Istanbul Classics with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace & Grand Bazaar

based on 3 reviews

Duration:6 hours to 8 hours (approx.)
Location: Istanbul, Turkey

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If this is your first time in this great city this tour is a must for you.
Istanbul is a city which has a lot of history including Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman traces.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Hagia Sophia Mosque
The ancient Aya Sofya, often called Hagia Sophia in English and one of Istanbul’s most iconic and enduring monuments at nearly 15 centuries old, has been converted from a museum back into a mosque with a recent decree from Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The building has been classified as a museum since 1934 after a declaration from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first Turkish president and founder of the Republic of Turkey. The structure, considered a jewel of Byzantine architecture, was originally built as a cathedral in 537 CE by Roman Emperor Justinian I. Aya Sofya also had an almost five-century stint as a mosque when the Ottomans conquered Istanbul, then called Constantinople, in 1453 and converted the building into a religious space for Muslims.
2. Caferaga Medresesi
This lovely little building tucked away in the shadow of Aya Sofya was designed by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan on the orders of Cafer Ağa, Süleyman the Magnificent's chief black eunuch. Built in 1560 as a school, it now houses a cultural organisation that teaches and promotes traditional Turkish handicrafts. The courtyard is home to the unassuming Caferağa Medresesi Çay Bahçesi where it's possible to enjoy a glass of tea or simple meal.
3. Blue Mosque
İstanbul's most photogenic building was the grand project of Sultan Ahmet I (r 1603–17), whose tomb is located on the north side of the site facing Sultanahmet Park. The mosque's wonderfully curvaceous exterior features a cascade of domes and six slender minarets. Blue İznik tiles adorn the interior and give the building its unofficial but commonly used name.
4. Hippodrome
The Byzantine emperors loved nothing more than an afternoon at the chariot races, and this rectangular arena alongside Sultanahmet Park was their venue of choice. In its heyday, it was decorated by obelisks and statues, some of which remain in place today. Re-landscaped in more recent years, it is one of the city's most popular meeting places and promenades.
5. Topkapi Palace
Topkapı is the subject of more colourful stories than most of the world's museums put together. Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs lived and worked here between the 15th and 19th centuries when it was the court of the Ottoman empire. A visit to the palace's opulent pavilions, jewel-filled Treasury and sprawling Harem gives a fascinating glimpse into their lives.
6. Grand Bazaar
The colourful and chaotic Grand Bazaar is the heart of İstanbul's Old City and has been so for centuries. Starting as a small vaulted bedesten (warehouse) built by order of Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461, it grew to cover a vast area as lanes between the bedesten, neighbouring shops and hans (caravanserais) were roofed and the market assumed the sprawling, labyrinthine form that it retains today.
7. Hagia Irene Museum
The Hagia Irene located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine). It was also the second largest church in Istanbul after Hagia Sophia. Hagia Irene, originally means “sacred peace” (Hagia Eirene), has a special meaning as the first place where Turkish museology was born.

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Posted By : Niklas_W
Like most Viator tours I have done in foreign countries, the driver was late to pick up (30 minutes), but once we finally started, everything went smoothly. Beza is a friendly guide and informative. Full day tour, and I saw what I wanted to see.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-29 08:49:30

Posted By : John_F
Istanbul is one of my favorite cities and this tour really shows off it’s top attractions. This is a must see tour when visiting Istanbul.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-06-19 17:19:23

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Tickets

Istanbul Classics with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace & Grand Bazaar

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Hagia Sophia Mosque

2. Caferaga Medresesi

3. Blue Mosque

4. Hippodrome

5. Topkapi Palace

6. Grand Bazaar

7. Hagia Irene Museum

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

Retrieving available

Tickets

Istanbul Classics with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace & Grand Bazaar

WHAT'S INCLUDED ⟱

WHAT TO EXPECT ⟱

1. Hagia Sophia Mosque

2. Caferaga Medresesi

3. Blue Mosque

4. Hippodrome

5. Topkapi Palace

6. Grand Bazaar

7. Hagia Irene Museum

ADDITIONAL INFO ⟱

CANCELLATION POLICY ⟱

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY