After having breakfast at the hotel, you will explore the wonderful sites of Old Istanbul, the only city in the world straddling two continents, Europe and Asia. You will visit the Blue Mosque, with its six graceful minarets and famed blue Iznik Tiles, the Hippodrome, ancient Roman arena for chariot racing and Grand Bazaar with its more than 4,000 shops. You will then visit The Topkapi Palace, which from the 15th to the 19th Century was the principle residence of the Ottoman Sultans. You will visit the fabulous Imperial Treasury and the Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapi Palace is now a museum and has unrivaled collections of jewelry, including the Spoonmakers Diamond, the 3rd largest diamond in the world, Ottoman court costumes and ceramics, notably one of the world's finest collection of early Chinese ceramics, much of it gifts from other rulers. Interestingly, some of the ceramics have a special glaze that was said to change color in the presence of poison. You also visit the Imperial Armory, displaying centuries of Ottoman weaponry. But perhaps the loveliest features of Topkapi Palace are its courtyards with their ancient trees, and it is easy to imagine the sultan strolling here far from the cares of state and empire. Finally, visit the museum of Haghia Sophia* and the Church of The Divine Wisdom. After the tour, you will be dropped back to your hotel.
Closed
- Hagia Sophia Museum and Blue Mosque closed in the morning on Friday due to Friday Prayer / Plan by Guide
- Grand Bazaar on Sunday / Replaced with the Handicraft Store
- Topkapi Palace closed on Tuesday / No replacement on Group Tours
Please, note that Our group tours include pick-up transfers from hotels in Taksim, Şişli, and the Historical Peninsula areas. Please inquire about transfers from other areas on group tours.
Non-refundable booking
