Istanbul: Topkapı, Basilica Cistern, and Hagia Sophia Tour

Find your guide at the meeting point or enjoy the convenience of being picked up from centrally-located hotels in Istanbul. Sit back and relax in an airconditioned coach with plenty of space on your way to the departure point. Visit the Blue Mosque to admire its 20,000 blue Iznik ceramic tiles and its 6 towering minarets. Find out how it was built for Sultan Ahmet I and how it was the last great mosque of the Classical period. Make your way to the sporting and social center of ancient Constantinople at the Hippodrome. View the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Bronze Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Column of Constantine. Stop in front of Hagia Sophia. Learn about this 6th century building that was constructed by the emperor Justinian as a Greek Orthodox Church. Hear about how the Hagia Sophia has transformed over time and how it was the largest church in the world for 1000 years. Continue to the Basilica Cistern, avoid the hassle of waiting in lengthy ticket lines and uncover the wonders of the Basilica Cistern beneath the enchanting streets of Istanbul. Immerse yourself in the ancient beauty of this subterranean marvel as you stroll through its intriguing chambers, marveling at the impressive architecture and encountering the legendary Medusa heads from Greek mythology. Indulge in a shopping for memorable gifts at the store we'll visit prior to reaching the Grand Bazaar. Take as stroll through the Grand Covered Bazaar, the oldest and biggest covered market in the world. Get lost in 65 streets with more than 4000 shops. In the afternoon, proceed to Topkapı Palace, formerly the exclusive abode of the Ottoman Sultans, served as the primary residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years. See exhibits of sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, imperial treasures, Chinese porcelain, weapons, and calligraphy works. Admire The harem. It situated within the expansive confines of Topkapı Palace, served as the residence for the sultan, his mother, concubines, wives, other female relatives, and the offspring born within this secluded domain. Venturing through the Harem section of Topkapı Palace allows visitors to discover a myriad of rooms, courtyards, and chambers that mirror the intricate cultural, social, and political intricacies of the Ottoman Empire. Proceed to the Hagia Irene Church, a significant landmark from the Byzantine era and notably the first church constructed in Constantinople. This ancient structure holds immense historical and architectural importance, offering insights into the early Christian heritage of the city. Conclude your exploration with a comfortable drop-off at your hotel, ensuring a seamless and convenient conclusion to your day of sightseeing.