Istanbul: Topkapi Palace-Harem, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Live Guide & Lunch

Discover the wonders of Istanbul with our expert guide as you embark on a journey through the city's rich history and cultural gems. Whether you find your guide at the meeting point or opt for the convenience of being picked up from centrally-located hotels, our air-conditioned coach ensures a comfortable ride to the departure point.  

Your adventure begins at the iconic Blue Mosque, where you'll marvel at its 20,000 blue Iznik ceramic tiles and six towering minarets. Delve into its history, learning how it was constructed for Sultan Ahmet I, marking the culmination of the Classical period.  

Next, immerse yourself in the sporting and social center of ancient Constantinople at the Hippodrome. Explore the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Bronze Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Column of Constantine. Pause in awe in front of the historic Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century marvel built by Emperor Justinian as a Greek Orthodox Church. Gain insights into its transformative journey, having been the largest church in the world for a millennium.  

Continue your exploration at the enchanting Basilica Cistern, avoiding ticket lines to uncover its wonders beneath Istanbul's streets. Stroll through intriguing chambers, marvel at impressive architecture, and encounter the legendary Medusa heads from Greek mythology.   Indulge in a shopping experience for memorable gifts at a selected store before entering the bustling Grand Bazaar, the oldest and biggest covered market in the world. Lose yourself in its 65 streets with over 4000 shops. In the afternoon, venture to the historic Topkapı Palace, once the exclusive abode of Ottoman Sultans. Explore exhibits featuring sacred Islamic relics, imperial treasures, Chinese porcelain, weapons, and calligraphy works.  

Admire the intricacies of the Harem, a secluded residence within Topkapı Palace, housing the sultan, his mother, concubines, wives, and other female relatives. Explore its myriad rooms, courtyards, and chambers reflecting the cultural, social, and political intricacies of the Ottoman Empire.  

Proceed to the Hagia Irene Church, a significant Byzantine landmark and the first church constructed in Constantinople. Gain insights into the early Christian heritage of the city through this ancient structure. Conclude your immersive journey with a comfortable drop-off at your hotel, ensuring a seamless and convenient end to your day of exploration in Istanbul, Turkey.