Day 2
Istanbul City Tour
(Open buffet breakfast included)
We depart at 08.30 for the Istanbul city tour. First, TOPKAPI PALACE; The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing 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, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. HIPPODROME Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Lunch break and then we head to Grand Spice Bazaar which is a unique atmosphere with reasonable prices for your shopping on many Exotic Spices and Herbs, Turkish Baklava, Turkish Delights, Turkish Coffee, nuts and fruits, small souvenirs such as Ceramic Handicrafts, Evil Eyes totems, all-natural olive oil, soaps and many other goods in Souvenir Shops and stores. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
Please Note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. If your tour is on one of these days we would offer you to visit Hagia Sophia instead of Topkapi Palace museum