Best of Istanbul tour which will enhance your point of view of Ottomans vs Byzantines. It's not only a tour from the past but also an outlook on the future and shopping opportunities in istanbul. Hippodrome where Romans used to organize chariot races and gladiators' fights with its remaining Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Constantine Column and German Fountain. Visit the famous Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as Blue Mosque due to its magnificent interior decoration of royal Iznik tiles. Face the highlight of the earth, St. Sophia, built in 537 A. D. - unlike any other construction in the globe-. See Topkapi Palace where the great empire was ruled. See Underground Cistern where Dan Brown's book ''INFERNO '' ended up. Finalize the day at the famous Grand Bazaar with 4000 shops. Get the personalized experience of a private tour. Take your Photos as remarkable memory.
Pickup included
The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, was an ancient chariot racing stadium and a major social center of the Byzantine Empire. Built by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in the early 3rd century and later expanded by Emperor Constantine I, it could hold tens of thousands of spectators. Though much of the original structure is no longer visible, several historical monuments remain: - **The Obelisk of Theodosius**: A 3,500-year-old Egyptian obelisk brought to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius I. - **The Serpent Column**: Originally from Delphi, Greece, this bronze column commemorates a Greek victory over the Persians. - **The Walled Obelisk**: A less ornate stone obelisk built during the reign of Constantine VII. The Hippodrome was not only a place for races but also for political events and gatherings, making it a key hub in Byzantine social and political life.
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks and a prime example of classical Ottoman architecture. It was built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, The mosque is located near Hagia Sophia, creating a stunning architectural contrast between the two iconic structures. The mosque gets its nickname "Blue Mosque" from the more than 20,000 handmade İznik ceramic tiles that adorn its interior walls, many of which feature blue hues. These tiles, along with the mosque's interior lighting from over 200 stained glass windows, create a serene and luminous atmosphere. It is also a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to admire its stunning architecture, intricate tile work, and historical significance. The mosque's proximity to other historic sites like Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace makes it a central part of Istanbul's cultural and historical landscape.
Hagia Sophia is one of the most iconic architectural achievements in history. Constructed between 532 and 537 AD under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it was the world's largest building and an engineering marvel of its time. The structure has a rich and layered history. It was an Eastern Orthodox cathedral for almost 1,000 years, converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, and then turned into a museum in 1935. In 2020, Hagia Sophia was reconverted into a mosque, although it still retains its status as a cultural and historical monument, welcoming people from all over the world. Hagia Sophia's architecture combines elements of both Christian and Islamic art and design. Inside, it features intricate mosaics, marble pillars, and large calligraphic panels added during the Ottoman era. Despite the changes in its religious function over centuries, it remains a symbol of harmony between cultures and religions.
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 5 minutes before departure time.
Driver will pick up you from your locations ( Hotel airbnb or port) please open your whatspp for cominication. Get ready 5 minutes before from the meeting time. Operator will text you 1 day before the tour