What to expect
Central four-star hotel
Cruise the Bosphorus
Visit the Hagia Sophia
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About this trip...
- Return flights & transfers
- Airport taxes & charges
- Single Room
- Daily Breakfast & 1x Dinner
- Welcome drink
- Bosphorus Cruise on private boat
- Three guided tours
- Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
- Fully financially protected
- Insurance click here
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrival Day
- Dinner included
Day Two: Egyptian Spice Bazaar & Bosphorus Cruise
- Breakfast included
Day Three: Hippodrome, Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia
After breakfast, we begin our day exploring the fascinating city of Istanbul. We begin at the remains of the Hippodrome, once decorated with marble statuary and columns. In its heyday, it was the site of chariot races and the focal point of the city’s civic life. The remains of some of its walls are still visible as is an obelisk brought from Egypt in 390 AD by Theodosius I. Next we visit the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Built during the period of 1609-1617, it is also known as the 'Blue Mosque' thanks to the light that shines through over 2,500 stained glass windows and reflects onto the dark blue Iznik tiles within. The final stop today will be the breathtaking 'Hagia Sophia' - one of the largest historical Christian shrines ever built with its rich mosaic murals, colossal columns and exposition of divine serenity.
- Breakfast included
Day Four: Topkapi Palace & The Grand Bazaar
Today we explore the Topkapi Palace where, in the 15th Century, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror started the first stages of its construction. The famous Topkapi is built around four inter-connecting courtyards. We view the many treasures of the Ottoman sultans, including fine porcelains, gem encrusted objects d’art, traditional armour and imperial costumes, stunning tile work and sacred relics of the Christian and Islamic faiths. Afterwards, explore the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi), one of the world's oldest shopping malls. To this day, it maintains its charm and bustle, with its indoor and outdoor sections. We can breathe in the vivacious atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar with a sip of Turkish coffee whilst checking the exciting variety of handcrafted souvenirs!
- Breakfast included
Day Five: Departure Day
After breakfast, we have further free time to explore before our transfer back to the airport for our flight home.
- Breakfast included