Meet your personal guide at your hotel or port (if option is selected), then head to the heart of the Old City to explore a series of all-star Istanbul destinations. Visit the Hagia Sophia to see an intriguing blend of Christian and Islamic influences, from Byzantine mosaics to minarets.
Enter a world of sultans and courtiers at Topkapi Palace, where the colorful Ottoman Court lived in luxurious pavilions and sheltered harems behind high stone walls. Hear the story of Mehmet the Conqueror, who built the palace following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, and learn about the centuries of palace intrigues and drama that followed his reign.
Immerse yourself in the scents, sounds, and colors of Istanbul’s two great markets. Shop for carpets, handicrafts, and antiques at the sprawling Grand Bazaar, then browse exotic spices, teas, brightly dyed nuts and lokum—the traditional sweet known as Turkish delight—beneath the high-arched ceilings of the Spice Market.
Customize the tour to your interests, with the option for a sightseeing cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Purchase tickets for a public ferry or private yacht onsite, and spot Istanbul’s elegant waterside villas, palaces, and fortifications from the water, then finish the day with a convenient return transfer to your hotel or port, if chosen. Entrance fees not included, select transportation option when purchasing.
