THE IMPERIAL TOUR ( Half day / Morning Tour )
The fabled capital of three great empires - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, Istanbul is steeped in almost 3,000 years of history. The greatest concentration of landmarks is found in Istanbul's oldest district, Sultanahmet, an awe-inspiring expanse of leafy parks, Byzantine cathedrals, Greek statuary, bustling bazaars and imposing mosques with towering, slender minarets.
You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning at 08:15 and you will visit :
Hagia Sophia*: The former spiritual heart of the Byzantine Empire, considered to be the 8th Wonder of the World, Hagia Sophia is now a museum.
* Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays, so on that day we visit the Kariye (Chora) Museum, a former church which houses the most important surviving Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in the world.
The Blue Mosque: Dating from the 17th century, an architectural masterpiece famed for its exquisite blue tiles and six elegant minarets.
The Hippodrome: The former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. During the visit, you will be able to see the obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine column from Delphi and Fountain of Willhem II.
The Grand Bazaar: An exotic maze of narrow alleys, stunning architectural details and hundreds of shops selling a rich assortment of handmade carpets, gold, silver, leather and other precious goods.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel at around 13:00.
INCLUDED :
Transfers, Guidence, Entrance fees.
