Day 2
Private Istanbul City Tour
Starting the day at 09:00, we will begin our private city tour of Istanbul.
First, we will explore Topkapi Palace, the great palace of Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. In addition to stunning architecture and monuments, the palace complex houses an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, Chinese porcelain, historic robes, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, and the Holy Mantle.
After admiring the remarkable Hagia Sophia, originally dating back to the 4th Century A.D., we will explore the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque.
Just across from the Hagia Sophia, this impressive mosque was built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, and is known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles.
Outside the Blue Mosque we will have the chance to walk through the Hippodrome. Once the scene of chariot races, this beautiful open area is home to three historic monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine.
After a lunch break we will head to the Egyptian Bazaar. The air inside this bustling market is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other herb and spice.
After the day tour you will have the option to experience a relaxing and and inspiring Bosphorus Cruise. Enjoy magnificent views of the Bosphorus by sunset, and cruise through the passage that connects Asia to Europe. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy in Istanbul on your own. Overnight at your hotel in Istanbul.