Explore Istanbul by land and by sea, as you set off by motorcoach to the Byzantine Hippodrome for a photo opportunity, and a visit to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia (outside views). The Straits of Bosphorus are next on your itinerary, as you board a motorboat for a panoramic cruise that promises to leave you breathless. Whether from the comfort of the interior saloon or on deck, you'll witness grand Ottoman palaces and castles, as you dine on a traditional Turkish lunch. Your tour continues with a drive to the Grand Bazaar, the largest market in the world, offering a carpet demonstration (time permitting) and shops filled with jewelry, carpets, leather ware, and copper goods. Minutes away, the Topkapi Palace Museum, a former palace of silk-clad Ottoman sultans, displays an extraordinary collection of art and the famed Topkapi Diamond, and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara.
Explore the Harem, with its hidden quarters and tales of intrigue, adds a layer of mystery to the experience.