Ottoman Relics Half Day Tour in Istanbul

This is a half-day tour of Istanbul and starts with Topkapi Palace. This palace has four courtyards, many smaller buildings, extensive parks and gardens and was used as the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans for four hundred years until it was turned into a museum in 1924. The first two courtyards are parks and gardens with the palace kitchens to the right in the second, now housing galleries with imperial collections of crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain. The third courtyard is where the Harem is located and where the Sultan’s wives, concubines, eunuchs and children lived. It now contains the Audience Hall and the Library of Ahmet lll and houses a fabulous collection of Imperial costumes and jewellery of the treasury along with an impressive collection of miniature medieval manuscripts. You can also see a footprint of The Prophet Muhammed along with an ornamental throne. Please note that a visit to the Harem is only available for private tours. Then you will visit the Blue Mosque located opposite the Hagia Sophia which is well known for its blue Iznik tiles and superb decoration. It is also home to a distinctive construction with six minarets. Built by Sultan Ahmed l, it is believed he broke ground for its construction. Before leaving the Hagia Sophia, you must visit the graveyard to see the tombs of five Ottoman Sultans with their ceramic panels of multi-coloured flower motifs; a superb example of 16th-century architecture with prince robes and small pieces of Kaaba being exhibited on the sarcophagi. Then you will visit the Hippodrome, which was the social and political centre of the city. Here there were chariot racing and athletics, political discussions and other events. Decorated by many monuments, you will see The Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II.

Closures and Alterations:

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

Please read the T&Cs before you make any reservations.

Tour Code: PLN002S