Excursion Best of istanbul (tour & airport transfer) tour at Istanbul

Explore Istanbul through the centuries during this scenic and memorable, full-day introduction to some of the city's major attractions.

Topkapi Palace

Upon arrival at the Topkapi Palace, begin your guided walking tour. It is a huge walled complex that hugs the Bosphorus and is displaying an extraordinary collection of art and artifacts. The windows promise breath taking views of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. There are four main courtyards which contain extensive gardens, pavilions, fountains, royal gates, divans, kitchens, library, and mosques.

St. Irene Museum

Then, a short walking will bring you to St. Irene Museum (Hagia Irene), one of the city's oldest and largest Byzantine-era churches and reportedly the only church not converted to a mosque during the Ottoman era. Standing within the first courtyard of Topkapi Palace, it is believed to be the city's first Christian church.

Hagia Sophia Mosque

The next visit in the morning part of your program will be St. Sophia Mosque, also known as the 'Church of Divine Wisdom'. First erected by Constantine in 325 A.D. and later rebuilt by the Holy Roman Emperor Justinian, the mosque is considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by many historians. At one time, it may have been the world's largest building, and as a manmade structure ranked only behind the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China. For many centuries, St. Sophia was the world's largest church, and today remains the fourth-largest behind St. Paul's in London, St. Peter's in Rome, and Duomo in Milan. The minarets that tower above the gigantic dome were added after Istanbul's conquest in 1453, when the church was converted into a mosque.

Lunch

After this enchanting visit, proceed for lunch to one of the best restaurants of Istanbul that specializes in traditional Ottoman Palace recipes.

Byzantine Hippodrome

After lunch, visit the Byzantine Hippodrome, once the heart of Constantinople's political and sporting life, and monuments on the site include the Snake Column from Delphi and an Egyptian Obelisk taken from the Temple of Karnak at Luxor.

Grand Bazaar

The world's largest covered market, this famous institution occupies a whole city quarter. Sections spanning a maze of lanes and alleys separate the various trades. A short orientation and general directions are offered before setting out on your own to browse the precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs. Keep your eyes out for bargains, and get ready to negotiate and soak in the unparalleled atmosphere of one the world's great merchant centres.

Following your visit, you will be transferred to Istanbul Grand Airport for your homebound flight.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Topkapi Palace, St. Irene Museum, Hagia Sophia Mosque, Byzantine Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Lunch

Note

Please note: This tour is offered to guests disembarking the ship with flights from Istanbul International Airport at 7:00pm or later and will end at the airport. This tour involves an extensive amount of walking and is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Please bring local currency or USD if you wish to purchase souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar. The tour sequence may vary. On Sunday the Grand Bazaar is closed and the visit will be replaced by a visit to the Spice Market. Modest attire is required; when visiting the St. Sophia Mosque, knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered and women must cover their heads with a scarf. Visit to St. Sophia Mosque will take place to the upper gallery floor and access via ramp and few steps. Guides’ commentary will be limited inside the mosque regarding to official rules and headsets devices will be used during the visit. As guests make their way back to the exit, they will encounter 30 steps before reaching the ramp, followed by a few steps and cobblestone road just before exit. The mosque is not wheelchair accessible.