Icons Of Istanbul Cultural Tour

Duration: 8 hours (approx.)
Highlights: Topkapi Palace & Harem, Underground Cistern, Hagia (St.) Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque, Ancient Roman Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar
Operates: Everyday (Except Moday & Tuesday) / Max. 14 guests
Price84.99 EUR (Group guided tour)



Topkapi Palace & Harem : This extraordinary and secret palace was the residence of the Imperial Ottoman Sultans and the center of the Ottoman might for nearly 400 years. The building are a typical example of Ottoman architecture and the rooms exhibit rich collections of porcelains, robes, weapons, shields, armors, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts as well as Ottoman treasures and jewelry.

Underground Cistern : Built by Justinian after 532, the Basilica Cistern stored water for the Great Palace and nearby buildings. Lost to memory, it was rediscovered by Petrus Gyllius, who came to Constantinople in search of Byzantine monuments. Gyllius, who noticed that the local people were lowering buckets through holes in the floors of their houses to retrieve water, found an entrance and thus put this mysterious subterranean architectural surprise back on the map. A mesmerizing attraction, sure to please!

Hagia (St.) Sophia Museum : One of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Built in 537 by Byzantine Emperor Justinianus, St.Sophia has been the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years; it is considered the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture; after having been the Patriarchal basilica of Constantinople, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet II the Conqueror and in to a museum by Ataturk in 1935.

Blue Mosque : Facing St. Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. The last great imperial mosque of the classical period; it is name comes from 20.000 marvelous blue-toned Iznik tiles decorating the interior walls.

Ancient Roman Hippodrome : Center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome.

Grand Bazaar : The largest covered market in the world with more than 60 streets and 4.000 shops, where you may find in a authentic oriental atmosphere all kind of gifts, leather clothing, rugs and kilims, antiques, jewelry, hand-woven fabrics etc... (Closed on Sunday - additional time will be spent at the other locations)
 



? Why Book Istanbul Tour With Us
>“Agra Travel” is a fully licensed legal tour operator under TURSAB-License No. A-2550
>Complimentary transfers from Istanbul City Hotels & Cruise Port
>Professional & reliable travel services by expert tour guides 
>24/7 Local support

! Please take note of the following
>A moderate amount of walking is involved
>Children 18 years and under must be accompanied by an adult
>Children: {0 - 2} free, {3 - 7} 30 % discount.

 Tour Price Includes
>Pick up & drop off from Istanbul City Center Hotels & Cruise Port
>Transportation with A/C non-smoking deluxe vehicle throughout the trip
>Professional tour guide licensed by the Ministry of Tourism
>All entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museums, parking and road tolls
>Lunch at local restaurant (set menu - vegetarian meals available - drinks extra)
>18% VAT (Value Added Tax)

Tour Price Excludes
>Any other expenses not noted in the above included section
>Tips to guide & driver
>Items of a personal nature
>All kinds of beverages and medical services