Istanbul in One Day Small-Group Tour



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Duration: 8h
Location: Istanbul, Turkey | Istanbul, Turkey


Category: Attractions

Highlights:
Guided visit to the UNESCO-listed Topkapı Palace
Blue İznik ceramic tiles of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Impressive interior dome of the charming Hagia Sophia
Exploring the Basilica Cistern that lies beneath Istanbul
Small-group of 14 people for an intimate experience

Inclusions:
Guided tour of Istanbul, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Cistern Basilica, and Grand Bazaar
Admission fees
Traditional lunch
Roundtrip transportation to and from your Istanbul city center hotel
Live commentary provided in English

Description:

Explore the best of Istanbul in a single day. Visit Topkapı Palace, explore the Blue Mosque, wander through the Cistern Basilica, stop at Hagia Sophia, indulge in a traditional Turkish meal, and end at the Grand Bazaar.

Drive toward the UNESCO-listed Topkapı Palace and pay it a visit. The palace used to be the primary residence of Ottoman sultans for 400 years. Continue to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque thanks to its blue İznik ceramic tiles. Follow your guide to see its 6 famous minarets, the main dome, as well as the Byzantine Christian elements.

Carry on to Hagia Sophia, an impressive basilica from the 5th century, and see its interior with its stunning Shrine of Holy Wisdom of God and large Byzantine dome. Break for lunch at an authentic Turkish restaurant to indulge in a local dish before continuing to the Basilica Cistern.

Your guide tells you about the history of the Basilica Cistern, how it is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns in Istanbul. Wander through this exquisite site and admire some of its 336 Ionic and Corinthian marble columns that hold the ceiling. See the famous Hen's Eye engraved in one of them, as well as the head of a Medusa.

Then drive through the city, passing by the Hippodrome and Obelisk before ending your tour at the Grand Bazaar, where you can bargain for goods or simply stroll through the various shops.



Cancellation Policy: 72 hours
Know before you book: Children 4 and younger are complimentary., Maximum group size is 14 people., If Topkapi Palace is closed, you will visit Istanbul Archaeology Museum instead., If Hagia Sophia is closed, you will visit Istanbul Chora Museum instead., The sequence of the places you visit may change depending on the hours of operation of each day.

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