ISTANBUL CLASSICS AND HIGHLIGHTS FULL DAY WITH LUNCH

HIGHLIGHTS: HAGIA SOPHIA, GERMAN FOUNTAIN, HIPPODROME, BLUE MOSQUE, HAGIA IRENE CHURCH (FROM OUTSIDE), TOPKAPI PALACE, GRAND BAZAAR.

This tour is a must in Istanbul. You will begin the day with Hagia Sophia — The Church of Divine Wisdom. Next, you willsee the German Fountain — a gift of Kaiser Wilhelm 2. And listen the stories of his liaison with the orient. Hippodrome, where the chariot races were organized by the Romans andByzantines, Blue Mosque-the only mosque with six minarets and its surroundings will beour next place to visit. TopkapıMuseum is the big one...the most important museum of Turkey and the Balkan Peninsula. It is an incomparably rich treasure-chest, brimming with things of historical importance. First, second, third and fourth courtyards; the Audience Hall, Divan-the High Court, Historical Kitchens, Royal Stables, the Treasury, gardens, kiosks…Probably the best commentary on Ottoman History, art and its culture is simply to come direct to the First Courtyard of this amazing Palace. Last place to see is Hagia Irene Church (from outside). To see these things with a great guide...well, you will never be quite the same again. Following the visits your guide will take you the Grand Bazaar for demonstration of Turkish Handicrafts.