Ottoman Wonders With Visit to Spice Market

Rejoice in the stunning architecture and enticing aromas of Istanbul on this alluring tour of the Suleymaniye Mosque and Topkapi Palace, the latter included as jewels of Istanbul’s UNESCO World Heritage site designation and roam a fragrant market. Travel to Suleymaniye Mosque, a magnificent monument atop the waterfront skyline of Istanbul. It is a work, which typifies the Ottoman Empire at its peak, and holds the graves of Sultan Suleyman, and the greatest imperial architect of the era, Mimar Sinan. Upon the hill where the Acropolis of Byzantium once stood, discover the walled Topkapi Palace, official residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Marvel at its mosques and elaborate pavilions, where rich collections of French, Japanese and Chinese porcelain are on display. You’ll visit the sprawling and exotically fragranced Spice Market, constructed in 1664 as part of an imperial mosque complex, and experience the sights, sounds and smells of its seemingly endless supply of spices, dried fruits and locally made merchandise such as jewelry and pottery. You’ll long remember your immersion into Istanbul’s bewitching wonders.

• 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.