OVERVIEW: On the Istanbul Favorites Tour; Hagia Sophia, Palace of Topkapi, Basilica Cistern, Egyptian Spice Market and the active Blue Mosque one experiences some core sites of unforgettable Istanbul, the '2010 European Capital of Culture'.  your personal licensed Archaeologous guide will show you why Istanbul was, and is, the 'crossroads of cultures'. You'll feel and experience this dynamic city that spans two continents. The cuisine, the architecture you'll see, the customs, all have a rich blending of ancient cultures that have left their marks.

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

NOT INCLUDED: entrance fees, lunch, and tips (appreciated when deserved) *Hagia Sophia is free entrance to the ground floor. If you desire to visit upstairs there is a 25 Euros entrance fee.  

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

On this full day shore excursion, you'll experience: The 1500 year old Byzantine masterpiece, Hagia Sophia. It 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 Basilica Cistern. Then the opulent landmark, the Topkapi Palace. Afterwards, time for 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 aromatic Spice Market, for gifts and souvenirs that range from teas, spices, and copper tea sets, to jewelry, silk scarves, leather goods and more.

FYI: At both Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque it is required that head, shoulders and knees not be bare. So scarves, long pants, or long skirts are appropriaate. Also, please no photos of people in prayer. PS. There are occasionally renovations in parts of the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace is closed Tuesdays. (A substitute location of Archaeological Museum is offered)

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