Istanbul: Half-Day Imperial Morning Tour
ID: GYG97941-138774
Category:
Country: Turkey
Duration:
04:00 hours
Description
See the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar with an official guide including entrance fees as per itinerary and transportation on this historical half-day small group morning tour.
Begin your tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Hagia Sophia. Built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reconstructed by Emperor Justinian in the early 6th century A.D. and designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isodore of Miletus, the church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Converted into a mosque in 1453, it is now a museum. Its massive dome still dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is also famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses and a poignant Virgin and Child.
Next, you will visit the Blue Mosque which takes its name from exquisite blue Iznik tiles adorning its interior. Built by Sultan Ahmet I in the early 17th century and designed by a pupil of Sinan, the greatest of Ottoman architects, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. Its courtyard is especially grand. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi survive.
Finally, the Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style.
Highlights
- See Hagia (Saint) Sophia, the Sultanahmet Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and German Fountain
- Explore the Grand Bazaar with its labyrinth of streets and passages of more than 4000 shops
- Transfer to your hotel after the tour
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Children under 18-years-old and under must be accompanied by an adult
• During religious holidays, the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar will be closed
• On Sundays, when the Grand Bazaar is closed, you will visit Nuruosmaniye around the Grand Bazaar
• Cover ups and head scarves will be provided at the Blue Mosque
• On Friday morning, the Blue Mosque is closed
• Daily morning regular group tour
• 20 to 25 persons for each group
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
City center hotels.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
