Day 1 – Arrival to Istanbul Transfer to your hotel

Check into your hotel and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 – Full Day City Tour

After breakfast, you begin your comprehensive city sightseeing tour. The first stop is “Sultan Ahmet Center” in the heart of the “Old City”, from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Here you’ll visit the Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel built as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Next, it’s the “Blue Mosque”, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet, and famous for its blue Iznik tiles and six majestic minarets. Then it’s on to the ancient Hippodrome Square, once the site of chariot races, athletic events, and political gatherings, where you’ll see the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, and the Fountain of Wilhelm II.

After lunch, you proceed to the Grand Covered Bazaar, the world’s largest “souk” (shopping center) which houses nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewelry, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenirs. From here you proceed to the illustrious Topkapi Palace, the former Imperial Residence of Ottoman Sultans, housing exhibitions of Chinese porcelain, weapons, and calligraphy. The tour concludes with a visit to the Grand Bazaar Afterwards, you’ll be driven back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul. (B, L)

Day 3 – Half Day Bosphorus Cruise

After a brief visit to the colorful Spice Market, you embark on a half-day cruise on the Bosphorus, the waterway that divides Istanbul and the continents of Europe and Asia. From the deck of your cruise boat, you’ll have wonderful views of the marble palaces, ancient Ottoman wooden villas and modern residential towers and hotels that line the both shorelines. You’ll also have a good view of Rumeli Fortress, built to control access to the Bosporus and protect Istanbul from invaders. After disembarking, you’ll be driven back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul. (B)

DAY 4 Istanbul to Back home

Your mini-tour ends after breakfast at your hotel transfer to Airport (B)