tour with a ride back to your Istanbul hotel. Please note: On Fridays the Blue Mosque will be closed until 2:30pm for prayer, entry will not be permitted and on Tuesdays Topkapi Palace is closed.