Tour overview

This package offers a captivating Istanbul City Tour along with one-night accommodation, providing a wonderful chance to discover the enchanting beauty of Istanbul’s Old City while enjoying top-notch service.

Highlights

• Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya):Start your day at this architectural marvel, which has served as a basilica, mosque, and now a museum. Its vast dome and stunning mosaics are truly breathtaking.
• Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque):Just a short walk from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is known for its impressive blue tiles and serene interior. Be mindful of prayer times and dress modestly.
• Explore the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans. Don’t miss the Harem section and the Treasury, which houses the Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond.
• Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı):Wander through one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs, spices, and Turkish delights.

Itinerary

 Day 1: Istanbul – Arrival Day

Welcome to Turkey (Istanbul Airport). You will be transferred to your hotel, where you will check in with the TSG team. The rest of the day is yours to explore Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

Please remember that you can spend the night with one of TSG’s optional tours: the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, the Whirling Dervish Show, or the Rythm Dance Show. 

VISITED PLACES

 Day 2: Istanbul City Tour

(Open buffet breakfast included)

After breakfast, at 08.30 a.m., the tour will depart for a gorgeous Istanbul City Tour. The first stop is the Topkapi Palace; the great palace of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. At the same time, it houses an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the imperial treasury, miniatures, and the holy mantle, enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed.

The second stop of the tour is Sultanahmet Square, where the Sultanahmet Mosque salutes the Hagia Sophia and the German Fountain. The Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, which was built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is also known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Next, the tour will explore the Hippodrome; the site of ancient chariot races, and the home of three ancient monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. When you reach the other end of the Hippodrome, the Hagia Sophia Mosque will meet you with all its grandeur.

After a delectable lunch break, the tour will visit the unique Leather Factory for a leather fashion show. TSG will then take you to the bazaar, where you can find authentic goods. The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme, and various herbs and spices.

Please note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, the Bascilica Cistern can be an alternative. For the night, our guests can experience an optional Bosphorus Dinner Cruise as well. Please contact your consultant for both attractions’ details. Remember to bring a headscarf when visiting religious sites such as the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Mosque.

The tour will end with the transportation; however, you can sign up to take advantage of TSG credits, and this is the best way to snag credits and use them for your next trips as a discount, as well as to hear about the hot deals according to your interests.