After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Sultanahmet-Old City. After that, we will visit;
HIPPODROME, The center of sports activities with its four monuments; The GERMAN FOUNTAIN OF WILHELM
II, Egyptian Obelisk, SERPENTINE COLUMN and the COLUMN OF CONSTANTINE.
The BLUE MOSQUE The most famous mosque of Istanbul which is known as the BLUE MOSQUE as well
because of its beautiful blue Iznik tiles. (Visit is not possible on Friday due to Friday Prayer)
(Blue Mosque closed from 1st January until 30th April 2023)
THE HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE This ancient basilica, built by Constantine the Great, in the 4th century
and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, is one of the architectural marvels of all time. (Visit is not
possible on Friday due to Friday Prayer)
GRAND BAZAAR(COVERED MARKET) In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more than 4000 shops with
each trade having its own area; the goldsmiths’ street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as
handpainted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brasware and trays, water ewers, onyxware and meerschaum
pipers.
Lunch at local restaurant
HAGIA IRENE CHURCH Built during the same period (4th century) as its neighbour the Hagia Sophia.The
name Hagia Irene Church means ‘’Godly’’ or ‘’Holy Wisdom’’ in Greek. After the conquest of Istanbul it was
incorporated into the grounds of Topkapı Palace and like many other churches was converted into a mosque.
However there were no major changes made to the building’s structure. (Hagia Irene Church closed on Tuesday)
TOPKAPI PALACE The great palace of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries, housing an
exquisite collection of precious gems, jewellery thrones of sultans, costumes worn by the sultans and their
families; miniatures, the Holy Mantle; CHABER OF SACRED RELICS.
(Topkapı Palace closed on Tuesday)
(Harem is not included in the program and visit is due to an extra entrance fee.)
Overnight in Istanbul.
MEALS :
Breakfast, Lunch
