ISTANBUL SHORE EXCURSIONS

Halfday Program Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Nur-u Osmaniye, Grand Bazaar
Meet your official Turkish guide at Karakoy Pier and continue to the Old City of Istanbul. Start your sightseeing from the Hippodrome Square where chariot races and shows of violence were practiced during the Roman Era. Continue to Blue Mosque to see its gorgeous interior décor composed of floral tiles made of quartz. Following is the tour of Basilica of Hagia Sophia that is the greatest inheritance of Byzantine architecture in the city dating back to 6th century. Istanbul has been center of trade for many centuries and today you will get to visit the neighborhood of Nur-u Osmaniye where the Grand Bazaar exists, and have some leisurely time to look for bargains in handmade souvenirs such as rugs, jewelry, and antiques. After experiencing the excitement of shopping, you will be transferred back to Karakoy Pier.

Please note that Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays. Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Nur-u Osmaniye district stores are open all through the week.

Halfday Program Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Nur-u Osmaniye, Grand Bazaar
Meet your official Turkish guide at Karakoy Pier and continue to the Old City of Istanbul. Start your sightseeing from the Hippodrome Square where once was standing a gigantic structure where the Romans organized chariot races. Head on to Blue Mosque, built in 1616 and famed for its turquoise colored tiles. Istanbul was the Capital of Ottoman Empire and this morning you will be touring Topkapi Palace where the Sultans lived and ruled their territories. Your eyes will be dazzled seeing the glittering diamonds in the Treasury where you will be exposed to immense wealth in the form of golden candle holders, golden thrones, medallions, and armory of diamonds! Continue to Nur-u Osmaniye district where the Grand Bazaar is, enjoy your leisure time for bargain hunting in jewelry , rugs, and many other fine artworks. After the fun of shopping, you will be transferred to Karakoy Pier.

Please note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Nur-u Osmaniye district stores are open all through the week.

Halfday Program Hagia Sophia, Byzantine Cistern, Nur-u Osmaniye, Grand Bazaar
Meet your official Turkish guide at Karakoy Pier and continue the Old City of Istanbul. Istanbul was called the Capital of East Roman Empire and this morning you will have the opportunity to see most important relics of Byzantine Architecture. Start your morning with the sightseeing Hagia Sophia built by Justinian the Great in 6th century and was known for its massive dome. Continue to Byzantine Cistern that was built the same emperor for the purpose of storing water against the threat of siege. The cistern features a forest of Roman Columns and there is no other structure with such architecture in any place else in the world. Continue to Nur- u Osmaniye district where Grand Bazaar is located, to have some joy of shopping for handmade, fine quality souvenirs that Istanbul is famous for.

Please note that Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays. Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Nur-u Osmaniye district stores are open all through the week.

Halfday Program Chora Church, Byzantine Cistern, Nur-u Osmaniye, Grand Bazaar
Meet your official Turkish guide at Karakoy Pier and continue to the Old City of Istanbul. Istanbul was called the Capital of East Roman Empire and this morning you will have the opportunity to see most important relics of Byzantine Architecture. Start your morning with the sightseeing Chora Church built by Emperor John Comnenus and is known for golden mosaics massive dome. Continue to Byzantine Cistern that was built the same emperor for the purpose of storing water against the threat of siege. The cistern features a forest of Roman Columns and there is no other structure with such architecture in any place else in the world. Continue to Nur- u Osmaniye district where Grand Bazaar is located, to have some joy of shopping for handmade, fine quality souvenirs that Istanbul is famous for.

Please note that Chora Church is closed on Wednesdays. Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Nur-u Osmaniye district stores are open all through the week.

Fullday Program (SEI 6) Hippodrome Square, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Nur-u Osmaniye, Grand Bazaar. (Lunch included)
Meet your official Turkish guide at Karakoy Pier and continue to the Old City of Istanbul. Start your sightseeing from the Hippodrome Square where chariot races and shows of violence were practiced during the Roman Era. Continue to Blue Mosque to see its gorgeous interior décor composed of floral tiles made of quartz. Following is the tour of Basilica of Hagia Sophia, the greatest inheritance of Byzantine architecture in the city dating back to 6th century. Istanbul was the Capital of Ottoman Empire and this morning you will be touring Topkapi Palace where the Sultans lived and ruled their territories. Your eyes will be dazzled seeing the glittering diamonds in the Treasury where you will be exposed to immense wealth in the form of golden candle holders, golden thrones, medallions, and armory of diamonds! Enjoy your lunch at the restaurant of the palace overlooking the spectacular view of Bosphorus. Continue to Nur-u Osmaniye district where the Grand Bazaar is, enjoy your leisure time for bargain hunting in jewelry, rugs, and many other fine artworks. After the fun of shopping, you will be transferred to Karakoy Pier.

Please note that Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays, Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Nur-u Osmaniye district stores are open all through the week.