Join an expert guide on this introduction to Istanbul as we weave a narrative of the city's storied history through the iconic sites of the Sultahnamet district, including Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, and if time permits, one of the city's hundreds of ancient cisterns. 

You'll begin amongst the 4th-century ruins of the Roman Empire with the Hippodrome, the focal point of social life in the Byzantine period, where we'll center our discussion on the rise of Constantinople.

Your next stop will be the Hagia Sophia. Built by Constantine in the sixth century, this architectural and artistic wonder reflects the essence of Istanbul through the ages, having served over the years as church, mosque, and museum, before converting back to a mosque in 2020. You'll have the opportunity to enter and view the interior of the impressive dome and its rich mosaics from the upper galleries.

Discussion will turn to the fall of Constantinople and transition to the Ottoman Empire, where you'll move on to another jewel of the historic center - the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or Blue Mosque. Wandering the interior of this UNESCO World Heritage site, our focus will turn to the principles of Ottoman architecture as we admire the thousands of blue Iznik tiles after which the mosque takes its name.

Depending on your interests, your guide may continue your exploration with a visit to the Nakilbent Cistern, an overlooked Byzantine marvel, or with a stop at a local cafe for tea and discussion about life in Istanbul today.

Wrapping up your time with your expert guide, you'll have developed an appreciation for the city's rich, varied cultural history.