Full Day Old City Tour

Tour Description

Full Day Istanbul sightseeing tour including Topkapi Palace, St.Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar. THE TOUR DETAILS: Haghia Sophia, the most influential church of Byzantium. Originally built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, reconstructed by Emperor Justinian in 6th century and converted into a mosque by the Ottomans in the 15th century, it still stands today as one of the world's greatest architectural marvels. The magnificent interior is testament to the unique east-west synthesis that is manifest in Istanbul. Shimmering biblical mosaics juxtapose huge plaques bearing the names of Islamic caliphs. Blue Mosque, another of the world's most important religious buildings. Built in the 16th century the mosque is unique for its 6 minarets and its celestial interior decorated with the famous blue Iznik tiles. The Hippodrome, scene of chariot races. Although little remains of the great stadium which, in its heyday, is thought to have held 100'000 people, the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine are highlights. Topkapi Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultan's from the 15th to the 19th century. With its impressive treasury, exquisite harem, attractive courtyards and pavilions housing huge collections of antiquities, Topkapi Palace offers a true insight into the heart of the Ottoman Empire.