Istanbul Trip Overview
This tour begins in historic Sultanahmet, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. You will see the Hagia Sophia – the Church of the Divine Wisdom – one of the greatest marvels of architecture in the world and often listed as one of the Wonders of the World. It was constructed as a basilica in the sixth century by Emperor Justinian. Next, you will visit the Blue Mosque, facing the Hagia Sophia, which is most famous for its blue İznik tiles and unique 6-minaret architecture. It was built by Sultan Ahmed I and it is said that he personally broke ground at the beginning of its construction. Be sure to see the tombs of five Ottoman Sultans in the graveyard at Hagia Sophia. The ceramic panels are some of the most beautiful examples of 16th century architecture with purple, red, green and blue flower motives. Prince robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers are displayed on the sarcophaguses.
Additional Info
Duration: 4 hours
Starts: Istanbul, Turkey
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Istanbul Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Istanbul, Turkey, Turkey
This tour begins in historic Sultanahmet, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. You will see the Hagia Sophia – the Church of the Divine Wisdom – one of the greatest marvels of architecture in the world and often listed as one of the Wonders of the World. It was constructed as a basilica in the sixth century by Emperor Justinian. Next, you will visit the Blue Mosque, facing the Hagia Sophia, which is most famous for its blue İznik tiles and unique 6-minaret architecture. It was built by Sultan Ahmed I and it is said that he personally broke ground at the beginning of its construction. Be sure to see the tombs of five Ottoman Sultans in the graveyard at Hagia Sophia. The ceramic panels are some of the most beautiful examples of 16th century architecture with purple, red, green and blue flower motives. Prince robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers are displayed on the sarcophaguses.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul Turkey
Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of the impressive monuments of Istanbul that has become its symbol. The mosque is also one of the most photogenic Ottoman mosques in Turkey.
Standing in the middle of Istanbul, the majestic Blue Mosque is hard to miss. Being one of the grandest mosques in Turkey, it can hold up to 10.000 worshippers. Its acoustics are so precisely engineered that you can almost hear the voice of anyone person praying, even when the mosque is full. Its elegant blue tile mosaics and perfect symmetry will take you on a spiritual journey.
Make sure you spend some time in silence inside the breathtaking mosque to admire its prayerful atmosphere and superb blue tiles.
You only need to visit the Blue Mosque once to remember it for the rest of your life.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Hagia Sophia, a remarkable achievement in the history of architecture. A living proof of mankind’s revolt against the laws of physics. A monument whose importance transcends borders. As one of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage sites, Hagia Sophia continues to attract millions with its majestic grandeur and beauty.
Hagia Sophia is so magnificent in appearance that people of the time believed that the church could not have been built by human hands alone but only with the help of divine support.
Dominating Istanbul’s skyline, this quaint edifice has been expanded and restored several times throughout the centuries. Hagia Sophia has always been unique as an architectural piece from the first day it was built.
Hagia Sophia is not only renowned for its magnificent religious architecture but also for its superb exquisite Byzantine mosaics and fine examples of unique Ottoman calligraphy.
Visit Istanbul, witness the holiness of this edifice and let its magic mesmerize you.
Duration: 2 hours
