Secrets of Istanbul
Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU VISIT
The Blue Mosque
Erected between 1609 and 1617, Istanbul's most enduring landmark takes its name from its breathtaking interior, where thousands of blue and green Iznik tiles cast a glow throughout. This architectural marvel was built with six minarets; legend says that it's due to a misunderstanding during construction. The sultan asked for "altin" minarets, which means gold but his words were misunderstood to be "alti," meaning six. Since the Mosque is still in use as a House of Worship, visitors enter through the north side door and must take off their shoes at the entrance.
The Underground Cistern
Built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century to supply water to the nearby palace complex, it's the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city. Also called "the Underground Palace," the cistern is supported by 336 Corinthian columns and the ceiling of this forest of columns is made of brick and is cross-vaulted.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Photography is allowed within the Blue Mosque but restricted inside the prayer hall, especially during prayer times. Part of its breathtaking interior is the stained-glass windows creating a marvelous colored effect and the graceful arabesques decorating the mighty dome and series of small domes. Flash photography is not permitted in the Blue Mosque or Underground Cistern.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Enjoy a short panoramic drive through the Old Town to the Blue Mosque, which sits near the ancient Hippodrome, once the largest chariot racetrack of the Roman Byzantine Empire.
Points of interest
Hippodrome
Blue Mosque
Underground Cistern
Schedule
Special Notes
Modest attire is required during mosque visits; knees, shoulders, and midriffs must be covered and women must cover their head with a scarf, which will be provided by Blue Mosque. Shoes must be removed to enter the mosque(s). Shoe bags will be provided.
The Blue Mosque is not wheelchair friendly. Some artifacts at Mosque might be closed to view due to ongoing restorations.
All tours in the Old Town require considerable walking, as it is closed to traffic.
Expect dense traffic conditions in Istanbul.
This tour contains a significant amount of walking and steps.
Some artifacts at Basilica Cistern might be closed to view due to ongoing restorations. The use of headsets (included) will enhance your experience.
Exceptional Value
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Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU VISIT
The Blue Mosque
Erected between 1609 and 1617, Istanbul's most enduring landmark takes its name from its breathtaking interior, where thousands of blue and green Iznik tiles cast a glow throughout. This architectural marvel was built with six minarets; legend says that it's due to a misunderstanding during construction. The sultan asked for "altin" minarets, which means gold but his words were misunderstood to be "alti," meaning six. Since the Mosque is still in use as a House of Worship, visitors enter through the north side door and must take off their shoes at the entrance.
The Underground Cistern
Built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century to supply water to the nearby palace complex, it's the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city. Also called "the Underground Palace," the cistern is supported by 336 Corinthian columns and the ceiling of this forest of columns is made of brick and is cross-vaulted.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Photography is allowed within the Blue Mosque but restricted inside the prayer hall, especially during prayer times. Part of its breathtaking interior is the stained-glass windows creating a marvelous colored effect and the graceful arabesques decorating the mighty dome and series of small domes. Flash photography is not permitted in the Blue Mosque or Underground Cistern.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Enjoy a short panoramic drive through the Old Town to the Blue Mosque, which sits near the ancient Hippodrome, once the largest chariot racetrack of the Roman Byzantine Empire.
Points of interest
Hippodrome
Blue Mosque
Underground Cistern
Schedule
Special Notes
Modest attire is required during mosque visits; knees, shoulders, and midriffs must be covered and women must cover their head with a scarf, which will be provided by Blue Mosque. Shoes must be removed to enter the mosque(s). Shoe bags will be provided.
The Blue Mosque is not wheelchair friendly. Some artifacts at Mosque might be closed to view due to ongoing restorations.
All tours in the Old Town require considerable walking, as it is closed to traffic.
Expect dense traffic conditions in Istanbul.
This tour contains a significant amount of walking and steps.
Some artifacts at Basilica Cistern might be closed to view due to ongoing restorations. The use of headsets (included) will enhance your experience.