Memorable istanbul

Upon arrival at Istanbul airport, meet with your English-speaking assistant and Upon arrival at Istanbul airport, meet with your English-speaking assistant and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy an overnight stay.

Following breakfast, our itinerary begins with a visit to the Basilica of Hagia Following breakfast, our itinerary begins with a visit to the Basilica of Hagia Sophia, also known as “Divine Wisdom”. This architectural masterpiece, initially erected by Constantine the Great and subsequently reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, is renowned for its imposing dome, which soars 55 meters abovethe ground with a diameter of 31 meters. During the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into a mosque, and minarets were added over time. Subsequently, we will proceed to the ancient Hippodrome, a pivotal site from the Byzantine erathat once served as the nucleus of civic activity, hosting chariot races, gladiator contests, and imperial celebrations. Today, it features notable monuments suchas the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Fountain of Wilhelm II. Our next stop will be the Blue Mosque, constructed in 1609 under Sultan Ahmet. In an ambitious attempt to rival the splendor of Hagia Sophia,Sultan Ahmet commissioned its construction with six minarets. In the afternoon,we will explore the Museum of Saint Irene, the first cathedral of Constantinople,located in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace. Originally built by ConstantineV in the 8th century, it was repurposed as an arsenal during the Ottoman period.Our tour will continue with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, including the Haremsection. This opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for four centuries encompasses pavilions, kitchens, audience chambers, the treasury, and a seriesof courtyards. Our final destination will be the Grand Bazaar, a vibrant markethousing over 4,500 shops organized into specialized areas such as jewelry andclothing. The excursion ends here. Free time to explore the bazaar.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for a half-day tour: Start the day with a visit to Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for a half-day tour: Start the day with a visit to the Soliman Mosque, regarded as the most magnificent of Istanbul’s imperial mosques. Constructed between 1550 and 1557 by the renowned Ottoman architect Sinan during the Golden Age of the Empire, this architectural masterpiece exemplifies grandeur and elegance. Next, we will proceed to the ancient walls of Constantinople at the Mevlana Gate, erected by EmperorTheodosius II in 413. These formidable walls, reaching several stories in height and varying in thickness from three to six meters, safeguarded the city against numerous invasions by the Huns, Bulgarians, Russians, Arabs, Goths, and Turks.The walls were breached only twice: once by the Crusaders in 1204 and again by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453. Enjoy a walk through the former non-muslimdistricts of the Ottomans such as; Balat and Fener. During this walk, partially you will be walking inside the amazing land walls of Byzantines & along the Golden Horn. This walk will be one of the highlights of the day to give you a very different& special feeling of the city. One of the oldest synagogues of Istanbul, market of Balat and narrow streets with a beautiful architecture of buildings will be amemorable part of it. Walk will finish at Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Church.Then drive to Eyup quarter to make a visit to a 15th century Mosque Eyup and take the cable car up to Pierre Loti hill for a great view of the Golden Horn. The excursion ends here. Free afternoon to explore the city or you can take theoptional "Bosphorus Cruise". Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Transfer from your hotel to Istanbul Airport for your flight.