TURKEY TOURS PACKAGES

Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar

Breakfast at the hotel. After you meet with your guide at the lobby, you will begin your tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Hagia Sophia*. Built by the Emperor Justinian in the early 6th century AD and designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isodore of Miletus, the church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Converted into a mosque in 1453, it is now a museum. Its massive dome still dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is also famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses and a poignant Virgin and Child. Next we visit the Blue Mosque** which takes its name from the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Built by Sultan Ahmet I in the early 17th century and designed by a pupil of Sinan, the greatest of Ottoman architects, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. Its courtyard is especially grand. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi survive. The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style.

In the afternoon we continue our tour at Topkapi Palace*, which, from the 15th to the 19th century, was the principal residence of the Ottoman Sultans. We will visit the fabulous Imperial Treasury and the Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapi Palace is now a museum and has unrivalled collections of jewelry, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the 3rd largest in the world. It also possesses numerous Ottoman court costumes and ceramics, notably including one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese celadon ceramics, many of which were gifts from other rulers. Interestingly, some of the ceramics have a special glaze that was said to change color in the presence of poison. We also visit the Imperial Armory, displaying centuries of Ottoman weaponry. But perhaps the loveliest feature of Topkapi Palace are its courtyards with their ancient trees; it is easy to imagine the sultan strolling here far from the cares of state and empire. Overnight in Istanbul.

Optional Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Entertainment Extravaganza: 
We will pick you up at the Hotel at approximately 19:30 pm and transfer you to the Istanbul Kabatas Port from where your Dinner Cruiise will commense.

You are in for a treat with our exciting dinner Cruise that presents you the beauty of Istanbul at night while cruising the Bosphorus. You will dine on a delicious assortment of authentic Turkish Cuisine, PLUS you enjoy an outstanding Turkish Night of entertainment which will feature traditional dances from the seven different regions of Turkey as well as an oriental belly-dance show. Your performance will include Ottoman dancers, Romany Gypsy Girls, belly dancers, and the Aşuk Maşuk comedy team, etc. This is a night you will not forget and one loved by ALL our customers who have attended previous cruises. 

Included:  Hotel Pick-up & drop-off – by air-conditioned non-smoking tour coaches (only city center hotels), Dinner, Unlimited local drinks ( include soft drinks) Services Charges & Local Taxes.

Not Included: Tips and gratuities Imported drinks Notes: Advanced reservation required, not suitable for handicapped people. Owing to traffic difficulties, pick-up may delay beyond our control.

Your dinner cruise ends at about midnight, at which time we will transfer you to the Hotel.