OVERVIEW: On the Istanbul Favorites; Hagia Sophia, Palace of Topkapi, Basilica Cistern tour, one experiences some core sites of unforgettable Istanbul, the 2010 European Capital of Culture.  Our Archaeologous guide will show you why Istanbul was, and is, the crossroads of cultures. Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents and has the rich blending of ancient cultures that have left their marks on the cuisine, architecture and customs.

INCLUDED: licensed guide (languages available -request when booking), A/C vehicle and dependable driver

NOT INCLUDED: entrance fees, lunch, and tips (appreciated when deserved)

HIGHLIGHTS: Hagia Sophia, Underground Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, time for lunch, and the Spice (Egyptian) Market 

You will experience: The Hagia Sophia, the 1500 year old Byzantine masterpiece, was the largest building in the world for over 1,000 years. It's still universally considered one of the most beautiful buildings ever built. The exotic underground 'foot ball field' size Basilica Cistern was an engineering wonder and now used for concerts and movies. (James Bond 007 thriller). Then the opulent landmark, the Topkapi Palace, afterwards a great Turkish lunch before continuing on to the glorious Blue Mosque. This building's entire interior is an exquisite piece of art and is covered with over twenty thousand hand painted tiles and two hundred sixty stained glass windows. Last, is the exciting, colorful and dramatic Spice Market, for gifts and souvenirs that range from teas, spices, and copper tea sets, to jewelry, silk scarves, leather goods and more.

Our professional Guarantee—With our combined 80 + years of dependable customer service, you can be assured you will arrive back to your cruise ship in a timely fashion and we will not take you to shops to profit.

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