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What to expect in the morning:

  • Tour of "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Haghia Sophia, the Church of the Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.
  • Blue Mosque, facing Haghia Sophia, famous with its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.
  • Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome.
  • Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Live guide commentary is not allowed in special sections. (Harem is not included in the program)

In the afternoon we will be taking a tour of The Basilica Cistern:

  • Located in the crowded Eminönü district of Istanbul next to the Hagia Sophia
  • Originally built to provide water for the city of Istanbul during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century CE.
  • Consists of an underground chamber of 138 x 64.6 meters broken up by a forest of three-hundred-thirty-six marble columns which provides for the rest of the building
  • The ceiling vaults, known as Manastır Tonozu (cloister vault), are built without using a mould. The cistern is surrounded by a firebrick wall with a thickness of 3.5 meters and is coated with a special mortar to make it waterproof.