Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

A scenic 25-minute drive in your motorcoach takes you across the Galata Bridge into the heart of Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire.

You'll see the Byzantine Hippodrome, once the heart of Constantinople's political and sporting life, and the scene of games through the history of the Byzantine Empire. Monuments on the site include the Snake Column from Delphi and an Egyptian obelisk taken from the Temple of Karnak at Luxor.

Immerse yourself in the spiritual grandeur of the Blue Mosque, an architectural masterpiece that graces the skyline with its elegant domes and minarets. Venture inside to witness the intricate blue tiles that give the mosque its name, creating a tranquil and mesmerizing ambiance.

Virtually around the corner is the Underground Cistern, an underground reservoir dating back to the 6th century. This "Underground Palace" prides itself on a roof supported by 336-Corinthian columns and an illuminated interior that's certain to generate a profusion of wonder and conversation

It is one of the oldest water structures in the Historic Peninsula of Istanbul with a history dating back almost to 1,600 years ago, does not have a construction epitaph, it is predicted based on the architectural features that it was built during the reign of Theodosius II (408 - 450). Built on an area of 24 to 40 meters on the edges and reaching as high as 11 meters, there are 45 sail-vaults and 32 columns inside the Cistern. All of the Corinthian decorations with impost blocks were made of Marmara Island marble and specific to the Cistern. The column tops are decorated with acanthus (bear's-paw) leaves. The interior walls of the monument are covered with waterproof plaster while the corners are curved to withstand water pressure. The walls are about 2.5 meters thick.

You'll walk to Hagia Sophia for an outside visit, also known as St. Sophia, the Church of Holy Wisdom. It was originally built by Constantine the Great, and later rebuilt by Emperor Justinian to be a "queen church" of the new empire. Considered one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Its exterior offers a majestic spectacle. Admire the awe-inspiring Byzantine architecture of this former basilica, capturing photographs that encapsulate the grandeur and historical significance of this iconic structure.

Just minutes away, you can virtually hear the lively Grand Bazaar and its animated transactions. Your tour continues to this impressive covered market - the largest in the world with over 4.000 shops. You'll view a carpet demonstration and explore the shops filled with jewelry, carpets, leather ware, and copper goods. Bargaining is expected and half the fun.

Your tour concludes with a walk back to your motorcoach, and a relaxing drive back to the port.