About this experience
I invite you to a personal acquaintance with Istanbul! You will see the city's symbols: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern. You will learn about the history of these places and the nuances of Byzantine architecture. You will stroll through a luxurious park, visit a bustling bazaar, and finally admire Istanbul from the water, cruising along the Bosphorus. Such a rich day is ideal for a first meeting with the city!
What to expect
To better understand and feel Istanbul, we will visit its heart and explore the most iconic attractions. You will see:
- Hippodrome Square, where horse races really took place.
- Hagia Sophia Cathedral - former Orthodox church and a sample of Byzantine architecture (from the outside).
- Blue Mosque - the largest mosque in Istanbul.
- Basilica Cistern - the underground water reservoir of Constantinople, known as the 'Sunken Palace.'
- Gulhane Park - the oldest park in Istanbul, which belonged to the outer gardens of the main Sultan's residence - Topkapi Palace.
- Sirkeci Railway Station, built as the terminus of the Orient Express.
- Egyptian Bazaar - a famous market of spices, sweets, dried fruits, and eastern products.
At the end of the tour, we will take a ferry ride on the Bosphorus and enjoy the beauty of Istanbul's landscapes from the water.
Organizational Details
- When entering the mosque, appropriate clothing and a headscarf are required.
- On Fridays, we will only be able to see the Blue Mosque from the outside.
- We will observe Hagia Sophia from the outside. The ticket for entry costs 25 euros, and you can visit the mosque on your own after the tour.
Extra Expenses
Basilica Cistern ticket - 800 lira per person
Ferry ticket - 150 lira per person
