A fast viewing tour for historical sites
Tour of Sultanahmet Center, the heart of the Old City from where Byzantine and Ottoman Empires ruled.
St. Sophia; one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th. century by Emperor Justinian.
Topkapi Palace; Imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc...
Archeology Museum; the right place for exploring history. The most interesting objects of the museum are very big and majestic ornate sarcophagi. Among them are those of the King of Egypt, Tabnit, and Alexander the Great. You will also have the opportunity to see old sculptures from the Lycian, Hellenistic and Hittite civilizations, ceramics, gold and copper objects.
Lunch in a fine Turkish restaurant.
Sarnic (Underground Cistern Palace); the structure was known in Byzantium as "Basilica Cistern" because it lay beneath the Stoa Basilica, the great public square on the First Hill. The interior of Underground Cistern is breathtaking. It is 138 m, 452 ft long by 65m, 213 ft wide. There are 336 columns in the cistern. Most of the column capitals are either in Corinthian or Doric Style. At the far end of the Cistern, there are two heads of Medusa which are put upside down or horizontal. The Medusa Heads are taken from an ancient Pagan site but they complement the pillars very beautifully and add a different taste to the building.
Blue Mosque; facing St. Sophia, famous with its blue 'Iznik Tiles' and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.
Hippodrome; Center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. The monuments; Obelisk of Theodosious, Serpentine Column and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are decorating Hippodrome.
Grand Covered Bazaar; most attractive shopping center and the biggest mall in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets and leatherwear.
Additional notes: Only available for 8 people.
| Although it is not demand as necessary, as a gesture of respect, try to avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts on the tours that include inside visits to the places of worship.
