Hagia Irene

Tours

Skip the line and visit the most important museum of Turkey and the Balkan Peninsula. Discover how the Topkapi Palace was built between 1466 - 1478 and served for over 400 years as the residency and administrative headquarter of the Ottoman Sultans. The guide will explain to you the entire story of the Palace during a one hour tour. Marvel at the great architectural beauty of this important monument of the Ottoman Empire.

Enjoy personalized attention while visiting Istanbul's must-see attractions. Explore the Hippodrome of Constantinople and its ancient monuments brought to the empire from various places including the Obelisk of Thutmosis III from Egypt and the Serpent Column from Delphi. Move on to the Sultanahmet Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque due to its striking blue tiles. Continue to the Hagia Sophia, a center of worship for the Christian and Muslim world for many centuries.  After visiting Hagia Irene and seeing the Fountain of Sultan Ahmet III, immerse yourself into the rich history of the Ottoman Empire at Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman Sultans for over 600 years. Here, you will get the opportunity to visit all rooms, galleries, and courtyards including the Harem.

Discover the delights of Istanbul in an afternoon walking tour. Visit the Topkapı Museum, the most important museum in Turkey, and home to prized ancient relics like jewelry, porcelain, and artifacts from the Ottoman period. If you want to learn the rich history of Istanbul, this is a vital point of the tour. With the advantage of a knowledgeable guide, you'll learn the information and stories behind the artifacts. Next your guide will take you to the Hagia Irene Church. The exterior of this fabulous Byzantine structure offers you a glimpse into the bygone Ottoman Empire. Finally, see other points of interest including Caferaga Medrese and Sogukcesme Street.

Discover the wonderful history and fascinating culture of Istanbul with this afternoon tour. Explore iconic landmarks of the city like Topkapi Palace, Hagia Irene Church, Caferağa Medresseh. Take a stroll at Sogukcesme Street in the historic Sultanahmet neighborhood. The first stop will be the Topkapi Palace, also known as the Seraglio. Retrace the footsteps of Ottoman sultans, generals, and courtiers here. This museum, once the official residence of sultans, is filled with a jewel-filled imperial treasury. Next, continue to the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace. Admire the stunning architecture of the Hagia Irene Church, with a 35-meter-high dome and peaked roofs on all 4 corners. Later, explore the Caferağa Medresseh, an educational institution built in 1559. Conclude the tour at Sogukcesme Street, a small street in Istanbul's Sultanahmet neighborhood filled with beautiful historic houses.

Discover some of the top sights in Istanbul on this airconditioned bus tour. Explore sights like the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Topkapı Palace, the Hagia Irene Church, and the Hagia Sofia with a local guide. Savor local flavors with a visit to the Spice Bazar and mouth-watering Turkish lunch.  Be picked up from the comfort of your hotel in select areas of Istanbul and sit back and relax on the drive in a spacious bus. Stop at Dolmabahçe Palace to see how Turkey westernized during the 19th century. Admire the space used by Sultan Abdulmecid as the headquarters of Ottoman Empire. Take in views of the Bosphorus at the Dolmabahçe Palace before getting back on the bus and making your way to the Bezmiâlem Vâlide Sultan Mosque. Take in the classy blend of Baroque and Empire architectural styles inside this unique mosque that was commissioned by an Ottoman sultan. Breathe in the scents and feast your eyes on the colors of the Spice Bazaar. Sit down to a flavorful lunch of authentic Turkish food. Head to the Topkapı Palace, which was once the private residence of Ottoman Sultans. View exhibits of sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, imperial treasures, Chinese porcelain, weapons, and calligraphy works at the Topkapı Palace. Continue to the Byzantine-period Hagia Irene Church which was the first church completed in Constantinople. Finally, visit the 6th-century Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and learn about how this building has transitioned from a emperor Justinian's Greek Orthodox Church to a mosque, a museum, and back to a mosque.

Istanbul is a city filled with exotic sights and sounds, and there is no better way to explore its mystery and intrigue than with a local guide. Visit the best of Istanbul and explore the stories and history that makes this Turkish city so fascinating. Start at the iconic Hagia Sophia museum to see its magnificent minarets and mosaics. Your guide will point out the most fascinating parts of this building before taking you to see the German Fountain; a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II. Here your guide will explain the historical context of Istanbul, from Ancient Roman times to today's metamorphosis into a bustling metropolis. Next, stop at the Topkapi Musuem to see Ottoman relics and prized Muslim garments. Stroll around the Topkapi Museum's graceful courtyards, then head to Hagia Irene Church to see its stunning architecture from the outside. End your day with a lively visit to the Grand Bazaar for your fill of shopping and people watching. The final places of interest are Caferaga Medrese and Sogukcesme Street.