The Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace. Hearing the Imam reading from the Koran is not an experience that happens every day.
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 in the 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.
Roman Hippodrome
Topkapi Palace
Haghia Sophia
Grand Bazaar
Egyptian Spice Market
Private English-speaking Driver at disposal as per Itinerary
Any Entrance or Admission not mentioned in the Itinerary
- Lunch / meals
- Gratuities
8 hours