Reliquias bizantinas y otomanas - Combo

Tour of "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Hagia Sophia, the Church of the Divine Wisdom, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous for its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city, decorated by the Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Grand Covered Bazaar, the biggest "souk" in the world, with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenirs. (Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request) Lunch at a Turkish Restaurant. Topkapi Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting the imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Live guide commentary is not allowed in special sections. (Harem is not included in the program) Hagia Irene, in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace, is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine) and was the second largest church in Istanbul after Hagia Sophia. This typical Byzantine structure was built on the site of an old temple in 330. Sultan Tombs: there are five tombs of Ottoman Sultans within the graveyard at Hagia Sophia. Their ceramic panels are the most beautiful examples of the 16th century, with purple, red, green and blue flower motives.