ST. SOPHIA: 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.
SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE: Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles.
HIPPODROME: Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Thedosius, the bronze Serpertine Column and the Column of Constantine.
TURKISH AND ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM GRAND COVER BAZAAR: 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 creamic plates, hand-honed copperwire, brassware and trays, water ewers, onyx-ware and meerschaum pipes.
LUNCH BREAK
TOPKAPI PALACE: The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries exquisite collection of crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans an their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed.
SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE: The great palace of Süleyman the Magnificent was built between 1550-1557 by the famous architect Sinan whose wish was to surpass the builders of St. Sophia which is conspicuous from its great size, emphasized by the four minarets rising one from each corner of the courtyard.
INCLUDING
English speaking professional tour guide, lunch, A/C transportation, entrance fees to sites & museum, tax.
EXCLUDING
Personal expenses, airport transfers, flight tickets.
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