Best of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace &Bazaar

Istanbul’s spiritual side with this amazing structure. The Blue Mosque is easily the most recognizable landmark and a sight to behold to any visitor to Istanbul. With me, you gain access to a guided tour of the Blue Mosque. With capable and knowledgeable guides of Istanbul, this monumental structure is sure to be imprinted on your mind. *Discover the Blue Mosque with its 6 magnificent minarets and unique interior decoration! *Professional English-speaking tour guide!

Highlights • Absorb the rich Byzantine and Islamic& Christian past of Hagia Sophia for an hour with an expert historian. • Skip the ticket lines and head straight to the fun. • Let your expert guide offer insights into different elements that make Hagia Sophia a historic marvel. • Click insta-worthy pics of panoramic views from the visitors' area, which serves as a vantage point for photo-ops. Inclusions • Entry ticket to the Hagia Sophia visitors area ( per person 25 euro) Need to Know • Appropriate and respectful clothing is mandatory while visiting the Hagia Sophia. • Women should not wear knee-length shorts, skirts, or clothing with exposed shoulders or chests. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men should not wear knee-length shorts or clothing with exposed shoulders. • Clothes and scarves are available for purchase at the entrance of the attraction. • If your clothes are not suitable, you can buy them for cash next to the mosque.

Highlights • Enjoy the convenience of the skip-the-line entry (less queuing, more viewing!) • Your expert guide will narrate the fascinating history of the palace and all that you see around you. • Marvel at the weapons of the Ottoman Army, the beautiful fabrics, jewels, golden thrones, topkapı dagger, beautiful tiles and more arts • In the Palace kitchen, discover an astonishing collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain too. • The Holy Relics Chamber contains items associated with legendary historical figures such as Prophet Muhammad, Moses, and David. • Enjoy a visit to the Harem section provides a unique perspective into the lifestyle of sultans, concubines, their families as well as Ottoman customs and traditions. • Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Istanbul's Bosphorus ( between 2 continents) as you take in the panoramic view from the Topkapisarayi.

What To See At The Hippodrome? The Hippodrome itself is a large green open-air park and there are 3 important monuments in its central area to see: 1. The Egyptian Obelisk – Built in the 16th century BC by the Pharaoh Tutmosis in Egypt. It was brought to Istanbul by boat in the 4th century AD. 2. The Serpentine’s Column – Originally erected in the Temple of Delphi in Greece, but taken to Istanbul. Until the 17th century there were three bronze snake heads projecting from the column, but they have since been lost. One can be seen in the archaeological museum. 3. The Column of Constantine – Although it is believed that this dates from the 10th century, evidence shows that it was built earlier than that. Until 1204, it was covered by bronze and silver. When the Crusaders came to the area, they pulled off the bronze and silver, melted them down and made coins out of them.

One of the most famous shopping attractions for many visitors to Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar or Grand Covered Market, a maze of 4000 thousands of unique and unusual shops run for centuries in the same location, whose ownership has often been passed down from family to family and who have survived numerous fires and earthquakes at its old city central location. It is a showplace of vivid colors and makes for an interesting stroll to take in the ambience alone. For shopping lovers it’s a real delight – full of many interesting objects and old decorated trinkets, fabrics, rugs, jewellery, leather, tiles, copper, antiques and various souvenirs.