Magnificent Century Istanbul Grand Walking Tour

Most important sights from the “Magnificent Century” of Ottomans.

Süleymaniye Mosque is the largest imperial mosque and one of the best-known sights of Istanbul. Built on the orders of Süleyman the Magnificent by Court Architect Master Sinan, The mosque crowns İstanbul on a hilltop dominating Golden Horn. In the garden, there are two mausoleums: The tomb of Sultan Süleyman I and his wife Hürrem Sultan (Roxelana). Outside the walls, you can see the Tomb of Master Architect Sinan.

The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is housed in the former palace of Brahim Paşa, Süleyman the Magnificent’s Grand Vizier. Before being converted into a museum, the palace served as a prison, a home for foreign ambassadors, a clothing factory and barracks. Today, the museum contains beautifully displayed examples; illuminated Qurans and a Turkish carpets collection which is rated as one of the best in the world and attracts serious carpet enthusiasts. The historical Ottoman Mansion presents a rich collection of Turkish carpets.

Lunch break.

Arasta Bazaar was built in the 17th century in the heart of Sultanahmet. The bazaar is an oriental market with 40 shops selling souvenirs, ceramics, textiles and more.

For a thousand years, the great Palace of Constantinople was the centre of ceremonies for the Byzantine Empire. It was situated on a sloping site between the Hippodrome and the sea walls, in the area known as Sultanahmet today.

Mosaic Museum, is the standout attraction and an undervalued gem of İstanbul.

The Cistern is a large underground water reservoir in Constantinople.

Million Stone, a monument erected in the 4th century AD as the Byzantine zero-mile marker, is the starting place for all the roads leading to the cities of the Byzantine Empire.

Closures and Alternations:

Beylerbeyi and Dolmabahçe Palaces are both closed on Mondays
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia visited from outside on Friday mornings because of the noon prayer.
Grand Covered Bazaar on Sunday replaced by authentic shops
Topkapı Palace on Tuesday replaced by PLNTTB Tour to Byzantium
Dolmabahçe Palace  on Monday replaced by PLNGH Eyüp + Pierre Loti Coffee House + Miniatürk Program

Tour Code: PLNMTY