The Best of Istanbul
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Port
Istanbul, Turkey
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
City Tour,Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$219.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
View the best of Istanbul's stunning architecture and attractions.
Visit the impressive Blue Mosque, named for the vivid Iznik tiles which line its interior, and take a short walk to the ancient Hippodrome -- once the largest chariot racetrack of the Byzantine Empire.
Browse on your own at the amazing Topkapi Palace -- official residence of the Ottoman Sultans -- with courts, pavilions, mosques.
After lunch at a city hotel, you will stop at the jewel in Turkey's Byzantine crown -- the Museum of St Sophia. This splendid Church of Divine Wisdom was originally built in the 6th century, and was lovingly restored in the 1900s, reflecting the true history of the glorious city of Istanbul.
Pause at the Grand Bazaar for a little shopping and a demonstration of carpet weaving.
Notes:
Expect dense traffic conditions in Istanbul. Modest attire is required; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered and women must cover their head with a scarf, which will be provided by Blue Mosque. Shoes must be removed to enter mosque(s). Shoe bags will be provided. There is no visit to the harem section at Topkapi Palace. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience. All tours in the Old Town require considerable walking, as it is closed to traffic. The covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and during Ramadan; shopping will take place in stores just outside the Grand Bazaar.