Istanbul Old City Tour:Hagia Sophia,TopkapiPalace,BlueMosque GrandBazar

Here is the starting point

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Enjoy a Full Day tour of the Sultanahmet area which is the UNESCO recognized heart of old Istanbul. Our local guide takes us to Hagia Sophia. Built in 537 AD as world's first large dome building it was the religious focal point of the Orthodox Church before its conversion in a Muslim Mosque. We have a look at its many unique decoration from Byzantine and Turkish periods.

Blue Mosque

Then we enjoy a short walk to Blue Mosque. Built in 17th century it owes its fame to the exquisite blue Iznik Tiles on its walls. Hippodrome is next to here where we see an Egyptian Obelisk and Serpent Column where once horse chariots races of the Eastern Roman Empire took. Next, you will see the German Fountain which was a gift of Kaiser Wilhelm 2. Listen the stories of his liaison with the orient

Sultanahmet Square

Hippodrome is next to here where we see an Egyptian Obelisk and Serpent Column where once horse chariots races of the Eastern Roman Empire took. Next, you will see the German Fountain which was a gift of Kaiser Wilhelm 2. Listen the stories of his liaison with the orient

Grand Bazaar

We then go to Grand Bazaar. Following introduction by our guide at a recommended store we will have some free time to browse its 1 200 spice and gold shops.

Hagia Irene Museum

Next place to see is Hagia Irene Church (from outside). Our final place of interest is Church of Sergius and Bacchus today known as “Petit Hagia Sophia Mosque”. To see these things with a great guide...well, you will never be quite the same again. After the tour transfer back to the hotel

Topkapı Palace

After lunch at a local restaurant we visit the amazing Topkapi Palace which from 15th to the 19th Century was the principle residence of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Our guide gives a tour at the gardens halls where we view staggering collection of imperial and religious treasury golden thrones and emerald crowns.