The Wonders of Istanbul – Full-Day Guided Tour

We begin our introduction to Istanbul with Topkapi Palace, a magnificent museum that bears witness to Istanbul's history. It was home to the Ottoman sultans who ruled the world for 400 years. Today, Topkapi Palace Museum is one of the largest palace museums in the world, housing 80,000 archival documents and manuscripts, an impressive collection of Islamic relics and frescoes, imperial treasures and jewels.

Then you'll be awed by the enchanting Hagia Sophia Mosque (Aya Sofya), which has amazed kings and sultans for over 1,500 years. It was built between 532 and 537 AD and its incomparable beauty has been preserved in its original form to this day. The magnificent Byzantine church has now been converted into a mosque; it is one of the most beautiful and great architectural works of art in the world.

After that, we will head to the Blue Mosque. This mosque was built by Sultan Ahmet I in 1609-1616 on the square which bears his name in Istanbul. The interior of the mosque is decorated with 20,000 green, blue and white handmade ceramics from Iznik. This city was known for its most impressive tiles. Because of the beautiful blue, green and white tiles, Europeans called it the 'Blue Mosque'. The mosque is the first of two mosques in Turkey with six minarets.

Next, we will visit the Hippodrome. Known as Sultanahmet Square, it has been an important centre of civil life in Istanbul throughout its history, from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. This fabulous hippodrome was built by Emperor Septimius Severus. It was the centre of the old city where sports and political events were held.

Our next stop is the Grand Bazaar. This unique market is one of the oldest and largest covered bazaars in the world. With 11 gates and 64 streets, this impressive Grand Bazaar is one of the main parts of the city. End your day by enjoying shopping here!

• 49 euros - adult
• 24 euros - child (7-12 years old)
• Free - children under 7 years old (0-6 years old)