Exploring Istanbul: Old City + Bosphorus Boat Trip (mini-group)

What to expect

• Blue Mosque - we will visit one of Istanbul's main mosques, built during the time of Sultan Ahmed I
• Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square) - we will walk through the square, once a huge stadium. You will see the monuments that adorned the center of the Ottoman Empire - the Serpent Column, the Egyptian Obelisk, the German Fountain, and the palace of Ibrahim Pasha
• Hurrem Sultan Hamam - Roxelana ordered it to be built in the 16th century, and the hamam still operates. We will observe it from the street
• Hagia Sophia - we will inspect the mosque from the outside and discuss the architecture of the master builders of the sixth century
• Topkapi Palace - the residence of the Ottomans. We will stroll through the free territory, look at the well-kept first garden and the gates of Mehmed and Suleiman
• Gulhane Park - its tall plane trees are impressive! The park was once part of the Topkapi Palace and now hosts annual tulip festivals
• Suleymaniye Mosque - we will take a tram to the mosque built by the great architect Sinan. You will explore his creation from the inside and outside. I will tell you the history of the mosque and offer you to admire the breathtaking view of the Golden Horn from the observation deck
• Suleiman and Hurrem's Mausoleums - you will learn about the tombs of the great ruler and his beloved wife
• Spice Bazaar - be careful! It's hard to resist buying everything here
• Bosphorus Boat Trip - the final part of the tour. We will sail for 1.5-2 hours along the strait, admiring beautiful mosques, palaces, and streets from the water