Sultan Ahmet Center
- Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque: Formerly the Church of Divine Wisdom, known for its architecture, history, and religious significance. The largest Eastern Roman Church in İstanbul, built three times in the same location, it is the world’s oldest and fastest-completed cathedral.
- Blue Mosque: Known for its blue İznik tiles and unique with six minarets, built in honor of Sultan Ahmet.
- Hippodrome: Center of ancient sports events and political activities. Key monuments include the Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius, and German Fountain of Wilhelm II.
- Grand Covered Bazaar: The world's largest souk with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewelry, gold, carpets, leatherware, and souvenirs. Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request.
- Lunch: At a Turkish restaurant.
- Topkapı Palace: Former residence of Ottoman Sultans, showcasing the imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section, etc. Note: Live guide commentary is not allowed in special sections.
- Note: Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays and replaced with a Tour to Byzantium.
- Hagia Irene: Located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace, it is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire and the second largest in İstanbul after Hagia Sophia. Built in 330 on the site of an old temple.
Also Included in the Tour: Galata Bridge, Golden Horn, Leander’s Tower.
General Information & Conditions
- Tour Fees Include: A/C tour transportation, guidance in multiple languages, entrance fees, and mentioned meals/drinks.
- Discounts: 30% discount for children below 7, free for ages 0-2.
- Courtesy Transfers: From/to in-city hotels are not included. Guests should be ready at one of these pick-up points:
- Tour Pick-up Point 1: In front of The Marmara Hotel at Taksim Square (Morning: 08:00-08:15 / Afternoon: 13:00)
- Tour Pick-up Point 2: In front of Tamara Restaurant in Sultanahmet (Morning: 08:30 / Afternoon: 13:15)
- Additional Notes:
- No smoking on tours, but frequent stops are made.
- Free cancellation 24 hours prior to the tour.
- Plan Tours disclaims any responsibility and will not pay indemnity or reimbursement if certain museums or monuments cannot be visited for reasons beyond control.
- Citio is not responsible for any loss or theft of personal belongings during the tour.
- Guests must be promptly on time at the meeting points given by the tour guide.
Important Note: Reservations for the following day can only be made till 16:00 due to the service provider’s working hours and availability check.
