THE ANCIENT CAPITAL CITY CONSTANTINOPLE

Immerse yourself in the early Byzantine and Roman history of the city. This walking tour commences at the Archaeological Museums, featuring an in-depth survey of the exhibits detailing the city's early development to set the historical stage. Explore the Roman-period Hippodrome, where chariot races once captivated ancient crowds, and view the nearby mosaics from the Great Palace at the in situ Mosaic Museum, before walking over the remnants of the senate or Magnaura. Visit the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Little Hagia Sophia Mosque), constructed before Justinian ascended the throne, and then venture underground to explore Yerebatan, one of the many vast cisterns that supplied water to the city. Complete the tour at Justinian and Theodora’s crowning architectural achievement, the 6th-century Church of Holy Wisdom, Hagia Sophia. Return to hotel and Overnight stay at the hotel in Istanbul.

Delve into Ottoman history with a morning exploration of Topkapi Palace and the imperial harem, followed by a visit to Sultan Ahmet’s iconic Blue Mosque. Enjoy an afternoon navigating the vibrant marketplaces, from the inner bedestan of the Grand Bazaar to the Egyptian spice bazaar, including the late Baroque style mosque of Nurosmaniye. Return to hotel and Overnight stay at the hotel in Istanbul.

Survey three of Master Architect Sinan’s greatest masterpieces with a walk starting from the Shezade Mosque—commissioned by Sultan Suleyman "The Magnificent" for his beloved son who was tragically killed—continuing to his own monumental mosque complex, the Suleymaniye, and concluding at the grand vizier and son-in-law's mosque, Rustem Pasha. In the afternoon, board a Bosphorus cruise to take in the breathtaking geography of the straits dividing Asia and Europe, sailing past the towering Castle of Rumeli that Mehmet constructed to conquer the city. Stop at Beylerbeyi to tour a late Ottoman waterfront palace. (Ortakoy too?) Return to hotel and Overnight stay at the hotel in Istanbul.

Discover the outer regions of Constantinople. Drive along the Sea of Marmara coastal road with the ancient sea walls on your right until reaching the Theodosian land walls of the early 5th century. Proceed to the Yedikule Castle or Castle of Seven Towers, constructed around an earlier Arch of Triumph on the historic Via Egnatia. Pass the Cannon Gate (Topkapi), where the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II blasted through the fortifications in 1453. Climb atop the walls to view the city stretching out in every direction. Behold the spectacular mosaics and frescoes of the late Byzantine Church of Holy Savior in Chora (Kariye). Walk through the historic Jewish neighborhood of Balat and the old Greek neighborhood of Fener, where the Orthodox Patriarchate stands today, both declared by UNESCO as heritage rehabilitation sites. In the afternoon, inquire into the cosmopolitan past of Istanbul as you walk from Taksim Square to Karakoy at the mouth of the Golden Horn. View the historic embassies of European powers (now serving as consulates), a variety of churches and synagogues, colorful markets, and historic bank buildings. This stands as one of the liveliest neighborhoods in the city today and the primary venue for cinemas, art galleries, and cafés. Return to hotel and Overnight stay at the hotel in Istanbul.

Transfer to Istanbul Airport after breakfast.