St. Sophia; Built by the Emperor Justinian when Istanbul was Constantinople, this magnificent example of Byzantine architecture boasts a massive dome, a lengthy nave and an interior decorated with marble, precious stones and pillars from Ephesus.

Topkapi Palace Museum; A huge walled complex hugging the Bosphorus, the former palace of the Ottoman sultans is now a museum with an extraordinary collection of Chinese porcelain, art, artifacts and jewels including the Topkapi diamond and the dagger.

Blue Mosque; Six graceful minarets adorn the elegant mosque, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. More than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles highlight the superb interior.
Hippodrome; The large, open square was once the site of a Roman circus that rivaled the Colosseum and could seat a quarter of a million spectators. Monuments on the site include the Serpent Column from Delphi and an Egyptian obelisk taken from the Temple of Karnak at Luxor.

SHOPPING

Grand Bazaar your guide escorts you to a store just outside the Grand Bazaar, your rendezvous point after experiencing the marketplace. Take in a carpet-weaving demonstration or explore the Bazaar where the shops are organized by the wares they sell. The narrow alleys are filled with shops offering jewelry, carpets, leather ware, copper goods and more. Bargaining is expected – and half the fun.

SPECIAL NOTES

Attire for visiting the mosque should cover shoulders and knees; shoes must be removed before entering; bring or wear socks. Professional photography and flash are not allowed.

Please be aware of the ongoing restoration of the Topkapi Palace; some exhibits may be closed or artifacts might be on temporary loan to other museums.

On Sundays, the Grand Bazaar is closed. Shopping will be limited and take place in the area nearby the Grand Bazaar. The sequence of tour stops may vary.