Istanbul: Full-Day Historic Beauty Tour
Tour program:
Hippodrome Square:
The Roman Emperor Septimius Severus began construction in 203 on the site of the ancient city of Byzantium.
In 330, Emperor Constantine rebuilt the square, increasing its size.
Architectural monuments: Egyptian Obelisk (16th century BC), Serpentine Column (symbol of the victory of the Greeks over the Persians in 479 BC).
Saint Sophie Cathedral:
An ancient temple of Byzantine culture, is under UNESCO protection.
An active temple before the fall of the monarchy, since 2020 the mosque has the official name "Great Mosque of Hagia Sophia." (visual inspection):
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque):
Built in the 17th century by order of Sultan Ahmet I.
A unique architectural masterpiece, one of the largest mosques in the world.
German Fountain:
Gifted by the Germans to the Ottoman Empire in memory of the visit of Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1898.
The building is in neo-Byzantine style with an eight-column gazebo decorated with golden mosaics.
Bathhouse Hurrem Sultan (external inspection):
Built in 1557 by order of Sultan Suleiman for his wife Hurrem Sultan.
After restoration in 2011, it became the most expensive and elite bathhouse in Turkey.
Ibrahim Pasha Palace (Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art):
Residence of Sultan Suleiman and his childhood friend.
Museum with a rich collection of Turkish and Islamic art.
Topkapi Palace:
Built in 1479 by order of Sultan Mehmet and was the residence of the Turkish padishahs.
Armory, harem, treasury, library and other pavilions.
Church of St. Irene:
One of the earliest surviving churches of Constantinople.
Located in the first courtyard of Topkapi Palace.
Boat trip along the Bosphorus:
An exciting boat trip that gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Bosphorus Strait.
Past the Maiden Tower, under the Bosphorus Bridge, along the Rumel Fortress and the luxurious Palace of the Dolmabahce Sultans.
Bosphorus Bridge and Rumel Fortress (view from the Bosphorus):
Spectacular view of the Bosphorus Bridge and Rumel Fortress.