Best of Istanbul- Best Value

Tour Summary-
Type: Culture, Food, History, Shopping
Length: 8 Hours
Walking: Difficult - uneven surfaces
Guide: Licensed Guide
Languages: English

(Option 2) Tour Itinerary

Your driver and licensed guide will meet you in front of Istanbul's port passenger Terminal.  You'll drive along the old city walls and under the ancient Roman aqueduct on the way to view the best of Istanbul's stunning architecture and attractions. The impressive Roman Hippodrome was once used for chariot races and today is your first stop.
 
You visit the beautiful Blue Mosque which is named for the vivid Iznik tiles lining its interior.  With the full day tour you are certain to hear the calls to prayer as they echo throughout the city center five times a day. Please note that the Blue Mosque is not wheelchair accessible.

Next you will walk through the amazing Topkapi Palace.  This large complex of buildings was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans and includes the courts, pavilions, mosques, fountains and a treasury.  In the Sultan's chapel you can hear the Imam reading continually from the Koran. 

After a stop for lunch you visit the jewel in Turkey's Byzantine crown, the Museum of St. Sophia (Haghia Sophia).  This splendid Church of Divine Wisdom was originally built in the 4th century AD as a Christian Basilica and later was converted to a Mosque.  It was lovingly restored in the 1900s, reflecting the true history of this glorious city astride two continents. 

Later this afternoon you'll visit the Grand Bazaar which  houses more than 4,000 stalls selling local goods.  Or if you prefer, you can request to visit the Egyptian Spice Market.

Tour Breakdown:
1- Depart pier and drive to Hippodrome- 30 Minutes
2- Tour the Hippodrome & Blue Mosque - 40 Minutes
3- Walk to Topkapi Palace - 15 Minutes
4- Visit Topkapi Palace - 1.5 Hours
5- Lunch Break- 1.5 Hours
6- Tour St. Sophia - 1 Hour
7- Drive to Grand Bazaar - 10 Minutes
8- Enjoy Shopping - 1.5 Hours
9- Return to pier - 20 Minutes

Monday Notes: St. Sophia Church is closed on Mondays.  If your tour is on Monday you will be taken to the Church of Chora instead, which is equally famous for its Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. 

Tuesday Notes: The Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.  If your tour is on Tuesday you will instead be taken to the Ottoman Dolmabahce Palace decorated with priceless carpets, chandeliers and paintings. 

What's Included:
* Private professional English speaking tour guide, fully licensed under the Tourism Ministry. The guide is just for you and not shared with anyone else during the tour.
* Private transportation by fully air-conditioned non-smoking new vehicles. The vehicle is just for you and not shared with anyone else during the tour. (Depending on the size of the group, a car, minivan or buses will be used.)
* Pick up from the hotel or port.
* Drop off to the hotel or port after the tour.
* All expenses and petrol for the vehicle.
* All necessary taxes .

Not Included:
* Lunch
* Entrance Fees
* Tips

---