Half Day Ottoman Relics Tour

About Istanbul

Istanbul is a city that boasts a rich history, particularly during the Ottoman era, which lasted for over 600 years. The Ottoman period left a significant mark on the city, as seen in its architecture, culture, and traditions. The Half Day Ottoman Relics Tour Program offers a glimpse into this fascinating period by visiting some of its most iconic landmarks. One of the most impressive sites on the tour is the Topkapi Palace, a vast complex that served as the residence of Ottoman sultans for over four centuries. Another notable stop is the Hagia Sophia, an ancient basilica-turned-mosque that is now a museum and a symbol of Istanbul’s diverse religious history. The tour also includes visits to the Blue Mosque, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture, and the Hippodrome, an ancient chariot-racing track that was once the heart of Constantinople’s public life. With so much to see and experience, the Half Day Ottoman Relics Tour Program is a must-do for anyone visiting Istanbul who wants to delve deeper into the city’s rich history and culture.

Half Day Ottoman Relics Tour Program

• Your tour will begin with a hotel pick-up at 13:00, and the program will commence at 13:30.
• The first stop of the tour is Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı), a grand palace that served as the residence of Ottoman Sultans for almost four centuries. Now a museum, the palace houses some of the most important relics of the Muslim world, including Mohammed’s cloak and sword, as well as artifacts from the Ottoman period. Please note that the Treasury and Harem sections are not included in the tour program.
• Next, the tour takes you to the Grand Bazaar, the world’s oldest and largest covered market. With 61 streets and over 3000 shops, the bazaar offers a diverse range of items, including jewelry, antiques, and gift items. The construction of the Grand Bazaar began in 1455, after the conquest of Constantinople, and it remains a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
• The tour ends at 17:00, and you will be transported back to your hotel, having experienced two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.

Please be aware that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. In this case, we will visit the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) instead. This underground cistern, also known as the Sunken Cistern, was built in the 6th century A.D. and is the largest of its kind beneath Istanbul.