Tour of “Sultan Ahmet Center”, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.
Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) is a UNESCO-listed museum that contains Ottoman and Byzantine works. From golden age of Byzantine, this once Christian church is one of the most extraordinary buildings in the history of architecture. Listen the history and examine the architecture displays with your professional local guide.
Then, make a visit to the Blue Mosque with six minarets, was built at the bequest of Sultan Ahmet I and one of the best preserved and most significant examples of Ottoman architecture.
Continue to Istanbul Hippodrome where chariot races were held and also the centre of Byzantium’s life for 1000 years and of Ottoman life for another 400 years and has been the scene of countless political dramas.
Stop by Caferaga Medresesi, of foundation for serving Turkish Culture, also organises various workshop about handicrafts and music.
Lunch; Then give a little break for lunch in a local restaurant with typical Turkish cuisine.
After lunch stop is Topkapi Palace, the largest and oldest palace in the world to survive to our day and also was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for approximately 400 years. Topkapi Palace was more than just the private residence of the Sultan and his court. It was centre of the supreme executive and judiciary council, the Divan and the training school. The best artist and craftsman’s produced some of the finest work in the whole empire.
The next stop is the Grand Bazaar, one of the most famous indoor bazaar around the world. Discover the bazaar with your expert guide and make some shopping. It is full with jewellery, leather and spices shops.