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St. Sophia, Blue Mosque & Time On Your Own
Strenuous Activity
Shopping Opportunities
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.
Your first destination is the 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.
Just a short walk away, Hagia Sophia comes into view. 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, it's rich with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings.
Nearby, the Byzantine Hippodrome presents an opportunity to snap a photo or two as you walk by this imposing arena, once the heart of Constantinople's political and sporting life, and the scene of games through the history of the Byzantine empire.
After an awe-inspiring exploration of Turkish history, shop 'til you drop" experience at the Grand Bazaar. Start off with a carpet demonstration, then enjoy three hours on your own to explore. With over 4.000 shops filled with jewelry, carpets, leather ware, and copper goods, you're sure to find something that will strike your fancy. 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. With Istanbul behind you, you leave with a myriad of unforgettable memories of a lifetime.
Points of interest
Hippodrome
Hagia Sofia
Blue Mosque
Grand Bazaar & Carpet Demonstration
Schedule
Special Notes
Attire for visiting the mosque should cover shoulders and knees; shoes must be removed before entering; bring or wear socks. Shoe bags will be provided. In addition to covering shoulders and knees, all women must cover their head with a scarf. Professional photography and flash are not allowed.
The sequence of tour stops may vary; expect extreme dense traffic. Once in Old Istanbul, passengers will walk between the major sites.
Please be aware of the ongoing restoration of the Blue Mosque.
On Friday calls; Blue Mosque visit will be substituted with a historical Ottoman Mosque.
This tour uses headsets.
Exceptional Value
Book shore excursions with confidence! We offer competitive pricing, friendly service and unmatched destination expertise.
Strenuous Activity
Shopping Opportunities
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.
Your first destination is the 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.
Just a short walk away, Hagia Sophia comes into view. 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, it's rich with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings.
Nearby, the Byzantine Hippodrome presents an opportunity to snap a photo or two as you walk by this imposing arena, once the heart of Constantinople's political and sporting life, and the scene of games through the history of the Byzantine empire.
After an awe-inspiring exploration of Turkish history, shop 'til you drop" experience at the Grand Bazaar. Start off with a carpet demonstration, then enjoy three hours on your own to explore. With over 4.000 shops filled with jewelry, carpets, leather ware, and copper goods, you're sure to find something that will strike your fancy. 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. With Istanbul behind you, you leave with a myriad of unforgettable memories of a lifetime.
Points of interest
Hippodrome
Hagia Sofia
Blue Mosque
Grand Bazaar & Carpet Demonstration
Schedule
Special Notes
Attire for visiting the mosque should cover shoulders and knees; shoes must be removed before entering; bring or wear socks. Shoe bags will be provided. In addition to covering shoulders and knees, all women must cover their head with a scarf. Professional photography and flash are not allowed.
The sequence of tour stops may vary; expect extreme dense traffic. Once in Old Istanbul, passengers will walk between the major sites.
Please be aware of the ongoing restoration of the Blue Mosque.
On Friday calls; Blue Mosque visit will be substituted with a historical Ottoman Mosque.
This tour uses headsets.