City of Sultans

Welcome to Turkey! Arrive Istanbul airport and transfer to your hotel in Sultanahmet. Rest of day free.

This morning embark upon a fully guided tour of the only city that spans two continents, Europe and Asia. Before lunch, visit the Hippodrome area - famed as the centre of Byzantine life for 1000 years and of Ottoman life for another 400! Continuing, explore the stunning Blue Mosque and the exterior of the Hagia Sophia, built by Emperor Justinian. Once a church, then a mosque, today it is a museum. After lunch, visit Topkapi Palace, residence of the sultans for almost 4 centuries and finally the Grand Bazaar, (if open) housing some 4000 stalls selling a wide range of goods including gold, carpets, leather, clothing and Turkish handicrafts.

Today, visit the Egyptian Spice market (stock up on bargain saffron, spices and Turkish Delight here) before enjoying a cruise on the Bosphorus - the body of water that separates European Istanbul from Asian Istanbul. Later, visit the Beyerbeyi Palace in all its sultanate splendour and take in the stunning views atop the city’s highest point - Buyuk Camlica. Return to your hotel and spend the remains of the day at leisure.

Arrangements end after breakfast.