Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque

Highlights

Itinerary

1. 1

   Blue Mosque

   Please note: On Fridays the Blue Mosque will be closed until 2.30pm for prayer, entry will not be permitted. One of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style. The mosque has six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.

   45 minutes•Admission free•See on map

2. 2

   Hippodrome

   The Hippodrome was once the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life, and the scene of games and riots through 500 years of Ottoman history. Today it is a city park called the At Meydanı (Horse Grounds) because of its function in Ottoman times. The Hippodrome includes the 3500-year-old Egyptian granite Obelisk, brought to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius in 390 AD.

   15 minutes•Admission free•See on map

3. 3

   Topkapi Palace

   The largest and oldest palace in the world, Topkapi was the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi promises to be a truly fascinating experience. Note, the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.

   1h 30m•Admission included•See on map

4. 4

   German Fountain

   It was built in Germany and moved by ships and its construction was completed in Istanbul.

   10 minutes•Admission free•See on map

5. 5

   Obelisk of Theodosius

   The Obelisk of Theodosius

   The Obelisk of Theodosius was one of the monuments on the spina of the Hippodrome of Constantinople during the reign of Theodosius I in 390.

   15 minutes•Admission free•See on map

6. 6

   Hagia Irene

   The Hagia Irene located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine).

   30 minutes•Admission free•See on map

Meeting point

The operator confirms the exact meeting point on your voucher.

The map shows Istanbul.Open larger map

Pickup

• Pickup, or meet at the start point
• 7 hotels are served
• The operator contacts you to arrange pickup
• Pickup begins 60 min before departure

Know before you go

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Confirmation for this tour will be received at the time of booking
• In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking
• Please note: You must contact your local service provider 24 hours prior to the tour to reconfirm your departure point and time Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time

Cancellation and refunds

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.