Embark on a private dome tour in Istanbul and discover the fascinating sky architecture and traditions of Turkey. Explore the city’s topography, visit iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Süleymaniye Mosque, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar.
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Hagia Sophia Mosque - Under the highest dome for a millennium
Hagia Sophia (//ˈhɑːɡiə soʊˈfiːə/; from Koinē Greek: ἢγία Σοφία, romanized: Hagía Sophía; Latin: Sancta Sophia, lit. ‘Holy Wisdom’), officially the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (Turkish: Ayasofya-i Kebir Camii Şerifi)[2] and formerly the Church of Hagia Sophia,[3] is a Late Antique place of worship in Istanbul. Built in 537 as the patriarchal cathedral of the imperial capital of Constantinople, it was the largest Christian church of the eastern Roman Empire (the Byzantine Empire) and the Eastern Orthodox Church, except during the Latin Empire from 1204 to 1261, when it became the city’s Roman Catholic cathedral. In 1453, after the Fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into a mosque. In 1935 the secular Turkish Republic established it as a museum. In 2020, it re-opened as a mosque.
- Complimentary door-to-door transportation
- Multilingual professional tour guides
- Lunch
- Drinks and all personal expenses
Turkish locals often refer to the sky as the ‘skydome,’ and this is precisely where your journey begins – under this vast celestial canopy. Explore Byzantium’s topography, now known as Constantinople, by traversing the skydome of the Augustus Forum, located on the acropolis. Discover the mysteries of Istanbul’s urban development over the past 2500 years. Continue your tour to Hagia Sophia, which once held the title for the world’s largest cathedral and the tallest dome for a thousand years, and is now a mosque.
Next, a leisurely walk through the Grand Bazaar, where intertwined streets of assorted shops are neatly tucked beneath its multiple domes, awaits you. Engage with skilled artisans to learn more about traditional handicrafts, acquire intriguing stories from local shopkeepers that bring the city to life, and seize the opportunity to bargain and buy memorable souvenirs.
Your tour concludes with a visit to Suleymaniye, the prestigious mosque crafted by renowned architect, Sinan. Famous for holding Istanbul’s second-largest dome, this admired Islamic place of worship serves as a noteworthy architectural feature in Ottoman’s capital.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
