Our exclusive Ottoman architecture tour is recommended for anyone wanting to learn more about one of the world’s most fascinating empires. The Ottoman Empire was a country made up of Greeks, Armenians, Sephardic Jews, Levantines: Venetians and Genoese, Caucasians, Balkans: Gypsies, Albanians, Macedonians, Hungarians and Turks A huge jigsaw puzzle of ethnic groups, religions and civilizations. It lasted nearly seven hundred years, and its founder, Uthman, and his family ruled the empire for 36 generations. During this time, they built countless palaces, pavilions, mosques, madrasahs, bazaars, and other buildings in and around Istanbul. The chief architect of the Ottoman Empire, Mimar Sinan, was a true stylistic and engineering genius, shaping the famous architecture. His legacy can be found in a variety of buildings including mosques, palaces, baths, schools, hospitals, fountains, aqueducts and other structures.

We start by visiting the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, built in classic Ottoman style and located in front of the Hagia Sophia. We then drive to Topkapi Palace, the private residence of the Sultan and the most important administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. The second stop is the Suleymaniye Mosque and complex, a masterpiece designed by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan on one of the seven hills of the historic peninsula. We then headed to the Spice Bazaar, one of the most colorful and fragrant places in the city.

Time to cross the Galata Bridge, the bridge over the Golden Horn and one of Istanbul’s most recognizable landmarks. After a lunch break, we will visit one of Istanbul’s hidden gems, the Kılıç Ali Pasha Mosque, a stunning mosque built on an artificial island in the Bosphorus. The final stop is the Tophane Fountain, the third largest historical fountain in Istanbul, whose four facades are decorated with Ottoman calligraphy and floral motifs.