Day 01
Istanbul
Thursday Sep 10
- 08:30
Hagia Sophia
Arrive early to beat crowds; free entry, mosque etiquette applies
- 10:00
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Short walk across Sultanahmet Square; closed to visitors during prayer times
- 11:30
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Obelisks and fountain, quick open-air stop
- 12:15
Lunch at Balıkçı Sabahattin
Old Ottoman house serving classic Turkish seafood
- 14:00
Topkapı Palace
Allow 2-3 hours; Harem section needs separate ticket
- 17:00
Basilica Cistern
Atmospheric underground Byzantine cistern, arrive before closing
- 18:30
Sunset tea at Gülhane Park
Relax with views near the palace walls