Late Riser - Ottoman Istanbul
Moderate Activity
Shopping Opportunities
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
This is the perfect choice for those who wish to have a leisurely morning to sleep in, adjust to the time change or linger over breakfast but don't want to miss out on the chance to see the sights. At a later start time, board the comfortable motorcoach and travel into the heart of Istanbul for a 5.5-hour tour of the highlights of the Ottoman era.
Your first stop of the day is the Rustem Pasha Mosque, The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is famous for its large quantities of İznik tiles in a very wide variety of floral and geometric designs, which cover not only the façade of the porch but also the mihrab, minbar and walls. There are approximately 2300 tiles arranged in around 80 different patterns.
From here, you'll continue with a visit to one of the most colorful sites in Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar. Step into the largest market in the world, comprised of two sections – a modern part and a covered part that is surrounded by a wall and entered through a series of gates. Once inside, you'll find a dazzling labyrinth of alleys and lanes displaying a wide variety of products and trades, such as jewelry, leather goods, carpets, silver, textile, antiques and of course a variety of souvenirs. In total, there are 65 winding streets replete with 4,000 shops, cafes and restaurants. The shopping is brisk, and bargaining is expected and half the fun. Pause to take in a Turkish carpet presentation.
Conclude your day with a visit to the Turkish Islamic Arts Museum, a former 16th century palace that belonged to the grand vizier of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. The museum is a treasure trove of beautifully crafted objects from the Ottoman (14th to 20th centuries), Seljuk (11th to 13th centuries), and earlier periods beginning in the 8th century. Religious art, Turkish carpets, manuscripts, carved and inlaid wood, glass, porcelain and stone are displayed, as are a fully furnished nomads' tent and 19th century Ottoman parlor.
Relax on the motorcoach ride back to port after a memorable afternoon.
Points of interest
Blue Mosque
Grand Bazaar & Carpet Demonstration
Schedule
Special Notes
On Sundays, the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed.
You will visit the Spice Bazaar instead.
A hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Medical Restriction
Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair, those with mobility limitations, and/or those with vision impairments.
Exceptional Value
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Moderate Activity
Shopping Opportunities
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
This is the perfect choice for those who wish to have a leisurely morning to sleep in, adjust to the time change or linger over breakfast but don't want to miss out on the chance to see the sights. At a later start time, board the comfortable motorcoach and travel into the heart of Istanbul for a 5.5-hour tour of the highlights of the Ottoman era.
Your first stop of the day is the Rustem Pasha Mosque, The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is famous for its large quantities of İznik tiles in a very wide variety of floral and geometric designs, which cover not only the façade of the porch but also the mihrab, minbar and walls. There are approximately 2300 tiles arranged in around 80 different patterns.
From here, you'll continue with a visit to one of the most colorful sites in Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar. Step into the largest market in the world, comprised of two sections – a modern part and a covered part that is surrounded by a wall and entered through a series of gates. Once inside, you'll find a dazzling labyrinth of alleys and lanes displaying a wide variety of products and trades, such as jewelry, leather goods, carpets, silver, textile, antiques and of course a variety of souvenirs. In total, there are 65 winding streets replete with 4,000 shops, cafes and restaurants. The shopping is brisk, and bargaining is expected and half the fun. Pause to take in a Turkish carpet presentation.
Conclude your day with a visit to the Turkish Islamic Arts Museum, a former 16th century palace that belonged to the grand vizier of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. The museum is a treasure trove of beautifully crafted objects from the Ottoman (14th to 20th centuries), Seljuk (11th to 13th centuries), and earlier periods beginning in the 8th century. Religious art, Turkish carpets, manuscripts, carved and inlaid wood, glass, porcelain and stone are displayed, as are a fully furnished nomads' tent and 19th century Ottoman parlor.
Relax on the motorcoach ride back to port after a memorable afternoon.
Points of interest
Blue Mosque
Grand Bazaar & Carpet Demonstration
Schedule
Special Notes
On Sundays, the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed.
You will visit the Spice Bazaar instead.
A hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Medical Restriction
Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair, those with mobility limitations, and/or those with vision impairments.