What You'll Do

• Admire the towering minarets, illuminated windows and more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles at the Blue Mosque
• See the fine Byzantine mosaics of the Hagia Sophia
• Tour the subterranean 6th-century Basilica Cistern
• Marvel at the treasures of the Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace
• Go to the Hippodrome and see the 3,500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk, brought to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius in 390 AD
• Tour the Spice Bazaar and pick up the scent of fragrant spices under the histsoric markets 88 vaulted rooms
• Cruise along the Bosphorous, admiring 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite, and the Sultan’s gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges

Upon arrival at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, you will be transferred to your city center hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Today you will take a comprehensive guided tour of the city, taking in all the highlights of Istanbul. Originally named Constantinople, the city was once the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire and Europe’s wealthiest metropolis. Today, it is the largest city in Turkey.

Visit the iconic Blue Mosque, one of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, and notable for its exquisite blue Iznik tiles. Cross to the Hagia Sophia. Now a museum, this jewel of Christian architecture dates from the days of the Roman Emperor Justinian, and was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest.

Next, head underground to the Basilica Cistern, the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath Istanbul. Continue to Topkapi Palace, the largest and oldest palace in the world, and the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire.

Head back to the days of Roman and Ottoman charioteers at the Hippodrome, once the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life, and the scene of games and riots through 500 years of Ottoman history.

End your day tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets. With 58 streets and over 4,000 shops, the bazaar is especially known for its jewelry, leather, pottery, spices and carpets.

Today’s half-day itinerary includes a visit to the fragrant Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar, due to the mounds of potent spices that were imported from Egypt in the Ottoman era. You can also join an optional dinner with traditional Turkish belly dancing and folk shows.

You will cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that bisects Istanbul as it straddles Europe and Asia. See dramatic sights along the wooded shores, including mosques, a bridge that was once the world’s longest, and the massive Rumeli Hisarı fortress, built by Fatih the Conqueror in just 3 months as he prepared to conquer Istanbul.

A representative will escort you to the airport for your onward journey.

What's Included

• Arrival and departure transfers
• Full-day Istanbul city tour
• Half-day Bosphorus cruise
• 3 Nights accommodation at Recital Hotel or similar

What's Not Included

• Drinks
• Personal expenses
• International flight tickets.

Meeting Point : Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST), Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), Karakoy/Salipazari Port