Daily Excursions

Your driver and licensed expert guide will meet you in front of Istanbul's Cruise port arrival Terminal. You'll drive along the old city walls and under the ancient Roman aqueduct on the way to view the best of Istanbul's stunning architecture and attractions. The impressive Roman Hippodrome was once used for chariot races and today is your first stop.

You visit the beautiful Blue Mosque which is named for the vivid Iznik tiles lining its interior. With the full day tour you are certain to hear the calls to prayer as they echo throughout the city center five times a day.

Next you will walk through the amazing Topkapi Palace. This large complex of buildings was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans and includes the courts, pavilions, mosques, fountains and a treasury. In the Sultan's chapel you can hear the Imam reading continually from the Koran.

After a stop for lunch you visit the jewel in Turkey's Byzantine crown, the Museum of St. Sophia (Haghia Sophia). This splendid Church of Divine Wisdom was originally built in the 4th century AD as a Christian Basilica and later was converted to a Mosque. It was lovingly restored in the 1900s, reflecting the true history of this glorious city astride two continents.

Later this afternoon you'll visit the Grand Bazaar which houses more than 4,000 stalls selling local goods. Or if you prefer, you can request to visit the Egyptian Spice Market.