After breakfast, embark on a full-day Ottoman & Byzantine Relics Tour, a fascinating
exploration of Istanbul’s historic heart. The tour begins in the Sultanahmet district with a visit
to Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel that has served
as both a church and a mosque over the centuries. Next,
visit the Blue Mosque, renowned for its exquisite blue
Iznik tiles and six minarets, followed by the Hippodrome
of Constantinople, once the center of public life during
the Byzantine era. Continue to the Grand Bazaar, one of
the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, where you can browse a vast selection of
Turkish carpets, jewelry, ceramics, and spices. After lunch, explore Topkapi Palace, the opulent
residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, which houses an extensive collection of
imperial treasures, religious relics, and artifacts. At the end of the tour, return to your hotel for
an overnight stay in Istanbul.