Age
0+
Group size
1-5
Transport
On foot
Language
English
Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
About this experience
Getting to know Istanbul should start with the places that are most talked about - you will see that they deserve it! Our tour will give you a general idea of the outstanding architectural landmarks that Istanbul rightfully boasts and deepen your knowledge of ancient Constantinople.
What to expect
- Hagia Sophia Cathedral - a magnificent symbol of the golden age of Constantinople, a monument of medieval architecture and Byzantine architecture. You will learn about the difficult fate of the temple, which survived the looting by the crusaders in the 13th century, and the Ottoman period, when the temple was transformed into a mosque, and the times of the founding of the Turkish Republic, when Hagia Sophia was designated as a museum.
- Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan) - a cool, mysterious, and unexpectedly quiet place for a popular attraction that leaves a strong impression. The cistern is called the "Sunken Palace" because of the spectacular columns rising from the water, decorated with the image of the head of the Gorgon Medusa.
- Blue Mosque, or Sultanahmet Mosque - an outstanding example of Islamic architecture of the 17th century. I will teach you how to distinguish between two architectural styles: classical Ottoman and Byzantine. You will see the blue ceramic finish, admire the exquisite stained glass windows, and understand why the dome appears to be hanging in the air.
Organizational details
- Additional fees for tickets to the Basilica Cistern - 800 lira/person, entrance to Hagia Sophia - 1000 lira (30 euros/person).
- The tour can start in the evening, from 16:00 to 18:30. If this interval is more convenient for you, please inform us in the correspondence.
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