Today, after breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel by your driver and guide to begin your city tour. You will visit the Blue Mosque, where you can admire its magnificent architecture, intricate tilework, and grand interior while learning about its historical significance as one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. The tour continues to the Hippodrome of Constantinople (At Meydanı), once the center of the city’s social and sporting life, where chariot races, festivals, and political gatherings were held; here you can see historic monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Walled Obelisk. You will also view the Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Serifi (Hagia Sophia) from the outside, a world heritage mosque known for its remarkable architecture and rich history. Next, you will see Topkapi Palace from the outside, a grand residence that served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years and home to its sultans. The tour concludes with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, featuring around 4,000 shops offering a wide variety of goods, along with excellent shopping opportunities at famous Turkish delight stores, leather shops, and traditional handmade carpet outlets. Enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch during the tour, and at the end of your sightseeing experience, you will be dropped back at your hotel or preferred location.
