Morning: Breakfast in hotel Afternoon: Hagia Sophia Walking Tour From Istanbul This impressive building was used as a church for 916 years but following the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottoman Empire; it was converted into a mosque. Afterwards, it was used as a mosque for 482 years. Under the order of Atatürk, the father of the modern Turkish Republic, it was converted into an international museum. A visit to Hagia Sophia is a walk into the history of the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire and the modern Turkish Republic. Because of its dual religious usage over the centuries, the interior of Hagia Sophia is a fascinating mix of Byzantine and Ottoman splendour. The impressive İznik mosaic tiles, the stunning Virgin Mary mosaic, Ottoman tombs and the weeping column are the iconic symbols that you will see during this tour.

Morning: Breakfast in hotel Afternoon: This half day morning tour explores the magnificent buildings of the Old City, visiting Suleymaniye Mosque, the Hippodrome, The Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent - Built by the master architect Sinan, Istanbul’s largest mosque represents the power and dignity of one of the greatest Ottoman sultans. Hippodrome – Once the centre for sports and entertainment in old Constantinople, the Roman capital, it was also a very important centre for politics. The Blue Mosque – Named after the delicate designs of the Ottoman tiles which decorate the walls of the shrine, the mosque is identifiable by its’ six minarets. Haghia Sophia – Boasting the 4th largest dome in the world, this stunning building began as a Byzantine basilica built in the 6th century AD during the reign of Justinian and was an architectural innovation at the time. Converted to a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of the city, by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453, it was converted to a museum in 1935 and is a ‘must-see’ on a visit to Istanbul. Grand Bazaar – This world-famous covered bazaar is where people have been trading diamonds, carpets, leather, copperware, food and perfumes for centuries and is steeped in mystique. A short demonstration of Turkish rugs is included in the tour.

Morning: Breakfast in hotel Discover two fascinating sides of Istanbul with a cruise along the Bosphorous and a bus trip exploring the roots of the city. Immerse yourself in a rich, vibrant history and landscape while exploring this wondrous cultural landscape. Make your way to the shores of the Bosphorous, board a boat, and head out into the waters. cruising along the shoreline, gaze at the views of the opulent Dolmabahce Palace and the simplicity of the solitary Leanders Tower. Remark at the expansive suspension bridges connecting the city, the grandeur of the Rumeli Fortress, and the many fine seaside mansions. Afterwards, climb Pierre Loti Hill by cable car and enjoy the fantastic panoramic views of the city below, before boarding a bus and heading into the streets. the northern bank of the Golden Horn, dive into a dynamic immigrant district with a long-standing history. Settled long ago by Byzantine Jews and Italian traders, drive through history in Balat, viewing the extravagance of the Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian. Visit the stately Jewish Hospital and the picturesque facade of the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate. See the long Byzantine City Walls, the strongest fortification of the middle age. An opportunity to experience two unique sides of this captivating city on the sea, be drawn into the allure of Istanbul from the amazing scenery along the water's edge of the Bosphorous, by ground through Balat, and from the soaring heights of the cable car.