Istanbul Day Tour: Topkapi Palace, Aya Sofya, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar

This full day Istanbul tour is a great way to get orientated in the city that spans Asia and Europe. Formally Constantinople, the capital of the Roman Empire and Europe's wealthiest city, Istanbul is now the largest city in Turkey with a population estimated to be more than 10 million. On this city sightseeing tour you will have the opportunity to see how old meets new when you visit Istanbul's 'must see' historic sites including:

Blue Mosque:
One of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds is the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque). A superb creation in classical Turkish architectural style, it stands with 6 towering minarets and 260 windows that illuminate its vast main chamber which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.

Aya Sofya:
One of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world, Aya Sofya Museum was built in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian, and was one of the largest basilicas in the Christian world. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to a mosque and is today one of the most magnificent museums in the world. Take a moment to linger here to absorb the serenity and admire the fine Byzantine mosaics.

Topkapi Palace:
Many people consider it one of the most unique places in the world, as well as being the world's largest and oldest Palace. It is the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire.

Grand Bazaar:
In operation since the 14th century, the Grand Bazaar is one of the worlds largest covered markets with 58 streets and over 4000 shops. Shop like traders have over the century in this bazaar that is well known for its jewelry, leather, pottery, spice and carpets.

Schedule Details Departs:

Daily, except Tuesday

Unavailable Dates:

• January 01 (New Year's Day)
• December 25 (Christmas Day)
• December 31 (New Year's Eve)

Departure Point: Tour departs from centrally located Istanbul hotels Departure Time: 9:00am Return details: Tour returns to original point of departure at approximately 5:00pm Hotel Pickup:

Tour departs from centrally located Istanbul hotels. Please include the details of your hotel at the time of booking. You MUST call the supplier at least 24 hours prior to tour commencement to reconfirm all tour and departure details. If the supplier does not pickup from your hotel, they will advise you of the meeting point when you call. The contact details will be listed on your voucher.

Port Pick-up:
For passengers arriving / departing Istanbul by cruise ship, a pick up is available from Istanbul port. If you wish to be picked up at Istanbul port you must advise the cruise line, ship name, docking and departure time in the Special Requirements box, at time of booking. Please allow 30 minutes from cruise arrival time to disembark and meet the tour. Please note, you may be picked up from the cruise port and dropped off at a city hotel or vice versa.

Additional Information