The Imperial City - Part 1

The Imperial City – Part 1

Explore key sights in Istanbul including Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet Square (the Hippodrome), Kariye Mosque/Chora Church, Karakoy and the Arab Mosque, then take a ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul and visit a food market in Kadikoy before ending the tour with a turkish bath experience.

Destinations

Hagia Sophia

Built in 537 by the eastern Roman emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia has served as the largest Christian church of the eastern Roman Empire (the Byzantine Empire) and the Eastern Orthodox Church, as a Latin Catholic cathedral from 1204 to 1261, and as a mosque from 1453 to 1935. In 1935, it was established as a museum. However, in 2020, it was re-classified as a mosque. Hagia Sophia is famous for its architecture, works of art, and the mausoleums of several Ottoman sultans.

The Basilica Cistern

Built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, the Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. Capable of holding 80,000 cubic meters of water, the cistern today has very little water, to allow public access inside. The interior has 336 marble columns in total, at the base of two of which are sculptures of the head of Medusa, one upside down, and one turned sideways.

Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square was once the Hippodrome of Constantinople, which was used as a public arena for chariot races, gladiatorial games, and large social events. Today, the square is surrounded by the most iconic buildings in Istanbul including the Haga Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace and Museum. The square itself has several famous monuments including the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, the Colossus, and the German Fountain.

Kariye Mosque (Chora Church)

The Kariye mosque in Chora was once the Church of the Holy Saviour, a medieval Greek Orthodox church that was originally part of a 4th century monastery. The name Chora is derived from the Greek word Chora, which means 'outside land,' a reference to the fact that the monastery was located outside the city walls of Constantinople. The mosaics and frescoes in the Chora are the most beautiful examples dating from the last period of Byzantine painting (14th century).

Kadikoy Food Market

The bustling food markets of Kadikoy, located on Güneșli bahçe Street on the Asian side of Istanbul, offer a broad variety of colorful, fresh foods ranging from seafood to fruit and vegetables, spices, cheeses, and baked goods. With an abundance of famous eating places, the market is increasingly becoming a must-visit for foodies. There are also several stores where visitors can buy gifts including sweets like lokum (Turkish delight), and various herbal products.

Schedule

9:00 am Departure from your hotel
9:15 am Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome)
10:00 am Hagia Sophia
11:30 am Basilica Cistern
12:30 pm Lunch
2:00 pm Kariye Mosque (Chora Church)
2:30 pm Ferry to Asian side of Istanbul
3:00 pm Kadikoy Food Market
4:00 pm Departure from Kadikoy
5:00 pm Return to your hotel

Departure & Return Locations

Departure Locations

Major hotels in Istanbul

Return Locations

Major hotels in Istanbul

What’s Included

Private transportation and tour guide
Entrance tickets to sights
Lunch

Personal expenses

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes
Camera
Head scarf/covering for women (to enter Hagia Sophia)

Special Requirements

None

The Imperial City – Part 1

Hagia Sophia

The Basilica Cistern

Sultanahmet Square

Kariye Mosque (Chora Church)

Kadikoy Food Market

Departure Locations

Return Locations

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