Topkapi Palace, Harem-Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque Guided Small Group Tour with Pick up, Lunch & All tickets

Aboard an air-conditioned coach, you can sit back, relax, and revel in the spacious comfort during your ride to the departure point and begin your adventure. Your first stop is the stunning Blue Mosque, an architectural masterpiece renowned for its breathtaking beauty. Here, you will have the opportunity to admire the mosque’s exquisite interior, adorned with 20,000 blue Iznik ceramic tiles that create a captivating atmosphere. It was built for Sultan Ahmet I and recognized as the last grand mosque built in the classical period of Ottoman architecture.

Next, you will make your way to the historic Hippodrome, which served as the sporting and social center of ancient Constantinople. As you stroll through this lively area, take the time to view notable monuments, such as the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Bronze Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Column of Constantine. Moving on, you will stop in front of the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a structure that has stood the test of time since its construction in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian as a Greek Orthodox Church. As you explore this architectural wonder, you will discover its storied past, including the transition from a church to a mosque and now a museum, learning how it was celebrated as the largest church in the world for over a millennium.

Before delving into the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, you will stop at a carefully selected gift shop, perfect for finding unique treasures and memorable souvenirs. Afterward, immerse yourself in the bustling ambiance of the Grand Covered Bazaar, the oldest and largest covered market in the world. Here, you can get lost in a labyrinth of 65 streets filled with more than 4,000 shops offering everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and handcrafted items.

In the afternoon, you visit Topkapı Palace, the former home of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years. This grand palace was not just a royal home; it was also the center of the empire's administration. As you walk through its beautifully decorated halls, you will see interesting exhibits featuring sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, valuable imperial treasures, delicate Chinese porcelain, strong weapons, and detailed calligraphy that show the artistic skills of that time.

Make sure to explore the Harem, a private area of Topkapı Palace where the Sultan’s family and concubines lived. As you move through the many rooms, courtyards, and private chambers, you will learn about the complex social, cultural, and political lives of the women who lived there. Your journey also takes you to Hagia Irene Church, an important site from the Byzantine era. This is the first church built in Constantinople. This ancient church holds great historical and architectural value, offering insights into the city’s early Christian heritage and its changes over time.