Small Group Full-Day Istanbul: Old City, Bosphorus Cruise & Lunch

1. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
   45m · Admission ticket included
   Pick up from the hotel and join the group. We begin our tour with a visit to Hagia Sophia Museum, which is considered one of the Eight Wonders of the World, occupies a unique place in the history of architectures one of the rare works of this size and age that still survives.
2. Blue Mosque
   30m
   Our next visit will be The Blue Mosque, which takes its name from the world famous exquisite blue Iznik tiles decorating its interior. Also it is the only imperial mosque in the world that was originally built with six minarets.
   
   Note: Blue Mosque is reserved for Prayer on Fridays. On Fridays, we visit the mosque from the exterior.
3. Hippodrome
   15m
   We continue to the Hippodrome Square, the sporting and social center of old Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire such as the Egyptian Obelisk, and the Serpent Column.
4. Grand Bazaar
   1h
   Brief Handicrafts Presentation & Lecture (Optional Attendance) next to the Grand Bazaar. Guest may opt to skip the presentation and explore Grand Bazaar on their own.
   
   Meeting back and drive to Lunch.
   
   Note: Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
5. Istanbul
   1h 15m
   3 Course Lunch (Beverages under your own expenses)
   
   *Vegetarian menu is also available
6. 30m
   After the lunch, we will visit the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, second largest covered bazaar in Istanbul after Grand Bazaar. It is well-known for its herbalists; the Egyptian Bazaar offers traditional natural medicines, spices, flower seeds, roots and shells of rare plants along with dried nuts and fruits, deli products and various Turkish Delights.
7. Halic
   Pass by
   After the Spice Bazaar we will drive along the shore of Golden Horn which is an inlet of the Bosphorus and it is the natural harbor of Old Istanbul.
8. Bosphorus Strait
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Then we will embark our boat for an unforgettable Cruise on the Bosphorus, the strait runs through the unique Istanbul that stands up on two different continents between Asia and Europe. During the cruise, we will have a chance to view the peerless sights ornamenting the Asian and European shores such as 19th century wooden mansions, Rumeli Fortress built only in 3 months by Mehmet the Conquerer, Anatolian Fortress, fanciful Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi palaces, and hunting lodges.

Pickup details

Note: Pickup from the hotels starts 1 hour before departure. Please check your messages to see the pick up time from your hotel. We will inform you about the pick up time from your hotel after your booking.

Pick up and drop off is included from centrally located hotels on the European Side. Pick up and drop off is also available from Cruise Ship Port. For guest staying in Airbnb and Apartments, please choose a hotel from the list located close to your address.

Dress Code:
Please note that during visits to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, mini-skirts, shorts, and low-cut dresses are not permitted. Women must cover their heads, and both men and women should wear clothing that covers the knees. If your attire does not meet these guidelines, one-time use items are available for purchase at the mosques.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• *** When visiting religious buildings such as Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, it is required to cover your shoulders and knees. A light scarf is sufficient. Scarfs can be purchased from the mosques if needed.
• *** On Fridays, the Blue Mosque is closed to touristic visits until the end of the Friday prayer. For this reason, on Fridays, Blue Mosque will be visited from the courtyard only.
• Not recommended for travellers with walking difficulties