Silversea Luxury Cruises To ISTANBUL

Visit the main highlights of Istanbul with your exclusive guide on this full day excursion by private vehicle.

Your private tour will involve:

Blue Mosque, Byzantine Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia Mosque, and Grand Bazaar

Free time for lunch at your leisure will be included in the itinerary and your guide will be able to make recommendations based on your requirements.

Detailed Itinerary:

The Blue Mosque

One of two supreme imperial mosques of the Ottoman Empire. Your day will start here, at one of the most famous religious monuments in the world, whose splendor is absolutely staggering. Inside the vast, peaceful space of this colossal building, carpeted with soft patterned rugs, are 20,000 brilliant blue glazed tiles, decorating every graceful column and arching dome with a beautiful floral motif. The overwhelming sense of space and of quiet intensity here evokes feelings that can't be forgotten. The formula for the tile glaze has long been lost, and not one of those 20,000 tiles can ever be copied or replaced.

The Blue Mosque also houses a museum of antique Turkish rugs with rare examples from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century.

The Hippodrome

Continue on to the Hippodrome, where you can picture yourself an other side of ancient life. Here, Byzantine entertainment took place, including violent gladiator fights, chariot races, and other sporting events. With seating for 100,000, this enormous stadium was at the center of Constantinople's entertainment and political life.

Topkapi Palace

The next visit will be Topkapi Palace, which was the seat of the Ottoman Empire for nearly four centuries, and from where the sultans ruled over large portions of the globe. The palace, completed in 1465 and 1478, has some marvelous views both across the Bosphorus to the Sea of Marmara, and across the Golden Horn to the skyline of Galata and greater Istanbul. The Palace was in effect a self-contained city of its own, with a population of around 4,000 people, and covering an area of 70 hectares. 25 Sultans, from Sultan Mehmet II to Abdulmecit, over the course of 400 years, lived here in opulence. In 1924, only one year after Ataturk proclaimed the Turkish Republic, its official functions ceased and it was converted into a museum. Walk the grounds, explore the gardens once trodden over by Sultans, viziers, guards and women of the harem, and you will have a glimpse into a way of life that no longer exists. On you private tour you will see several sections of the Topkapi Museum's collections, including a Porcelain display containing one of the world's richest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain, and the Treasury, containing the treasures accumulated over the course of Ottoman rule, including the 86-carat Spoonmaker Diamond and the equally impressive Emerald Dagger. (The Harem Section visit is not included; however it can be arranged upon request).

Lunch at Leisure

After completing the visit, free time will be provided to enjoy a local lunch.

The Grand Bazaar

During your lunch break you may opt to visit the Grand Bazaar, a massive, historically important covered bazaar (the largest covered shopping space in the world), that can tempt even the thriftiest of shoppers with its unfathomable collection of precious handmade carpets, jewelry, leather and souvenirs.

Haghia Sophia

Continue to Haghia Sophia, the 6th-century Byzantine church whose name means "Divine Wisdom", and which has been nominated the 8th wonder of the world by many historians. At one time, it may have been the largest building on the world's entire surface, and as a manmade structure ranked behind only the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China. For many centuries it stood as the largest church in the world, and today remains the 4th largest, behind St. Paul's in London, St. Peter's in Rome and the Duomo in Milan. The minarets that now tower above the gigantic dome were added after the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, when the church was converted into a mosque. As a testament to its grandeur, the greatest Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan, once attested that he had spent his entire life trying to surpass its technical achievements. Upon completing the visit, free time will be provided for lunch

Scenic City Drive

At the end of the tour you will have an orientation drive through the oldest residential district of the city along the Golden Horn before returning to the pier

Visit the main highlights of Istanbul with your exclusive guide on this full day excursion by private vehicle.

Your private tour will involve:

Blue Mosque, Byzantine Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia Mosque, and Grand Bazaar

Free time for lunch at your leisure will be included in the itinerary and your guide will be able to make recommendations based on your requirements.

For the detailed itinerary of this private excursion, please see the description of IST-104.

Visit the main highlights of Istanbul with your exclusive guide on this full day excursion by private vehicle.

Your private tour will involve:

Blue Mosque, Byzantine Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia Mosque, and Grand Bazaar

Free time for lunch at your leisure will be included in the itinerary and your guide will be able to make recommendations based on your requirements.

For the detailed itinerary of this private excursion, please see the description of IST-104.

Visit the main highlights of Istanbul with your exclusive guide on this full day excursion by private vehicle.

Your private tour will involve:

Blue Mosque, Byzantine Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia Mosque, and Grand Bazaar

Free time for lunch at your leisure will be included in the itinerary and your guide will be able to make recommendations based on your requirements.

For the detailed itinerary of this private excursion, please see the description of IST-104.

Visit the main highlights of Istanbul with your exclusive guide on this two-day excursion by private vehicle.

Your private tour will involve:

DAY 1: Blue Mosque, Byzantine Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar

DAY 2: Tekfur Palace, Chora Mosque, St. Sophia Mosque, Underground Cistern, Spice Market

Free time for lunch at your leisure will be included in the itinerary and your guide will be able to make recommendations based on your requirements.

Detailed Itinerary:

DAY 1

The Blue Mosque

One of two supreme imperial mosques of the Ottoman Empire. Your day will start here, at one of the most famous religious monuments in the world, whose splendor is absolutely staggering. Inside the vast, peaceful space of this colossal building, carpeted with soft patterned rugs, are 20,000 brilliant blue glazed tiles, decorating every graceful column and arching dome with a beautiful floral motif. The overwhelming sense of space and of quiet intensity here evokes feelings that can't be forgotten. The formula for the tile glaze has long been lost, and not one of those 20,000 tiles can ever be copied or replaced.

The Blue Mosque also houses a museum of antique Turkish rugs with rare examples from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century.

The Hippodrome

Continue on to the Hippodrome, where you can picture yourself an other side of ancient life. Here, Byzantine entertainment took place, including violent gladiator fights, chariot races, and other sporting events. With seating for 100,000, this enormous stadium was at the center of Constantinople's entertainment and political life.

Topkapi Palace

The next visit will be Topkapi Palace, which was the seat of the Ottoman Empire for nearly four centuries, and from where the sultans ruled over large portions of the globe. The palace, completed in 1465 and 1478, has some marvelous views both across the Bosphorus to the Sea of Marmara, and across the Golden Horn to the skyline of Galata and greater Istanbul. The Palace was in effect a self-contained city of its own, with a population of around 4,000 people, and covering an area of 70 hectares. 25 Sultans, from Sultan Mehmet II to Abdulmecit, over the course of 400 years, lived here in opulence. In 1924, only one year after Ataturk proclaimed the Turkish Republic, its official functions ceased and it was converted into a museum. Walk the grounds, explore the gardens once trodden over by Sultans, viziers, guards and women of the harem, and you will have a glimpse into a way of life that no longer exists. On you private tour you will see several sections of the Topkapi Museum's collections, including a Porcelain display containing one of the world's richest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain, and the Treasury, containing the treasures accumulated over the course of Ottoman rule, including the 86-carat Spoonmaker Diamond and the equally impressive Emerald Dagger. (The Harem Section visit is not included as it has a separate entrance fee; however it can be arranged upon request).

Lunch at Leisure

After completing the visit, free time will be provided to enjoy a local lunch.

The Grand Bazaar

Following lunch it will be time for the Grand Bazaar, a massive, historically important covered bazaar (the largest covered shopping space in the world), that can tempt even the thriftiest of shoppers with its unfathomable collection of precious handmade carpets, jewelry, leather and souvenirs.

Scenic City Drive

At the end of the tour you will have an orientation drive through the oldest residential district of the city along the Golden Horn before returning to the pier

DAY 2

Tekfur Palace

The day starts with a visit to Tekfur Palace, it is the only palace to survive from the Byzantine Blaherne Palace complex in Istanbul.

Chora Mosque

The next visit will be the Church of Chora, now known now as the Chora Mosque. This church, whose name means "outside the city", was built here in some form before the 5th century Roman city walls were built. The existing structure, however, dates to the 11th-14th centuries, and is renowned for its exquisite interior decorations, with paneled frescoes and mosaics that are true masterpieces of "the Renaissance" of Byzantine art. The mosaic panels depict scenes from the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary. When the church was converted into a mosque, these incredible works of art were covered over and whitewashed, but have since been restored and cleaned, after 1950, by the Byzantine Institute of the USA.

Haghia Sophia

Continue to Haghia Sophia, the 6th-century Byzantine church whose name means "Divine Wisdom", and which has been nominated the 8th wonder of the world by many historians. At one time, it may have been the largest building on the world's entire surface, and as a manmade structure ranked behind only the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China. For many centuries it stood as the largest church in the world, and today remains the 4th largest, behind St. Paul's in London, St. Peter's in Rome and the Duomo in Milan. The minarets that now tower above the gigantic dome were added after the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, when the church was converted into a mosque. As a testament to its grandeur, the greatest Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan, once attested that he had spent his entire life trying to surpass its technical achievements. Upon completing the visit, free time will be provided for lunch

The Underground Cistern

The next visit after the lunch will be the Underground Cistern, the largest and most magnificent covered cistern in Istanbul. The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici), as it is known, is in fact not a basilica at all, but an enormous, cavernous water storage tank built under Emperor Justinian in 532 AD. The cistern was used to satisfy the growing demands of an expanding city, and supplied the Great Palace area with water during extended sieges. Its 80,000 cubic meters of water were pumped all the way from the Black Sea through an extensive system of aqueducts. Today, as you marvel at the awesome size of this underground structure from long ago, classical music plays above the walkways, carp swim below, and water drips from the ceiling and onto one of the 336 massive columns supporting the roof, each over 8 meters (26 feet) high.

The Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market)

Finally stop at the Egyptian Bazaar, which was built in 1664 as part of the Yeni Cami complex and is so named because the shopkeepers here used to sell spices and herbs brought from or through Egypt. During the Ottoman period, in fact, only spices were sold here. Today it contains a wide variety of shops selling goods including dried fruit, pastries, basketwork, jewelry, haberdashery, drapery, and of course, spices.

Pera & Galata Districts

After completing the visits, you will have an orientation tour of the famous Pera and Galata District of the city before returning to the pier.

Visit the main highlights of Istanbul with your exclusive guide on this two-day excursion by private vehicle.

Your private tour will involve:

DAY 1: Blue Mosque, Byzantine Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar

DAY 2: Tekfur Palace, Chora Mosque, St. Sophia Mosque, Underground Cistern, Spice Market

Free time for lunch at your leisure will be included in the itinerary and your guide will be able to make recommendations based on your requirements.

For the detailed itinerary of the private excursion please see the description of IST-100

Visit the main highlights of Istanbul with your exclusive guide on this two-day excursion by private vehicle.

Your private tour will involve:

DAY 1: Blue Mosque, Byzantine Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar

DAY 2: Tekfur Palace, Chora Mosque, St. Sophia Mosque, Underground Cistern, Spice Market

Free time for lunch at your leisure will be included in the itinerary and your guide will be able to make recommendations based on your requirements.

For the detailed itinerary of the private excursion, please see the description of IST-100

Visit the main highlights of Istanbul with your exclusive guide on this two-day excursion by private vehicle.

Your private tour will involve:

DAY 1: Blue Mosque, Byzantine Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar

DAY 2: Tekfur Palace, Chora Mosque, St. Sophia Mosque, Underground Cistern, Spice Market

Free time for lunch at your leisure will be included in the itinerary and your guide will be able to make recommendations based on your requirements.

For the detailed itinerary of the private excursion, please see the description of IST-100

Discover Istanbul's historic treasures during this memorable, half-day orientation tour of the city.

Hippodrome

Depart the pier for a scenic drive toward the Hippodrome, the centre of Byzantium's life for nearly 1,000 years, and for another 400 during Ottoman rule. With seating for 100,000, the Hippodrome was Constantinople's political and entertainment hub, hosting gladiator fights, chariot races, and other sporting events. The most prominent monument remaining today is the impressive granite obelisk, brought here from Egypt in 390 A.D.. Leaving the Hippodrome, continue on to the Blue Mosque.

Blue Mosque

One of two supreme Imperial mosques built during the Ottoman Empire, the Blue Mosque, also known as the 'Sultan Ahmed Mosque', is one of the world's most famous religious monuments. The interior of this expansive building is a triumph in harmony, proportion, and elegance. It is adorned with wonderful stained-glass windows and 20,000 Iznik tiles that combine to create a stunning coloured effect.

Hagia Sophia Museum

Your tour continues with a visit to the St. Sophia Museum, also known as the 'Church of Divine Wisdom'. First erected by Constantine in 325 A.D. and later rebuilt by the Holy Roman Emperor Justinian, the museum is considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by many historians. At one time, it may have been the world's largest building, and as a manmade structure ranked only behind the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China. For many centuries, St. Sophia was the world's largest church, and today remains the fourth-largest behind St. Paul's in London, St. Peter's in Rome, and Duomo in Milan. The minarets that tower above the gigantic dome were added after Istanbul's conquest in 1453, when the church was converted into a mosque. This magnificent monument and outstanding example of Byzantine architecture was declared a museum in 1935.

Grand Bazaar

Your tour concludes with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. The world's largest covered market, this famous institution occupies a whole city quarter. Sections spanning a maze of lanes and alleys separate the various trades. A brief orientation and general directions are offered before setting out on your own to browse the precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather, and souvenirs. Keep your eyes out for bargains, and get ready to negotiate and soak in the unparalleled atmosphere of one the world's great merchant centres.

Following your visit, re-board the coach for the return drive to the pier.

Experience an Ottoman Summer Palace, a cruise on the Bosphorus and the best of Asian Istanbul during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Istanbul, Beylerbeyi Palace

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Beylerbeyi Palace, an Ottoman gem built as a summer retreat for Sultan Abdul Aziz in the mid-19th century. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the entire palace. The Beylerbeyi Palace has 26 rooms and several large halls, beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the complex and splendid panoramic views overlooking the Bosphorus. The Sultan spent much of his time in this idyllic location, entertaining other monarchs and royal guests, including Princess Eugenie of France, Nasruddin, the Shah of Persia and Nicholas, Grand Duke of Russia, and others.

Kuzguncuk, Colourful Houses, Art Galleries, Café, Synagogues, Churches, Mosques

Following your palace tour, re-board your coach and continue on to nearby Kuzguncuk, which happens to be one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Istanbul on the Asian side. Upon arrival, take a guided stroll around the tiny neighbourhood streets, which are filled with many colourful old houses, small art galleries and cafes. For centuries, this quaint neighbourhood was home to a mix of Jews, Greeks, Armenians and Turks, as evidenced by the synagogues, churches and mosques that rise side-by-side in the traditional and beautiful Kuzguncuk seen today. Following your walking tour, a short refreshment stop is made at one of the local cafés.

Bosphorus Boat-Cruise, Castles, Minarets, Landmarks, Luxury Hotels, Villas, Palaces, Fortresses

Next, embark a luxury small boat for a picturesque cruise on the Bosphorus. Mark Twain, once a steamship captain on the Mississippi, waxed lyrically about the Bosphorus. During your cruise, take in panoramic views of a delightful mixture of past-and-present, giant tankers and little fishing boats, unforgettable castles, towering minarets, and world-famous landmarks. In addition, see modern luxury hotels standing next to Ottoman wooden villas, marble palaces and rustic fortresses. Following your cruise, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Explore Istanbul through the centuries during this scenic and memorable, full-day introduction to some of the city's major attractions.

Depart the pier for the drive into Istanbul and a visit to St. Sophia Museum.

Hagia Sophia Museum

Your tour starts with a visit to the St. Sophia Museum, also known as the 'Church of Divine Wisdom'. First erected by Constantine in 325 A.D. and later rebuilt by the Holy Roman Emperor Justinian, the museum is considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by many historians. At one time, it may have been the world's largest building, and as a manmade structure ranked only behind the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China. For many centuries, St. Sophia was the world's largest church, and today remains the fourth-largest behind St. Paul's in London, St. Peter's in Rome, and Duomo in Milan. The minarets that tower above the gigantic dome were added after Istanbul's conquest in 1453, when the church was converted into a mosque. This magnificent monument and outstanding example of Byzantine architecture was declared a museum in 1935.

Underground Cistern

Located near St. Sophia is the vast underground chamber known as the 'Sunken Palace'. Built by Justinian, this grand cistern features 336 columns supporting the roof and atmospheric lighting that adds to the unique ambience. After descending a flight of stairs, follow the guide along a maze of walkways through this subterranean 'palace'. Following your exploration of the reservoir, proceed for a visit to the Grand Bazaar.

Grand Bazaar

The next visit in the morning part of your program will be Grand Bazaar. The world's largest covered market, this famous institution occupies a whole city quarter. Sections spanning a maze of lanes and alleys separate the various trades. A short orientation and general directions are offered before setting out on your own to browse the precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs. Keep your eyes out for bargains, and get ready to negotiate and soak in the unparalleled atmosphere of one the world's great merchant centres.

Lunch

After this enchanting visit, proceed for lunch to one of the best restaurants of Istanbul that specializes in traditional Ottoman Palace recipes. Afterwards, continue with a visit to the second most important Byzantine monument in the city - the Chora Museum.

Chora Museum

The Chora Museum dates from the early-12th century. It contains some of Istanbul's finest Byzantine frescoes and mosaics depicting the life of Christ; they are superbly-preserved and tremendously evocative. Plastered over during the 18th century when the Chora became a mosque, these vibrant and important pieces of Byzantine art were originally commissioned in 1315 by philosopher, theologian and senior Byzantine official Theodore Metochites. The frescoes and mosaics you will see here at Kariye are not only truly amazing works of art, but are significant, moving pieces of history.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier.

Explore the historic treasures of Istanbul during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing tour of the Pera District.

Galatasaray High School, Çiçek Pasajı, French Street, Historic Churches, Pera Palace Hotel, Tea

Depart the pier for approximately 20-minute drive to Istiklal Avenue. Upon arrival, your guided walking tour begins in the middle of Istiklal Avenue where you will see Galatasaray High School, Çiçek Pasajı and French Street. Across the avenue from Galatasaray High School is the 19th-century Çiçek Pasajı. After the visit, you will have a brief stop at the Church of Saint Antoine, Istanbul's largest Catholic Church. Leaving the church, proceed to the Pera Palace Hotel, terminal hotel for the Orient Express and where Agatha Christie wrote her famous novel, Murder on the Orient Express. Here, a stop is made for an elegant, five o'clock tea and a chance to relax a bit in this historical setting.

Galata Tower

Following your tea break, take a short walk to the Galata Tower, the only example of medieval religious Gothic architecture remaining in Istanbul. One of the highest and oldest towers in Istanbul, the approximately 206-foot-high (about 63-metre-high) tower offers a splendid panoramic view of the Old Town. The Galata Tower was built in the 14th century by the Genoese colony as part of the defencive wall surrounding their district at Galata, situated directly opposite of ancient Constantinopolis. They called the tower Christea Turris (Tower of Christ). At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your minibus and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Discover unique insight into the lives and art of the Ottoman Sultans of the early-19th century during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Istanbul, Dolmabahce Palace, Service Buildings, Clock Tower, Rear Garden

Depart the pier for the short drive to the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans after Topkapi Palace. Dolmabahce Palace was built in 1856 by Sultan Abdülmedjid, and, from this point on, served as the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans. The expansive, 151,559-square-yard (about 110,000-square-metre) Dolmabahce Palace consists of 16 separate sections, in addition to the main structure. Those sections are buildings with different functions, such as palace stables, mills, pharmacies, kitchens, aviaries, glass shop, foundry, and a patisserie shop. During the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II (1876 - 1909), the clock tower and the lodges in the rear garden of the Crown Prince's apartment were added.

About the Palace, Guided Walking Tour

The palace was constructed by the foremost Ottoman architects of the period, Karabet and Nikogos Balyan. The main block of the palace is composed of three sections, namely Mabeyn-i Hümayun (Selamlik), Muayede (Ceremonial Hall) and the Harem-i Hümayun (Harem). Mabeyn-i Hümayun is where state affairs take place, Harem-i Hümayun is the private section of the Sultan and his family, and, in the centre, Muayede is the hall where Sultan received guests of honour and official ceremonies took place. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the Dolmabahce Palace.

National Palaces Painting Museum, Paintings by Turkish and Foreign Painters

Following your palace tour, proceed to the Crown Prince's living quarters at Dolmabahçe Palace which has been converted into the National Palaces Painting Museum. The museum today displays many important paintings by Turkish artists and foreign artists that used to adorn the palace. A magnificent part of the structure has been dedicated to painter Ivan Aivazovsky, who is considered one of the greatest marine artists in history. In the Turkish Painters section, there are paintings by the second- and third-generation of westernized Turkish artists such as Şeker Ahmed Paşa, Süleyman Seyyid, Osman Hamdi Bey, and Halil Paşa. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Explore Istanbul at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Istanbul at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Istanbul at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car or van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Istanbul at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Experience the splendid beauty, lifestyles and traditions of Istanbul during this picturesque, half-day excursion by land and sea.

Spice Market

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the bustling Spice Market. Upon arrival, take in the colourful sites and people whilst strolling past aromatic stalls filled with vendors offering exotic Turkish flavours and spices, including oregano, sage, cumin, mint, dill, and more.

Bosphorus Cruise

Next, embark an exclusive, private boat for a leisurely cruise on the Bosphorus, one of the world's most storied and beautiful waterways. As you glide along the shimmering waters, pass by elegant domes and minarets standing majestically on the shores, tiny fishing boats bobbing in the wake of huge ships and lovely natural harbours.

Afternoon Tea

Following your relaxing boat-ride, dock at the Ciragan Palace Hotel - Kempinski. Upon arrival, proceed for afternoon tea served with finger sandwiches, cakes, pastry and sweets, and accompanied by stunning panoramic vistas of the Bosphorus and Asian sides of Istanbul. Afterward, commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience a unique and authentic excursion during this half-day tour.

Depart the pier with your guide for the short drive to the fragrant and colourful Istanbul Spice Market

Spice Market

Find the flavour of Istanbul known as the Egyptian Bazaar in Turkish (Misir Carsisi), this is of one of the best places from where to take a taste of the city home with you. One of numerous markets in Istanbul, this is a great one to stroll through, sampling the aromatic air of spices from across Turkey, the Middle East, and Northern Africa. Be enticed by other shops of all flavours and types, selling goods ranging from sweets and spices to clothes, watches, Turkish souvenirs, exotic aphrodisiacs, Iranian caviar and Turkish saffron.

Hurrem Sultan Turkish Bath

Hamam in Turkish means 'public bath', and the baths were a very important fixture in Ottoman society, a tradition passed down from the Romans to the Byzantines, and then the Turks. Hagia Sophia Hurrem Sultan Bath was built in 1556 by the famous architect Sinan by the order of Sultan Suleyman, The Magnificent to honour his wife Hurrem.

Men and ladies will go to their separate changing areas and then to the main bath. The raised marble platform, known as the 'Gobek Tasi' or navel stone is positioned above the furnace, providing the heat and steam for the bath, and is the heated surface for massages.

After your exfoliating scrub, you will have a bubble wash to cleanse your body, prior to your bath. Slip back into your towel and reality and enjoy some refreshments, including tea or coffee as you marvel at this uniquely relaxing Turkish experience.

At the end of the tour, return to the pier.

Discover and taste Istanbul's authentic Ottoman cuisine during this full-day culinary tour.

Topkapi Palace and Kitchens

Your next stop will be the Topkapi Palace Museum. The palace was the seat of the Ottoman Empire for nearly four centuries and the location from which the sultans ruled large portions of the globe. Built between 1465 and 1478, the palace offers superb views across the Bosphorus to the Sea of Marmara, and across the Golden Horn to greater Istanbul. The palace was ruled by 25 sultans over a 400-year period, and subsequently converted into a museum in 1924. Here you will visit the kitchens where the famous Ottoman recipes were prepared for the Ottoman sultans.

Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and would be substituted with a visit of the Beylerbeyi Palace.

Spice Market

Find the flavour of Istanbul known as the Egyptian Bazaar in Turkish (Misir Carsisi), this is of one of the best places to take a taste of the city home with you. One of numerous markets in Istanbul, this is a great one to stroll through, sampling the aromatic air of spices from across Turkey, the Middle East, and Northern Africa. Here you will taste different Turkish specialties with your guide at different vendors

Multi-Course Dining Experience

After you visit of the Spice Market, you will arrive at a local restaurant that specializes in the old Ottoman recipes that is located inside the Spice Market. Here, guests will enjoy a multi-course, authentic Turkish meal.

Grand Bazaar

After your leisurely lunch, it will be the time to visit Grand Bazaar. The world's largest covered market, this famous institution occupies a whole city quarter. Sections spanning a labyrinth of lanes and alleys separate the various trades.

Following your visit, re-board the coach for the return drive to the pier.

Discover the historic treasures of Istanbul during this delightful, half-day orientation tour of the city.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the 15th-century Topkapi Palace, seat of the Ottoman Empire for nearly four centuries. Along the way, pass through the bustling Karakoy District, then cross the Golden Horn en route to the Old City.

Topkapi Palace

Upon arrival at the Topkapi Palace, which was converted into a museum in 1924, begin your guided walking tour. Explore some of the many palace rooms, and marvel at the dazzling treasures on display. Highlights include the Treasury, which showcases the 86-carat Spoonmaker Diamond and equally-impressive Emerald Dagger. Your tour also features the famous Harem section, the subject of numerous books and movies.

Grand Bazaar

Next, proceed to the Grand Bazaar. The world's largest covered market, this famous institution occupies an entire city quarter. Sections spanning a maze of lanes and alleys separate the various trades. Following a brief orientation and general directions, some free time is made available to explore the Grand Bazaar independently. Browse precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and other souvenirs whilst taking in the unparalleled atmosphere of one the world's great merchant centres.

Following your visit, re-board the coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Enjoy the culture and cuisine of Turkey during this evening tour.

Following your departure from the pier, arrive at Hodja Pasha Culture Center. This Culture Center is located at the centre of the historical peninsula of Istanbul and was converted from a 550 year old historical turkish bath called Hocapaşa Hamamı in 2008. It was originally built by Hoca Sinan Paşa who was a teacher and later vizier to Fatih Sultan Mehmet during 1470's. At this center, watch the famous Sema Ritual. Mevleviye are known for their famous practice of whirling dances and dervishes. At their dancing ceremonies, or Sema, a particular musical repertoire called ayin is played. The Sema ceremony represents a mystical journey of man's spiritual ascent through mind and love to Perfect.

At the end of the program, walk a short distance to arrive at the Hamdi Restaurant, which is one of the well-known restaurants in the city for the famous Turkish Kebaps. Enjoy your meal while overlooking the views of the Golden Horn and the old city.

After the dinner, re-join your van for the return drive to the pier and your awaiting ship.