After breakfast, you begin your comprehensive city sightseeing tour. The first stop is the “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, jewelery, gold, carpets, leatherwear 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. Afterwards, you’ll be driven back to your hotel.

Note: St. Sophia is closed on Mondays, and is replaced with visit to “Underground Cistern”; Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, and is replaced with visit to Beylerbeyi Palace; and the Grand Covered Bazaar is closed on Sundays.