Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Full-Day Tour

On this full-day tour, you'll visit some of Istanbul's most beautiful historical sites, witness the wonders of the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, and discover roots of modern-day Turkish culture. Visit Hagia Sophia, a basilica built in the sixth century by the Emperor Justinian that is a wonder of ancient architecture. The famous Blue Mosque, which was constructed in Sultan Ahmet's honour and has six distinctive minarets, is directly across from the Hagia Sophia. There are five tombs of Ottoman Sultans within the graveyard at Hagia Sophia known as the Sultan Tombs. The ceramic panels are the most beautiful examples of the 16th century with purple, red, green and blue flower motives. The world's largest "souk" (market), the Grand Covered Bazaar, is the next stop on your itinerary. It has nearly 4000 shops selling everything from carpets to leather goods to gold jewellery to antiques. Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at a Turkish restaurant and proceed to the Topkapi Palace, the Ottoman Sultans' home. This lavish palace is filled with imperial treasures, holy Islamic artefacts related to the prophet Mohammed, Chinese porcelain, weapons, and more. You can stop by the Hagia Irene located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace, the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine).