VIP Istanbul Highlights Tour: Highlights with Local Guide & Private (Mercedes) Van with separate driver

In 1 day, you will discover the city that was once the capital of two different Empires between 330 A.D. and 1923. We will visit Hagia Sophia which is over 1500 years old and was the largest church over 1000 years in the world until the construction of the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The Cistern Basilica has been a water reservoir since 6th century. The cistern has been the venue for many famous movies among which is "Inferno" with Tom Hanks. The Topkapi Palace was the residence of the Royal Ottoman Family and the head-quarters of Ottoman Empire with mysterious Harem. Among many famous ornaments you will see the famous Spoon Diamond and Topkapi Dagger. The Blue Mosque is famous with its blue tiles, stained glasses and 6 minarets. The Hippodrome was the center of the cultural, political and sportive activities. Basically it was the heart of the city since the 3rd century with Egyptian obelisk from 15th century B.C. The Grand Bazaar is huge, with over 4000 ancient shops from the 15th century.

This is the most classical "must-see" of Istanbul. - Topkapi Palace (closed on Tuesdays) with Harem - Blue Mosque (on Fridays can be visited in the afternoon 2:30pm) - Hippodrome - Hagia Sophia - Basilica Cistern - Grand Bazaar (closed on Sundays and holidays) BEST ITINERARY FOR THE CRUISE AND CITY TRIP TRAVELERS. All the must-see's in 1 day in the Old City of Constantinople. There is a dress code for both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. * Lunch/coffee break upon request. *The itinerary is flexible, for any changes please let me know. *I'm able to purchase tickets in advance to skip the lines. If you desire to use a credit card to purchase tickets the lines may be very long.