After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Old City-Sultanahmet. We will visit;
HIPPODROME, The center of sport activities with its four monuments; The GERMAN
FOUNTAIN OF WILHELM II, Egyptian Obelisk, SERPENTINE COLUMN and the COLUMN
OF CONSTANTINE.
The BLUE MOSQUE The most famous mosque of Istanbul which is known as the BLUE
MOSQUE as well because of its beautiful blue Iznik tiles. (Visit is not possible on Friday
due to Friday Prayer)
(Blue Mosque closed from 1st January until 30th April 2023)
THE HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE This ancient basilica, built by Constantine the
Great, in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, is one of
the architectural marvels of all time. (Visit is not possible on Friday due to Friday
Prayer)
GRAND BAZAAR(COVERED MARKET) In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more
than 4000 shops with each trade having its own area; the goldsmiths’ street, the carpet
sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as handpainted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware,
brasware and trays, water ewers, onyxware and meerschaum pipers.
Lunch at local restaurant
HAGIA IRENE CHURCH Built during the same period (4th century) as its neighbour the
Hagia Sophia.The name Hagia Irene Church means ‘’Godly’’ or ‘’Holy Wisdom’’ in Greek.
After the conquest of Istanbul it was incorporated into the grounds of Topkapı Palace
and like many other churches was converted into a mosque. However there were no
major changes made to the building’s structure. (Hagia Irene Church closed on Tuesday)
TOPKAPI PALACE The great palace of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th
centuries, housing an exquisite collection of precious gems, jewellery thrones of sultans,
costumes worn by the sultans and their families; miniatures, the Holy Mantle;
CHABER OF SACRED RELICS.
(Topkapı Palace closed on Tuesday)
(Harem is not included in the program and visit is due to extra entrance fee.)
Overnight in Istanbul.
ACCOMODATION :
Perissa Hotel or Similar 4* Hotels
MEALS :
Breakfast & Lunch
ENTRY FEES :
Topkapi Palace