Ultimate Istanbul & Dolmabahce Palace
Strenuous Activity
Includes meal
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.
Dolmabahce Palace, your first stop, nestled on the shores of the Bosporus Strait, the palace is a monumental reminder of the Ottoman Empire's glory days. Commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid I in 1856 and noted for its Ottoman, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture, it served as the Empire's main administrative center. Set on 27 hectares (62 acres), the three-story structure holds 285 rooms and 46 halls.
Visit the Painting Museum, which features an impressive collection of Ottoman and European artworks.
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.
Your next 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.
Enjoy a traditional Ottoman lunch, featuring Turkish specialties and beverages.
Refreshed from lunch, next you'll visit 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, you'll arrive at Hagia Sophia, 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.
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
On Sundays, the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed. You will visit the Spice Bazaar instead.
Please be aware of the ongoing restoration of the Blue Mosque.
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.
This tour is not wheelchair accessible, and not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.
This tour uses headsets.
Exceptional Value
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Strenuous Activity
Includes meal
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.
Dolmabahce Palace, your first stop, nestled on the shores of the Bosporus Strait, the palace is a monumental reminder of the Ottoman Empire's glory days. Commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid I in 1856 and noted for its Ottoman, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture, it served as the Empire's main administrative center. Set on 27 hectares (62 acres), the three-story structure holds 285 rooms and 46 halls.
Visit the Painting Museum, which features an impressive collection of Ottoman and European artworks.
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.
Your next 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.
Enjoy a traditional Ottoman lunch, featuring Turkish specialties and beverages.
Refreshed from lunch, next you'll visit 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, you'll arrive at Hagia Sophia, 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.
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
On Sundays, the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed. You will visit the Spice Bazaar instead.
Please be aware of the ongoing restoration of the Blue Mosque.
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.
This tour is not wheelchair accessible, and not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.
This tour uses headsets.