ITINERARY

• The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historical mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque gets its name from the blue tiles that adorn its interior walls. The mosque is famous for its six minarets and its central dome, which measures 43 meters in diameter and 53 meters in height. The mosque is also known for its intricate calligraphy and decoration, including the colorful Iznik tiles that cover the walls. The Blue Mosque is an important architectural and historical site in Istanbul, and it continues to be an active place of worship. It is open to visitors and non-Muslims are allowed to enter the mosque outside of prayer times. Visitors are asked to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering. Guided tours are available to learn more about the history and significance of the mosque.
• Topkapı Palace is a historical palace located in Istanbul, Turkey. It served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans and their court from the 15th to the 19th century. The palace complex is made up of several buildings and courtyards, including the Imperial Harem, the Divan (Council) Chamber, and the Treasury. The palace is renowned for its beautiful architecture and intricate decoration, including the tilework, calligraphy, and paintwork. It also houses a collection of valuable art and artifacts, including jewels, ceramics, and manuscripts. Visitors can also see the palace's weapons collection, as well as the throne room and the private apartments of the sultans. Topkapi palace is a must-see attraction for history and art enthusiasts visiting Istanbul. The palace is open to visitors year-round, and guided tours are available to learn more about the palace's history and significance. Visitors can also explore the palace's extensive grounds and gardens
• Hagia Sophia is a historical building located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was originally built as a cathedral during the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century AD, and it was considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of its time. The Hagia Sophia is famous for its massive dome, which measures over 100 feet in diameter and was a technological marvel for its time. The building was adorned with gold mosaics, marble, and other luxury materials, and it was used as a model for many other churches and cathedrals throughout the Byzantine Empire. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque, and the Ottomans added minarets and other Islamic architectural elements. It served as a mosque for almost 500 years until 1935, when it was converted into a museum by the Republic of Turkey. The Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The Grand Bazaar is a large covered market located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the oldest and largest markets in the world, with over 60 streets and over 4,000 shops selling a wide variety of goods. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, and it is known for its colorful and bustling atmosphere. The Grand Bazaar is a maze of shops selling everything from spices, textiles, jewelry, carpets, ceramics, and antiques to leather goods, souvenirs and more. It is a great place to experience the local culture and to shop for traditional Turkish products. The Grand Bazaar is also a historical site, with some parts of the market dating back to the 15th century. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries and it has been a significant trading center for centuries. The Grand Bazaar is located in the heart of Istanbul, within walking distance of many other historical and cultural sites. It's open every day except on Sundays and national holidays.
• The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a public space and entertainment venue located in the ancient city of Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey). It was built in the 4th century AD by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus and was used for chariot races, athletic competitions, and other public events. The Hippodrome was also a political and social center, where the people of the city would gather to watch the races and to hear speeches from important figures. The Hippodrome was an enormous structure, measuring over 400 meters in length and 120 meters in width. It was capable of accommodating over 100,000 people. The track was surrounded by tiers of seating and was decorated with statues, monuments, and fountains. It was considered as one of the most impressive architectural structures of the ancient world.
• The Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is a historic market located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the oldest and most famous markets in the city and is known for its wide variety of spices, herbs, dried fruits, nuts, and other food items. The market is also a great place to find traditional Turkish sweets, such as baklava, Turkish Delight, and halva, as well as teas, coffees, and other local specialties. The Spice Market is located in the Eminonu neighborhood, near the Galata Bridge, and it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul. The market is housed in a 19th-century building, which was originally built as a storage facility for spices and other goods that were traded in the Ottoman Empire. The building has a beautiful architecture with a central dome and arched ceilings, and it's a great place to walk around and explore. The market is open every day except on Sundays and national holidays.
• The Bosphorus is a strait that separates Europe and Asia and connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. The Bosphorus is one of the busiest waterways in the world, with a constant stream of ships, including tankers, cargo ships, and ferries, passing through the strait. It is also a popular tourist destination, with boat tours available to take visitors on a cruise along the Bosphorus. The Bosphorus is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, with both European and Asian shores offer different views of the city and the sea. The European side of the Bosphorus is home to many upscale neighborhoods, such as Bebek, Arnavutköy, and Ortaköy, and the Asian side is home to many small fishing villages and historic sites. The Bosphorus also offers many recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are many parks, beaches, and picnic areas along the Bosphorus where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area.