Ottoman Wonders
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Port
Istanbul, Turkey
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$100
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Cross the Galata Bridge and travel into the heart of Byzantine Istanbul. Your first destination is the Blue Mosque — a 17th-century marvel built to rival and surpass the grandeur and beauty of nearby St Sophia. From the outside, it is a study of domes and minarets; inside, more than 20,000 shimmering blue Iznik tiles vie for the limelight with 216 stained-glass windows.
Just a short walk away, you'll enter the awe-inspiring Topkapi Palace — a huge walled complex overlooking the Bosphorus. This former Ottoman palace is now a museum housing an extraordinary collection of art, artifacts, and jewels. The rich Treasury Section includes the Topkapi Diamond, immortalized by James Bond, and, of course, by nature. Take in the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara.
You'll also walk through the Harem Section — the home of the Sultan. It offers an exceptional insight into how the Ottoman rulers lived. Enjoy some free time to browse on your own.
The Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, was constructed in 1663 as part of the adjacent Yeni Mosque complex to generate funds for the upkeep of the mosque. This was an avant-garde concept at the time — light years ahead of the not-for-profit fundraising game. The Spice Market is the best place to purchase spices, familiar and exotic, whose pungent aromas bear little resemblance to the supermarket variety, as well as fresh Turkish Delight, caviar and a fascinating array of teas before you return to the port.
Your tour concludes with the walk back to your vehicle and a relaxing drive back to the port.
Please note: Traffic can be unpredictable; your patience is greatly appreciated if a delay extends the tour duration. Modest attire is required; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered. Wear comfortable walking shoes. You must remove your shoes to enter mosque(s). Shoe bags are provided. Some sections in the palace may be temporarily under renovation and closed to the public. Tour does not operate on Fridays.