Istanbul: 4-Day City Excursion with Lodging

Discover the historic highlights of Istanbul on a 4-day guided city excursion with airport pickup and lodging included. Learn from an expert guide as you visit enchanting sites, both on and off the beaten path. Day 1, Arrival in Istanbul Arrive at the Istanbul Airport and receive a friendly welcome from your driver. Your driver will take you to your hotel to relax, rest and prepare for your excursion. Day 2: Treasures of Istanbul (Breakfast and Lunch) Begin your city tour with a visit to Hagia Sophia, the largest manmade construction at the time apart from the Egyptian Pyramids and the Great Wall of China. Next visit Topkapi Palace, the imperial residence of the Sultan, and the last seat of the government for the Ottoman Empire. Continue on to the Hippodrome, built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203 AD. Next, visit the 17th-century Blue Mosque. End the day by wandering through the 4,000 shops of the Grand Bazaar, then head to your hotel in Istanbul to rest. Day 3: Princes Island Tour (Breakfast and Lunch) Embark on an adventure to Princes' Islands, and find colorful fruit trees, beautiful gardens with exotic flowers, and lush forests. Admire the massive Ottoman mansions, as well as Victorian summer villas as you relax on a horse-drawn carriage tour. Day 4: Bosphorus Cruise and Spice Bazaar Tour (Breakfast) Begin the final day of your tour with a visit to the Spice Bazaar; a trading spot for herbs and spices from around Egypt and Asia. Spend the afternoon cruising on the Strait of Istanbul and learn about the culture and history of the area. Admire views of marble palaces and small fishing villages along the shores.