ITINERARY

• The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a public space in ancient Constantinople (present-day Istanbul, Turkey) that was used for chariot races and other public events. It was built in the 4th century AD by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, and was expanded and embellished by later emperors. The Hippodrome was rectangular in shape, and could hold up to 100,000 spectators. It featured statues, obelisks, and monuments from various parts of the Roman Empire, including the famous Serpent Column and the Obelisk of Theodosius. The Hippodrome was in use until the 5th century AD, after which it fell into decline and was eventually abandoned. Today, the Hippodrome is a popular tourist attraction, and some of the ancient monuments that once stood in the Hippodrome can still be seen.
• Hagia Sophia is a historic mosque and former Byzantine cathedral located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century AD and later converted into a mosque in the 15th century. In 1935, it was converted into a museum and opened to the public. In 2020, the Turkish government announced that the Hagia Sophia would be converted back into a mosque, sparking controversy and criticism from some international leaders and religious groups.
• The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the early 17th century under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. The mosque is renowned for its blue tiles and six minarets, which give it its nickname. The interior of the mosque is adorned with intricate tile work, calligraphy, and painted decorations. The Blue Mosque is still used as a place of worship and is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.
• The Basilica Cistern (Βασιλική Κινστέρνα) is the largest underground cistern of Byzantine Constantinople. It was built under the Basilica located west of Hagia Sophia. Also known by its Turkish name Yerebatan Sarayı (“Sunken Palace”), it is one of the major tourist attractions of modern Istanbul. The Basilica Cistern, along with churches like Hagia Sophia, gives an impression of the massive construction projects once undertaken by Justinian I (527-565). The Basilica Cistern is the only remaining structure of an important complex of buildings in the vicinity during Late Antique Constantinople. The cistern gets its name from the Basilica, often known as the Basilica Stoa or the Basilica of Illus, once located above it. Nothing is known about the site before Byzantium was inaugurated as Constantine’s capital. It was located west of the Augustaion and Hagia Sophia, and northwest of the Milion, the milestone at the beginning of the Mese.
• Topkapi Palace is a historical palace in Istanbul, Turkey that was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years. The palace was built in 1459 and was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire during the height of its power. The palace complex consists of several buildings and courtyards, including the Imperial Harem, the Divan (Council) Hall, and the Treasury, which contains valuable items such as the Spoonmaker's Diamond. Topkapi Palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Bosphorus Strait defines Istanbul. It is the divide between Europe and Asia, and the main connection between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Dotted with parks and elaborate Ottoman mansions, including Dolmabahce Palace, and spanned by three intercontinental bridges, the Bosphorus is the veritable heart of the city.
• Rising high above its namesake neighborhood, Istanbul’s Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) dates back to the Genoese presence in Constantinople in the 14th century. An elevator takes you up to a viewing platform located under the roof, which offers panoramic views of the Old City peninsula and Beyoglu neighborhood.
• Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani), Istanbul’s main modern hub, is located at the end of the pedestrian thoroughfare Istiklal Avenue (Istiklal Caddesi). A popular meeting place, Taksim Square is anchored by the Monument of the Republic and buzzes with activity day and night. The area historically hosts public celebrations, parades, and demonstrations.
• Dolmabahce Palace is a historical palace located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built between 1843 and 1856 as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire during the late period of its history. The palace was designed in the European style, with a mix of Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical and traditional Ottoman elements. The palace complex consists of several buildings and courtyards, including the Imperial Harem, the Ceremonial Hall, and the State Apartments. The palace also houses a large collection of European art, including paintings by famous artists such as Franz Xaver Winterhalter and Osman Hamdi Bey. The palace is now a museum and open to visitors.
• The Grand Bazaar is a historic market in Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 61 streets and 4,000 shops. The bazaar is known for its jewelry, ceramics, spices, textiles, and carpets. It is a popular tourist destination and a major economic center for the city. The Grand Bazaar is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.