About this experience
I will guide you through the pages of Istanbul's history. You will visit the Hagia Sophia cathedral and learn what Emperor Justinian dreamt about. Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern. You will see Roxelana's baths and hear the story of her love with the sultan. Stroll through Sultanahmet Square and imagine chariot races taking place there.
What to expect
Hagia Sophia
First landmark in our mini-journey - the Hagia Sophia cathedral. You will appreciate the details of its majestic facade and magnificent interior. Learn about Emperor Justinian's dream when building the cathedral. Imagine coronations taking place. Hear about the Crusaders and get acquainted with the mosaics - unfortunately, they are closed, but I will explain everything using photos.
Topkapi Palace
You will see the place where 25 Ottoman sultans lived. I will tell you about their deeds and the arrangement of Topkapi Palace. You will inspect the architecture of the building from the outside.
Roxelana's Baths
On our way will be one of the oldest hammams in the city. It was built by the architect Sinan for Roxelana, the legendary lover of Sultan Suleiman. I will tell you about their relationship and the peculiarities of the baths.
Blue Mosque (with visit)
You will learn why the Blue Mosque is called that, who built it, and whether the student surpassed the teacher. I will talk about the architectural solution of the temple and its significance.
Sultanahmet Square
Illustrations will help you imagine how the modern square looked like in the times when it housed the Hippodrome. Hear interesting facts about chariot races, political and social life in the center of Byzantium. See three ancient columns and the German Fountain - a gift from the German Kaiser.
Basilica Cistern (with visit)
You will visit the ancient underground water reservoir to supply the city with fresh water. See that the entire floor here is covered with a layer of water.
Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar
To see a real Eastern bazaar, as described in numerous tales, just visit the most famous Istanbul market - a city within a city. This is one of the largest covered marketplaces on the planet and the largest in Istanbul. The second largest market in the city - the Egyptian Bazaar. Interestingly, it surpasses the Grand Bazaar in terms of attendance.
Suleymaniye Mosque (with visit)
I will take you to the largest of the currently active mosques in Istanbul on the European side, which is over 450 years old. Today, the mosque is actively visited not only by believers but also by numerous tourists who want to see the architectural wonder with their own eyes.
Organizational Details
- For Hagia Sophia, the guide tells from the outside, the visit is paid additionally - 25 euros/person + 100 lira for audioguide headphones if you don't have your own. There is no guided tour inside.
- Additionally paid: entrance to the Basilica Cistern - 800 lira/person, lunch - optional
- At the end of the tour, you can optionally take a walk along the Bosphorus. Details to be clarified in correspondence.
