Best of Istanbul

Admire Istanbul’s must-see landmarks on this fascinating tour that features several sites included in the city’s coveted UNESCO World Heritage site designation as well as a delicious lunch. Enjoy a short drive to the early 17th-century Blue Mosque, the world’s only mosque featuring six minarets, which was built and named after Sultan Ahmed I and whose colorful moniker derives from the 21,000 blue-green Iznik tiles that adorn the interior. Nearby, you’ll notice the remains of the city’s ancient hippodrome, once a popular circus for entertainment and sporting events, especially chariot racing, during the glory days of Constantinople. See the remarkable Hagia Sophia from outside. Atop the hill where the Acropolis of Byzantium once stood, you’ll discover the walled Topkapi Palace, official residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years and now a museum focused on the imperial era. Following a delightful buffet lunch at an exclusive Istanbul hotel, savor time on your own at the Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest covered market, the perfect way to cap off your marvelous excursion.

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Dress appropriately for a mosque visit; men should wear long trousers and women should cover their hair, arms and knees.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.