Small Group Full-Day: Instantaneous Istanbul

Your itinerary will begin with the Blue Mosque, a brilliant sight of Istanbul. Marvel at the six unique minarets and the famous blue ceramic Iznik tiles surrounding the interior walls. Your expert guide will tell you all about the captivating story of this Ottoman-day structure.

Your next stop is only a short walk to one of the UNESCO sites Hagia Sophia which was once a church and is a historical mosque today. Another short stroll will bring you to the Topkapi Palace, the white house of Ottoman sultans where they resided, entertained and ruled ''almost'' the largest empire in history. Wander about through its byzantine halls and explore secret rooms where the most beautiful harems were the entertainers of these sultans. With half day is completed on your tour, you will have a break with a traditionally prepared lunch (see below for a sample menu).

Your tour will continue with a stop at the Hippodrome where a granite Egyptian obelisk is displayed which was a gift to Istanbul. Hippodrome was once the centre of all sports events and a social centre. Next, move on to the sunken palace of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern, the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns beneath the city of Istanbul.

Your final stop is the Grand Bazaar, maybe the most iconic location of the bustling city of Istanbul. Roam through the over sixty alleys admiring the enticing crafts, scents and sights over the murmur of this one of a kind emporium. All kinds of leather, jewelry, ceramic stores, herb and spice stalls and unique outlets are for you to feast your eyes on. After that, say your goodbyes to your new friends and get dropped off either back at your hotel or at a centrally located convenient point for you.

Number of guests on this tour is limited to 14 passengers to provide you with a true boutique experience and not to compromise the highest quality experience for all.

Your full-day Istanbul tour will start with a pick-up from your European-side hotel or from a centrally located pick-up point. After a brief introduction for the itinerary ahead, you will be taken on your tour bus on your way to the first stop. Please keep in mind that the order of places to visit may be different from described above and small changes may occur on the itinerary depending on the day of your visit. For example; Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays and Grand Bazaar on Sundays. Should your tour fall on one of these days of the week, an alternative location i.e. Chora Museum or another market will be in replacement to visit. Similarly, Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and would be replaced with Istanbul Archaeology Museum.
* Sample Lunch Menu

Cheese or Sausage Stuffed Pastry

Seasonal Salad

Turkish Veal Kebab

OR

Grilled Chicken

Dessert of the Day

Seasonal Fruit