Costantinople

Overview

Venture to the Blue Mosque, one of the most stunning sights in Istanbul. Admire its six signature minarets and many ornate Iznik tiles that come together to form its dazzling blue walls. Listen as your local expert guide tells you about the fascinating history of this Ottoman-era mosque. Then walk to the Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO listed museum that was a church in the past, then a mosque and now a museum. Move on to the Hippodrome, where you can admire a granite Egyptian obelisk that was a gift to Istanbul. At one point, this location marked the epicenter of the city’s sports life and also served as a political center. Follow your guide as he tells fills you in on the history of these historic places

Itinerary

• 1

  Hagia Sophia

  Both a church and a mosque in its past life, Hagia Sophia (also called Aya Sofya) is now a UNESCO-listed museum that showcases Ottoman- and Byzantine-era artifacts. Browse the interior’s architecture and historical exhibits

• 2

  Blue Mosque

  Head the blue mosque to marvel at its six minarets and the thousands of Iznik tiles that cascade a sea of blue over the building’s interior. One of the finest examples of classical Ottoman architecture, the mosque was built at the bequest of Sultan Ahmet I who demanded a mosque to rival the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia

• 3

  Hippodrome

  Walking through Istanbul Hippodrome, seeing the granite Egyptian obelisk that was gifted to the city, and hear how the site once represented the hub of the city’s sporting and political life. After stopping for photos

• 4

  The Egyptian Obelisk

  On the way a view on the Egyptian Obelisk and the Snake Column from ancient Roman Empire which used to promote regional power during horse chariots races, continuation and view as well on the German Fountain which was a gift of Kaiser Wilhelm II

• 5

  Grand Bazaar

  As soon as we reach the Grand Bazaar, a free time to browse spice and gold shops. If time permits a short stop at an Istanbul leather wholesaler firm, at the end of the tour transfer back to the hotel

Price Per Person