Turkey

Description

Meet your tour guide in your hotel or at the port and start the tour with the highlights of Istanbul. Visit Hagia Sophia where the ancient cultures of East and West speak to you with a clear voice. This building is a great blend of Christian and Islamic influences with a beautiful interior of impressive mosaics and a very significant history. Learn about its history since it was built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Head to the Hippodrome, where the chariot races were held during the Roman Empire. Go to the German Fountain which is a must-see monument in Istambul. Blue Mosque, built in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmet I. Admire this truly magnificent masterpiece of architecture with amazingly delicate proportions for a building of such a massive scale. The blue shade of the 27.000 pieces of Iznik quartz tiles gives the mosque its name and 6 towering minarets give it its uniquely recognizable structure. Then, explore the Grand Bazaar which is one of the biggest markets in the world with over 4000 shops. Visit Topkapi Palace, an imperial residence of Ottoman sultans.