Highlights
Istanbul

2 Days & 1 Nights

Day 1
You will be met by your guide at Istanbul International Airport and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. You will check into your hotel with some time to relax. Mid-afternoon, you will set out on a half-day tour of the wonderful highlights of Istanbul. First, you will visit the Byzantine Hippodrome, along with its famous Egyptian Obelisk, the Obelisk of Constantine, the Serpentine Column and the German Fountain. Then, you will proceed to the Blue Mosque, completed in 1616 – a triumph of harmony, proportion and elegance. The mosque was a partof a complex that consisted of a mosque, tombs, fountains, kitchens and a bath. Its 260 colorful windows enable the sunlight to reach inside. The blue Iznik tiles covering the walls lend the mosque its name.
Next, you will visit one of the greatest buildings in the world: St Sophia, the Church of the Divine Wisdom. It was built during the reign of Emperor Justinian (AD 537) and remained the greatest church in Christendom until the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Sultan Mehmet II ordered the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a Mosque. The great dome, the semi-domes, the north and south tympana and the vaults of the narthex, aisles and gallery were all covered with gold mosaics, many of which are still intact today. Finally, enjoy an orientation drive around the old city with its many ancient monuments and city walls, and the new city with its modern buildings and squares. Continue to the famous Grand Bazaar, where you will explore some of its 92 streets. The Grand Bazaar is the largest and oldest covered bazaar in Turkey, with more than 4,000 shops. A variety of Turkish handicrafts, oriental carpets, rare jewels and inexpensive souvenirs are all on the market.
At the end of the day, you will return to your hotel

Day 2
Enjoy breakfast and a transfer to your cruise ship or airport before afternoon.

INCLUDING

A deluxe air-conditioned VIP vehicle with a professional driver
All arrival and departure transfers (on private basis)
Licensed professional tour guide in preferred language (private)
Entrance fees of all the sites and museums as marked on the itinerary (on private basis)
Accommodation at 4 star hotel (standard twin/double ) room
Daily breakfast
VAT taxes

EXCLUDING

Gratuities to guide and driver
Items of a personal nature
Any items not specifically mentioned as included
Meals that are not indicated on the itinerary.