3-Day Classic Istanbul Tour with Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace

Itinerary

Day 1: Bosphorus Strait, Rumeli Fortress,

Stop At: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul 34122 Turkey
This morning, your private guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby at about 8:30 am. Then, you will be transferred to take a 1-hour scenic cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, which is the boundary of Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Rumeli Fortress, Tarabya Yenikoy Cad., Istanbul Turkey
Built in an incredibly short time in 1452, Rumeli Fortress is an Ottoman fortress in the past and currently an open-air museum located on the European shore of the Bosphorus Strait.

Continue to explore an exotic spice market where a multitude of herbs has been sold since the 15th century. In the late afternoon, you will be escorted to your hotel in Istanbul.

*Note: Rumeli Fortress:Closed: Wednesday, and until 13:00 on the first day of religious holidays
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 2: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern

Stop At: Topkapi Palace, Cankurtaran Mahallesi Gulhane Park, Near Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul 34122 Turkey
This morning, head for the Topkapi Palace. It was the primary residence of Ottoman Sultans for more than 400 years. It not only shows you how a Sultan's life, but also various exhibitions.

Continue to visit the Imperial Harem, another palace inside the Topkapi, which offers an insight into the lifestyle of the Ottoman Empire.

*Note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya), Ayasofya Square, Sultanahmet, Istanbul 34122 Turkey
Discover the historic Hagia Sophia with your informative guide, an important monument both for Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. You may immerse yourself in this magnificent architecture with 30 million gold tiles throughout its interior.

*Note: Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Mah At Meydani Cad No 7, Istanbul 34122 Turkey
Next visit the Blue Mosque, it has six minarets, which is famous for its blue tiles decorating the interior walls and considered as the landmark of Istanbul. Why is it called "Blue Mosque?" There are two stories about it and wait for you to discover.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Basilica Cistern, Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Caddesi, No:1/3, Istanbul 34410 Turkey
Basilica Cistern was constructed by Justinian in 532 to supply water to the Byzantine Palace primarily.

Later, you will visit the highlights of the ancient hippodrome, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column and others. Then, be transferred to your hotel by your guide in the late afternoon.

*Note: Basilica Cistern is closed until 13.00 on the first day of religious holidays
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 3: Islamic Art Museum, Covered Bazaar, Suleiman Mosque

Stop At: Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (Turk ve Islam Eserleri Muzesi), MeydanI Sok. No:46 Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi,, Istanbul 34122 Turkey
As usual, start your last day journey at 8:30 am. Your first stop is the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. This museum will show you Islamic calligraphy, tiles and rugs and so on, covering the Turkish and Islamic artworks.

After, meet with your next site the Covered Bazaar, an age-old labyrinth of streets filled with all sorts of tempting items to purchase.

*Note:
● Turkish and Islamic Art Museum is closed on Mondays and until 13.00 on the first day of religious holidays
● Covered Bazaar is closed on Sundays, October 29th and the full duration of religious holidays
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Dolmabahce Palace, Visnezade Mahallesi Dolmabahce Cd, Istanbul 34357 Turkey
Tour to the Dolmabahce Palace. It was built along the Bosphorus in the mid-19th century, and used as the final residence of the Ottoman Sultans.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: The Tomb of Suleiman the Magnificent, Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul Turkey
Continue on to enjoy a walking tour along the old streets and trade areas to the Mosque Complex of Suleiman the Magnificent this afternoon. Finish your tour, and you will be escorted to your hotel in Istanbul by your guide.
Duration: 15 minutes

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.