Meet your guide at your centrally-located Istanbul hotel, and enjoy views of the Old City’s winding streets and historic buildings as you travel to Hagia Sophia. Trace the building’s extraordinary path from 6th-century, Orthodox cathedral to mosque and museum, and discover gleaming mosaics, soaring domes, tombs and baptismal fonts.
Duck into the gracious courtyard of the Blue Mosque, where Istanbul’s devout gather for six daily prayers beneath a tiled dome and elegant minarets. Learn about the Sultan who built the Blue Mosque during his short, tumultuous 14-year reign. Travel even farther into Istanbul’s past at Hippodrome Square: discover a series of landmarks left by successive emperors, rulers and military leaders on the spot where Byzantines gathered for ancient sporting events.
Finish your day at the Grand Bazaar, and enjoy the flexibility to browse the sprawling shopping complex at your own pace. Get advice on where to find Istanbul’s best selection of handicrafts, souvenirs and antiques, or meet with a local carpet salesman to learn how to choose a high quality product.
Please note: Hagia Sophia (Closed on Mondays; will be replaced with Underground Cistern), Grand Bazaar (Closed on Sundays; additional time will be spent at the other locations).
