Duration: 8 Hours
Highlights: Hippodrome Square, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar

Your tour begins with a warm greeting at the Istanbul pier, where your professional English-speaking guide and deluxe air-conditioned vehicle will be waiting.

First, you’ll visit Hippodrome Square, the historic site of ancient chariot races that once entertained crowds in Byzantine times. Next, explore the stunning Blue Mosque, renowned for its six elegant minarets and the intricate beauty of its Iznik tiles. Afterward, you’ll visit Hagia Sophia, the 6th-century architectural marvel that was once the largest Christian church in the world, later converted into a mosque, and now a museum showcasing its rich history.

A lunch break will be taken at the Konyali Restaurant inside Topkapi Palace, where you’ll enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the beautiful Marmara Sea (lunch cost not included).

Following lunch, you’ll visit Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence of Ottoman sultans. Here, you’ll discover world-class collections of priceless artifacts, jewelry, and rare porcelain, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the sultans.

Next, head to the Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir built during the Byzantine era. You’ll marvel at the serene atmosphere, the famous Medusa head columns, and the sight of fish swimming in the waters, all while enjoying the peaceful classical music often played within the cistern’s walls.

Before returning to your cruise ship, you’ll have an opportunity to shop at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, where you can find a wide array of souvenirs and local products.