Istanbul Shore Excursion: Old City Highlights from Cruise Port

What you will do

1. 1

   Hippodrome

   Istanbul

   First visit is Hippodrome. It was the center of sport activities of Constantinople. Famous with 4 monuments; The German Fountain of Wilhelm II, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column and Column of Constantine.

2. 2

   Haghia Sophia

   Istanbul

   Haghia Sophia, is the most famous museum in Turkey and one of the greatest marvels of architecture. Haghia Sophia was built as a church in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian then in 1453 renovated into a mosque by Ottoman Emperor Fatih Sultan Mehmet. It was converted into a museum in 1935 and welcoming both local and foreign visitors. (Closed on Monday)

3. 3

   Blue Mosque

   Istanbul

   Blue Mosque, as known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, this breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman Mosques in all of Turkey. Also it was built with unique 6 minarets. (Closed on Friday)

4. 4

   Topkapi Palace

   Istanbul

   Topkapi Palace, which has been home to the Ottoman dynasty for many years, was used for educational administrative and as the art center of the state. Get knowledge about the imperial treasury sacred islamic relics, palace kitchens and weapons. (Closed on Tuesday)

5. 5

   Grand Bazaar

   Istanbul

   Grand Bazaar, is the biggest market and the most attractive shopping center of Istanbul which has lots of shopping opportunities with carpets, leather, jewellery, turkish delight, gold, antique tiles etc.. (Closed on Sunday)

6. 6

   Basilica Cistern

   Istanbul

   One of Istanbul's splendid historical buildings is the Basilica Cistern located in the southwest of Hagia Sophia. This large underground cistern built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527-565) was named as Yerebatan Palace ere among the people due to the marble columns rising from the water and countless seemingly like. It is also known as Basilica Cistern since there is a Basilica in the place where the cistern is located.