You will be picked up from your hotel at 8:30 a.m. after breakfast for the Istanbul Old City Tour.
Today we will visit St. (Haghia) Sophia, which was constructed by Emperor Justinian. For more than 1000 years, it was the world's biggest structure. See the exquisite mosaics and massive central dome. (St. Sophia is closed on Monday). Continue your tour to Topkapi Palace, which the Ottoman Sultans utilized from the 15th to 19th centuries. We will also see an incredible collection of rare diamonds, crystal, silver, and china, sultans' robes, and prophet Mohammed's relics. (Entrance to the Harem is additional).
Following lunch, we will visit the Blue Mosque, which is a magnificent piece of architecture with six minarets and 20,000 gorgeous Iznik tiles. Visit the old Hippodrome, which has Theodosius' Obelisk, Snake Pillar, and Wilhelm II's German Fountain. Explore the hidden lanes of Old Istanbul, including the lovely small Hagia Sophia mosque and the Grand Covered Bazaar. After the tour, transfer to your accommodation. Overnight stay at a 4-star hotel in Istanbul.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch