Today, you'll have time to explore incredible Istanbul at leisure. Your tour director will be more than happy to help you plan your explorations in this iconic Turkish city during your stay. Included Excursion: Guided tour of Istanbul: This morning, join this fascinating guided tour to explore some of Istanbul's highlights, such as the famed Hippodrome Square, which was once the sporting and social center of Constantinople that hosted the chariot races until the Middle Ages. You will get to see the Blue Mosque, probably one of the most famed masterpieces of Ottoman religious architecture. Standing in great prestige with its six minarets and perfectly proportioned dome, the Blue Mosque is named after its turquoise-colored tiles made of quartz minerals. Ottoman sultans preferred to pray in this timeless shrine due to its incomparable beauty until the empire collapsed after World War I. Afterwards, you'll continue on to the Basilica of Saint Sophia, one of the largest Christian shrines ever constructed. DiscoverMORE: Topkapi Palace and Harem section (Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours, extra expense): Visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace, residence of the sultans for almost three centuries. This is located on the promontory jutting out between the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn and provides a magnificent view. The construction of the Topkapi Palace was completed between 1465 and 1478. Just inside the palace, the harem offers a revealing look into how the sultans of the Ottoman Empire lived. These private apartments were carefully situated so as not to be seen from the state apartments or courtyards where public affairs were conducted. Next, you'll visit and descend underground into the Basilica Cistern, constructed in 532 AD by Justinian to hold the water supply for the Great Palace. The Cistern is 70 meters (164 feet) wide and 140 meters (459 feet) long, with a capacity of 80,000 square meters of water. Here, you'll find an atmospheric forest of 336 beautiful columns: don't miss the two columns featuring the head of Medusa on their bases, providing a memorable highlight. DiscoverMORE: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony (extra expense): In the early evening, you'll attend a spectacular Whirling Dervishes Ceremony at Hodjapasha Cultural Centre. Founded in the 13th century, the order of Whirling Dervishes introduced cohesion and understanding of various faiths and exalted the idea of dissolving them within the pot of love of God. Before you attend the performance, your expert guide will give you the inner meaning of this special experience with all the metaphors hidden in the traditions of whirling. ...
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