OVERVIEW

Morning Pickup:

• Start: Pick up from your hotel in Istanbul early in the morning to make the most of the day.
• Topkapi Palace Tour: Begin your exploration at Topkapi Palace, the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years. Delve into the opulent courtyards, the lavish Harem, and the Imperial Treasury, showcasing jewels, relics, and artifacts of vast historical importance.
• Midday: Sultanahmet Square and Lunch

Sultanahmet Square:

• Stroll through Sultanahmet Square, often considered the heart of historic Istanbul. This area is rich with landmarks and is the perfect spot to appreciate the grandeur of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture side by side.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Turkish dishes, offering flavors that reflect Istanbul’s culinary heritage.
• Afternoon: Hagia Sophia and Optional Visits

Hagia Sophia:

• Tour Hagia Sophia, originally built as a cathedral, later converted into a mosque, and now a museum. Marvel at its massive dome and stunning mosaics which tell stories of Byzantine artistry and craftsmanship.

Optional Visits (If Time Permits):

• Blue Mosque: Visit the nearby Blue Mosque, renowned for its striking blue tiles and serene atmosphere.
• Basilica Cistern: Explore the Basilica Cistern, a marvel of Byzantine engineering with its underground water reservoir and meditative ambiance.
• Evening: Return or Additional Exploration

Return to Hotel:

• Reflect on a day filled with historical insights as you are driven back to your hotel.

• Optional Evening Activity: If time and energy allow, consider an evening Bosphorus cruise to see Istanbul from a different perspective, or a leisurely walk through the bustling Grand Bazaar for some souvenir shopping and experiencing the local culture.