Classical Constantinople

Day 1

Arrival & transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free to explore. Overnight in hotel in Istanbul. Meal plan: N/A

Day 2

Full day walking tour of Sultan Ahmet. The tour will start with Sultan Ahmet Square and the Hippodrome. You will visit Sultan Ahmet Mosque, also known as “the Blue Mosque“ famous for its striking blue Iznik tiles and 6 minarets. On the opposite side of the Sultan Ahmet Square you will visit Hagha Sophia; once the grandest church of its era and a work of engineering genius, Hagha Sophia also has one of the most highly regarded mosaics of Christ and the Mother Mary. After Hagha Sophia, you will visit Topkapi Palace, home to the Ottoman Sultans for hundreds of years. With its extensive collection of Ottoman artefacts and an incredible jewellery collection you will get an insight into the lives of the Ottoman sultans. The Palace also commands an outstanding location overlooking the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn so that you can look across to Asia. After visiting Topkapi Palace you will be taken to Grand Bazaar to see one of the oldest and most colourful souks of our time. Return back to the hotel. Evening free. Overnight in hotel in Istanbul. Meal plan: B

Day 3

Full day sightseeing tour of Istanbul starting with the Spice Market and Rustem Pasha Mosque, followed by a 90 minute boat ride in the famous Bosphorous river. Have a lunch in Ortakoy Village on the banks of the Bosphorous. After lunch visit the stunning Dolmabahce Palace. Evening is free to explore further or simply relax. Meal plan: B

Day 4

Morning free. Transfer back to the airport. Meal plan: B