Pick you up from Airport, Cruises port or hotel and we have tours to the city's imperial history by driving around the Golden Horn and the great city walls of Constantinople. First we will visit the Sultan Ahmet Center, the heart of the Old City- from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Hagia (St.) Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Then we will visit Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. Hippodrome, center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of heodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome. Lunch Break - Topkapi Palace The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of cyrstal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Grand Covered Bazaar, Most attractive shopping center and biggest -souk- in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenirs. Once the tour has finished you will be returned to the Port of Istanbul. Follows transfer to airport, cruise port or Hotel. (L)
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