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.

Next, you'll visit Blue Mosque, also known as The Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This 17th-century marvel was built to rival and surpass the grandeur and beauty of nearby Hagia Sophia, and is a true study in color. It displays a multitude of domes and semi-domes and graceful minarets on the exterior, and over 20,000 shimmering blue Iznik tiles in more than 50 different tulip designs, and 216 stained glass windows, on the interior.

A short walk brings you to Hagia Sophia, also known as St. Sophia, the Church of Holy Wisdom, for an outside visit. It was originally built by Constantine the Great, and later rebuilt by Emperor Justinian to be a "queen church" of the new empire. 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.

The Straits of Bosphorus are next on your itinerary, as you board a motorboat for a panoramic cruise that promises to leave you breathless. Whether from the comfort of the interior saloon or on deck, you'll see grand Ottoman palaces and castles, including the Dolmabahce Palace, the Beylerbeyi Palace, and Rumeli Hisar and Anadolu Castles, as you dine on a traditional Turkish lunch.

Your tour continues by land with a drive to the Grand Bazaar, the largest market in the world with over 4.000 shops. Time permitting, 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.

Minutes away is the Topkapi Palace Museum, a huge walled complex that hugs the Bosphorus. This former palace of silk-clad Ottoman sultans is now a museum displaying an extraordinary collection of art, artifacts, and jewels, including the famed Topkapi Diamond. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara.
Explore the Harem, with its hidden quarters and tales of intrigue, adds a layer of mystery to the experience.

Your tour concludes with a walk back to your motorcoach, and a relaxing drive back to the port. With Istanbul behind you, you leave with a myriad of unforgettable memories of a lifetime.