Find your guide at the meeting point or enjoy the convenience of being picked up from centrally-located hotels in Istanbul. Sit back and relax in an airconditioned coach with plenty of space on your way to the departure point.
Begin your tour with a visit to the magnificent Blue Mosque, renowned for its 20,000 hand-painted blue Iznik tiles and six elegant minarets. Learn how this architectural masterpiece was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I and stands as the last great mosque of the Classical Ottoman period.
Next, step into the heart of ancient Constantinople at the Hippodrome, once the city’s vibrant social and sporting centre. Admire historical monuments including the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Bronze Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Column of Constantine. Visit the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century marvel built by Emperor Justinian as a Greek Orthodox church. Discover the building’s rich history as it transitioned from church to mosque and later into a museum—standing as the world’s largest church for nearly a millennium.
Before reaching the Grand Bazaar, enjoy a brief stop at a local shop—an ideal opportunity to pick up authentic souvenirs and handcrafted goods. Then, gather in front of the Grand Bazaar’s main gate to hear fascinating insights about its rich history. Afterwards, explore the Grand Bazaar at your own pace. Lose yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the world’s oldest and largest covered market, with 65 bustling streets and over 4,000 shops offering everything from carpets and jewellery to spices, ceramics, and more.
In the afternoon, after the free time for Lunch, board a comfortable coach for a scenic drive along the Golden Horn. With your guide narrating the history, spot traditional wooden houses, historic churches, synagogues, mosques and remnants of the ancient Roman Wall. Ascend Pierre Loti Hill by bus for panoramic views of the Golden Horn, then glide down by cable car, capturing postcard-perfect photos of Istanbul’s skyline along the way.
Visit the revered Eyüp Sultan Mosque and the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a close companion of Prophet Muhammad. Learn how this sacred site became the ceremonial location for the coronation of Ottoman sultans, where they were girded with the Sword of Osman at the start of their reigns. Sample traditional Turkish treats like apple tea, baklava, and Turkish delight at a nearby shop.
Wrap up your day with a relaxing Bosphorus cruise. Sail between Europe and Asia as you admire the city’s stunning waterfront landmarks including the Golden Horn, Topkapı Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, Hagia Sophia, Maiden’s Tower, Galata Tower, Blue Mosque and Ortaköy Mosque. Take in the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus bridges that connect two continents. At the end of your unforgettable day, return to your original pickup point by coach.
