About this experience
Even in just 4 hours, even following the classic route - you will find yourself in a city of contrasts, where you can live a whole lifetime in just one day. You will dive into history, see treasures, learn about intrigues. With a professional guide and without queues, you will visit the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, underground water reservoir, and the great Hagia Sophia cathedral.
What to expect
What was the city of Constantinople like? How did it become Istanbul? To find answers to these global questions, we will go on a tour of the city's main attractions - concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.
Hippodrome Square
The heart not only of sports, but also of political and social life in Constantinople. Stories will come alive before you about chariot races, gladiator fights, and other events. In the square, you will also see the 3500-year-old Egyptian obelisk, the ancient Serpent Column, and the ornate German Fountain.
Blue Mosque, or Sultanahmet
Inside, it is decorated with thousands of blue, green, and white ceramic tiles with plant ornaments. You will admire this magnificence, and I will decipher what you see, tell you about the mosque's architect and its present role.
Topkapi Palace
For 400 years, 25 sultans lived and ruled here. We will, of course, focus on Suleiman the Magnificent: you will understand why he was called so, and hear the true story of his relationship with his beloved, the famous Roxelana. Walking through the rooms and picturesque grounds of the palace, we will talk about the janissary school located here and the harem intrigues, look at the world's second-largest diamond, and admire the panoramic view of the Golden Horn bay.
Hagia Sophia Cathedral
Originally built as a grand Christian church, it became a mosque, was a museum for a long time, and today has been converted back into a mosque. You will learn about the pivotal episodes in Hagia Sophia's biography, recall the Russian princess Olga, and study the amazing mosaics on the walls.
Underground Basilica Cistern
We will end on a mystical note - you will immerse yourself in such an atmosphere by descending into the Basilica Cistern. You will hear how this place was used in different eras, where the Medusa's head is here and why the column "cries."
Logistical details
- Entrance tickets are additionally paid for: Topkapi - 1500 lira per person; Basilica Cistern - 800 lira per person. Tickets are not needed for the guide.
- With a licensed guide, you will enter the museums without queues.
