Day 1 – Istanbul: Where Empires Once Ruled
İstanbul
Your journey begins in the magical city of Istanbul, where history breathes through every stone and skyline. After being picked up from your hotel, you’ll step into the heart of the old city to visit the majestic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture turned mosque, and now a symbol of harmony through the ages.
A short walk away awaits the stunning Blue Mosque, with its elegant domes and six minarets piercing the sky. You’ll then explore the ancient Hippodrome Square, once the social and sporting center of Constantinople, before entering the splendid Topkapi Palace — the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years.
After enjoying a delicious Turkish lunch in the historical peninsula, your guide will lead you into the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, where you can shop for local crafts, textiles, and spices.
As the day winds down, you may choose to join an optional sunset Bosphorus Cruise, where East and West truly meet on the glittering waters between two continents.
Return to your hotel in the evening, or opt to enjoy a traditional Turkish Night Show with folk music, belly dancing, and cultural performances.