Your driver and licensed guide will meet you in front of Istanbul's port passenger Terminal. You'll drive along the old city walls and under the ancient Roman aqueduct on the way to view the best of Istanbul's stunning architecture and attractions. The impressive Roman Hippodrome was once used for chariot races and today is your first stop.
You visit the beautiful Blue Mosque which is named for the vivid Iznik tiles lining its interior. With the full day tour you are certain to hear the calls to prayer as they echo throughout the city center five times a day.
Next you will walk through the amazing Topkapi Palace. This large complex of buildings was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans and includes the courts, pavilions, mosques, fountains and a treasury. In the Sultan's chapel you can hear the Imam reading continually from the Koran.
After a stop for lunch you visit the jewel in Turkey's Byzantine crown, the Museum of St. Sophia (Haghia Sophia). This splendid Church of Divine Wisdom was originally built in the 4th century AD as a Christian Basilica and later was converted to a Mosque. It was lovingly restored in the 1900s, reflecting the true history of this glorious city astride two continents.
Later this afternoon you'll visit the Grand Bazaar which houses more than 4,000 stalls selling local goods. Or if you prefer, you can request to visit the Egyptian Spice Market.
Tour Breakdown:
1- Depart pier and drive to Hippodrome- 30 Minutes
2- Tour the Hippodrome & Blue Mosque - 40 Minutes
3- Walk to Topkapi Palace - 15 Minutes
4- Visit Topkapi Palace - 1.5 Hours
5- Lunch Break- 1.5 Hours
6- Tour St. Sophia - 1 Hour
7- Drive to Grand Bazaar - 10 Minutes
8- Enjoy Shopping - 1.5 Hours
9- Return to pier - 20 Minutes
Total tour time is approximately 8 hours. Please note that this itinerary requires walking and includes uneven surfaces. It is not wheelchair accessible. The tour prices listed below are for your entire private group. They are NOT per person prices!
Monday Notes: St. Sophia Church is closed on Mondays. If your tour is on Monday you will be taken to the Church of Chora instead, which is equally famous for its Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.
Tuesday Notes: The Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. If your tour is on Tuesday you will instead be taken to the Ottoman Dolmabahce Palace decorated with priceless carpets, chandeliers and paintings.
Note on visiting Mosques- Shoes must be removed to enter a Mosque, and you may be required to carry them with you in a plastic bag during your visit. We suggest bringing socks to slip on if you are not wearing them. Women should carry a scarf because they may be asked to cover their heads. Bare shoulders, shorts, and dresses above the knee are not allowed. Please come prepared...
Including:
All Entrances
All Transfers (from / to Cruise)
Private Guide & Minivan & Driver
Meals
All Taxes
Not Included:
Drinks
Personal Expenses
Travel Insurance
