Visit Dolmabahce Palace on the European shore of the Bosphorus and admire its 56 columns and 5 ½ ton English crystal chandelier lit by 750 lights Dine at the 12th-century Leander's Tower, situated on a rocky islet at the mouth of the Bosphorus. Learn about its mythical history and enjoy the spectacular view as the sun sets over Istanbul.
Day 2
Visit Topkapı Palace, built by Mehmet the Conqueror as his imperial palace. Highlights of the museum include the unique Chinese Ming Dynasty porcelain collections, the wonderful treasury section and the famed harem. Enjoy lunch at Yeşil Ev, one of the last remaining nineteenth-century Istanbul mansions.
Tour the 6th-century Hagia Sophia, one of the finest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. It reigned as the greatest church of Christendom until 1453 when it was converted to a mosque. Continue to the nearby Underground Byzantine Cistern, then browse through the amazing 550 year-old Grand Covered Bazaar.
Day 3
Visit the Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine life, which houses the impressive granite obelisk of Emperor Theodosius. Tour the Blue Mosque with its six minarets, a style borrowed from the sacred mosque of Kaaba in Mecca. Step inside, without your shoes, and view the wonders of the Blue Mosque – its enormous domes, beautiful stained glass windows and magnificent blue Iznik tiles. Lunch at historic Zeyrekhane, and enjoy a stunning view of Suleymaniye Mosque, the Roman Aquaduct and the Golden Horn.
Cruise along the Bosphorus and view the summer palaces of the Ottoman Sultans and the 15th century fortress of Rumeli Hisari. Dine on world famous Turkish cuisine at one of the renowned restaurants on your last evening in Istanbul.
Day 4
Depart Istanbul on your Mediterranean cruise or by air to your next destination.
