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| Best of Istanbul |
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Leaving the port, travel over the Golden Horn to the ancient
side of Istanbul through the crowded business section
reaching the ancient Hippodrome that was for 1,000 years,
the center of Byzantium's' life and afterwards for another
400 years Ottoman life. The Hippodrome was the scene of
countless political and military dramas, including rival
chariot races. The main monument left today is the
impressive granite obelisk, carved in Egypt around 1,500 BC
and brought to Constantinople in 390 AD. The Blue Mosque, right at the edge of the Hippodrome, also called the Mosque of Sultan Ahmed, is a triumph of harmony, proportion, elegance and the only mosque in the world with six minarets. Part of the breathtaking interior is the stained-glass windows creating a marvelous colored effect and the graceful arabesques decorating the mighty dome and series of small domes. Visit the Hagia Sophia Museum, which is across from the Blue Mosque requiring a few minutes of walking. Hagia Sophia Museum, originating in 326 under Constantine the Great, became Hagia Sophia and was rebuilt on a larger scale during the reign of Emperor Justinian. His intention was that the new building should surpass in splendor all others in antiquity. Marble columns were brought in from temples in minor Asia, Lebanon, Greece and Italy. It is said that 10,000 workers were employed in its construction. Hagia Sophia Museum was formerly known as the Church of Hagia Sophia (Divine Wisdom). In 1934 Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, had Hagia Sophia converted into a museum. Today, the museum is the most important Byzantine Monument in Istanbul, famous for its immense dome and beautiful frescoes and mosaics. The highlight of the tour will be Topkapi Palace (Harem section excluded). Topkapi Palace is a great walled complex hugging the shores of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn and it was once the residence of Ottoman Sultans. Mehmet II built the palace-city, home for three centuries of Sultans, in the mid-1400s as a summer palace. Topkapi was enlarged by Suleyman the Magnificent into the Sultan's principal residence and with the successive Sultans grew into a great complex of buildings set in lovely gardens. A series of courtyards connect various buildings which now house an astonishing collection of Chinese porcelain, treasures, the celebrated Topkapi Diamond and much more. Enjoy an orientation drive which will reveal Istanbul's connections to Europe and Asia. The Grand Bazaar is one of the most colorful sites of Istanbul; this Bazaar is composed of two sections namely the covered part and the modern part. The covered part is a whole quarter on its own, surrounded by a wall and entered through eleven gates. The maze of streets and lanes are one of the greatest sights in the city, where various trades such as carpets, jewellery, leather goods, silver; varieties of souvenirs, textile, antiques, and home textile are segregated into particular sections of the bazaar. You will have the chance to explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered part for a brief period of time. You will also have the opportunity to visit the open and modern section of the Grand Bazaar which offers the best artworks and reliable shopping to your disposal. Rates Approx Duration: 6 hour(s) 45 minute(s) Current Price: Starting from 102 Adult (USD) for minimum 4 guests Activity Type: Historical, Sightseeing, City Tours Activity Level: Strenuous
Sites to Visit
Shore Excursion Points of Distinction
Remarks
Note
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