Hippodrome, Byzatine Cistern & St. Sophia

4.5 hours | Istanbul | I S T - 2 2 0
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Points of Interest

  • Blue Mosque
  • Hagia Sofia
  • Grand Bazaar & Carpet Demonstration
  • Underground Cistern
  • Hippodrome
Shopping Opportunities, Strenuous activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

A scenic 25-minute drive in your motorcoach takes you across the Galata Bridge into the heart of Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire.

You'll see the Byzantine Hippodrome, once the heart of Constantinople's political and sporting life, and the scene of games through the history of the Byzantine Empire. Monuments on the site include the Snake Column from Delphi and an Egyptian obelisk taken from the Temple of Karnak at Luxor.

Virtually around the corner is the Underground Cistern, an underground reservoir dating back to the 6th century. This "Underground Palace" prides itself on a roof supported by 336-Corinthian columns and an illuminated interior that's certain to generate a profusion of wonder and conversation.

Should the Underground Cistern not be available due to maintenance works in progress, you will visit the Serefiye Cistern, instead.

It is one of the oldest water structures in the Historic Peninsula of Istanbul with a history dating back almost to 1,600 years ago, does not have a construction epitaph, it is predicted based on the architectural features that it was built during the reign of Theodosius II (408 - 450). uilt on an area of 24 to 40 meters on the edges and reaching as high as 11 meters, there are 45 sail-vaults and 32 columns inside the ªerefiye Cistern. All of the Corinthian decorations with impost blocks were made of Marmara Island marble and specific to the Cistern. The column tops are decorated with acanthus (bear's-paw) leaves. The interior walls of the monument are covered with waterproof plaster while the corners are curved to withstand water pressure. The walls are about 2.5 meters thick.

You'll walk to Hagia Sophia, also known as St. Sophia, the Church of Holy Wisdom. It was originally built by Constantine the Great, and later rebuilt by Emperor Justinian to be a "queen church" of the new empire. Considered one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture, it's rich with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings.

Just minutes away, you can virtually hear the lively Grand Bazaar and its animated transactions. Your tour continues to this impressive covered market - the largest in the world with over 4.000 shops. You'll view a carpet demonstration and explore the shops filled with jewelry, carpets, leather ware, and copper goods. Bargaining is expected and half the fun.

Your tour concludes with a walk back to your motorcoach, and a relaxing drive back to the port.

Special Notes:

Professional photography and flash are not allowed.

Should the Underground Cistern not be available due to maintenance works in progress, you will visit the Serefiye Cistern, instead.

On Sundays, the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed. Shopping will be limited and take place in the area nearby the Grand Bazaar.

This tour is offered only for calls of the Royal Princess.

The sequence of tour stops may vary; expect extreme dense traffic. Once in Old Istanbul, passengers will walk between the major sites.

This tour uses headsets.

Details

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Depart from ship for guided tour of the Hippodrome

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
35
Travel time:
00:30
Time at site:
00:20
Inside visit:
No
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
100
Steps:
1
Wheelchair accessible:
Yes
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Guided tour of the Underground Cistern or Serefiye Cistern

Transport type:
Walking
Travel time:
00:05
Time at site:
00:35
Free time at site:
10
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
200
Steps:
60
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
Yes
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Guided tour of Hagia Sophia

Transport type:
Walking
Travel time:
00:05
Time at site:
00:50
Free time at site:
10
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
300
Steps:
2
Wheelchair accessible:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
Yes
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Shopping at the Grand Bazaar

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
35
Travel time:
00:10
Time at site:
01:25
Free time at site:
60
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
745
Steps:
2
Wheelchair accessible:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Re-board your motorcoach and return to your ship

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
35
Travel time:
00:30