About this experience
You will visit the places where the acquaintance with Istanbul usually begins: the Hippodrome square, the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Hagia Sophia cathedral. Enjoy a light show in the underground water reservoir and learn about the development of Istanbul, how it became the capital of great empires, which famous people have been here, and what it lives on today.
What to Expect
The Historical Heart of the City
You will visit the recently turned into a mosque Hagia Sophia cathedral and learn how it influenced the spread of Christianity in Russia. In the Blue Mosque, you will uncover the secret of its six minarets, admire the graceful balconies, and thousands of sky-blue handmade tiles. And at the Hippodrome square, you will hear the story of the ancient columns and obelisks that have survived from ancient times.
Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern
One of the most beautiful places in Istanbul - the Topkapi Palace, where Ottoman sultans lived for 400 years. In these walls, they were born and ascended the throne - here they were also deposed and thrown into dungeons. You will stroll through the luxurious halls of the palace and examine their rich decoration. In conclusion, you will discover the ancient underground reservoir found beneath the foundation of a huge mansion. You will find out how water entered the cistern and examine its marble columns and capitals.
Organizational Details
Additional Expenses:
- Entrance tickets to Topkapi Palace - 1500 lira, to the Basilica Cistern - 800 lira, to Hagia Sophia - 25 euros
- Travelers can change the program and visit the Grand Bazaar and Suleymaniye Mosque instead of the Topkapi Palace
- Visiting the harem takes an additional 45-60 minutes. Tour with the harem: +10 euros per person.
- Attention: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, mosques are closed daily from 12:30 to 13:45
- On Fridays, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are closed until 14:30. We will either see them from the outside or visit the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Grand Bazaar or start the program after 11:00.
- Upon request, the tour can be conducted for a larger number of participants: the surcharge for each additional person is 30€
