Skip the line and enjoy an atmospheric evening visit to the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Immerse yourself in the history and architecture of these iconic buildings. Witness these UNESCO world heritage sites away from crowds of tourists. Learn about Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul from your professional, licensed guide. Marvel at this historic and beautiful architecture in a unique evening atmosphere.

Join us on a small group tour of Istanbul that takes you to some of the city's most iconic and interesting sights. We will begin our tour at the Binbirdirek Cistern, an underground chamber that was once used to store water for the city. This fascinating site offers a glimpse into Istanbul's history and is a great place to take some unique photos. Next, we will visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Here, you can browse and shop for souvenirs and traditional Turkish goods, and perhaps haggle with the vendors for the best price. After some time at the Grand Bazaar, we will make our way to the Suleymaniye Mosque, a grand and ornate place of worship that is a key landmark in Istanbul. We will learn about the mosque's history and architecture, and have the opportunity to observe the local Muslim community as they go about their daily prayers. Next, we will head to the Spice Market, where you can sample and purchase a variety of aromatic spices and other ingredients that are used in Turkish cuisine. This colorful and lively market is a great place to immerse yourself in the sights and smells of Istanbul.

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.

Go rug shopping with a local expert at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. take your time and tour through the bazaar, admiring world-famous, handmade Turkish rugs. Learn about their creation, what to look for in a good rug, and get the best prices around. Meet your local, expert tour guide in Sultanahmet area. Start your private tour about World famous handmade Turkish rugs. After meeting, listen to a short briefing about the rugs, how to search for one, and how to shop in the Bazaar. Then, visit a reputable rug store for a lecture on handmade Turkish carpets, a small friendly shop, or a wholesaler connection if necessary for better prices. Turkey is recognized throughout the world for their magnificent hand-woven rugs. It is, however, easy to be fooled or scammed into buying something that is not of real quality and turns out to be a bad investment unless you really know what you are looking for. Take an expert, and avoid buying something you don't really want.