SHORE EXCURSIONS

The Ottomans and Byzantines ruled this city for centuries, and testament to these great empires stand the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, opposite each other in Sultanahmet Square. You’ll see these two impressive of Istanbul as well as the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar. Start with a visit to one of the most recognized landmarks in the world, the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, better known as the Blue Mosque. Continue to the Hippodrome, to see the remains of what was once the scene for political struggles in the capital city of the Byzantine Empire. See the Hagia Sophia Mosque from outside a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. It served as a church for hundreds of years during the Byzantine Empire and was converted to a Mosque when the city was conquered by the Ottomans in 1453. Continue to the great Byzantine Basilica Cistern, located across from Hagia Sophia. Next stop is the Grand Bazaar. You’ll have a short time to experience the exotic atmosphere of the covered part.

Asian shores of Istanbul have always been filled with residential areas, wooden houses, Sultan's summer residences and fisherman's villages. Today's tour will take you to 3 of the oldest and well known of these districts along the Asian shores of the city. Your tour will start by crossing from Europe to Asia. Once on the Asian side, you will start an orientation drive along the shores where you will see the beauties of the European side from a distance. Your drive will end at the nostalgic neighbourhood of Kuzguncuk. Here you will see the old houses of the city that stand witness to the interesting mixture of Jews, Greeks, Armenians and Turks living harmoniously side by side in this amazing city. You will see a synagogue, mosque and a church sharing the same garden next to each other and walk along centuries old streets. From here you will get on the vehicle to continue your panoramic drive passing through the old Military School where Ataturk, the founder of Turkey once studied to arrive at the tranquil village of Cengelkoy where many people know one another and have lived together for many years. You will gather your breath and have refreshments under the 700 year old plane tree in the village's famous local cafe by the water before moving on to Kanlica. Once a small fisherman's village well known for its yoghurt now it is a local district of the city favored by locals for their days out. After exploring this charming waterfront area and tasting the famous yoghurt served with caster sugar on top, return to the pier.

Lavish palaces, Byzantine art, beautiful mosques, bustling bazaars, Turkish food... all things that come to mind when you think of Istanbul. This tour is designed to cover the major highlights of Istanbul and maximize your time in this classical city. See the Hagia Sophia Mosque from outside, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and considered as the 8th wonder of the world by most art historians. Next stop will be Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, better known as the Blue Mosque Another highlight of your tour is Palace. Other stop in your itinerary is the Grand Bazaar. You’ll have a chance to explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered part for a brief period of time. A Turkish lunch is also part of your classical Istanbul experience.

Begin with a boat ride on the Bosphorus Strait, you’ll delight in a mixture of past and present sites including unforgettable castles, towering minarets and world famous modern luxury hotels. You’ll continue to the Old City by bus to visit the Blue Mosque, designed by architect Mehmet Aga to rival the Hagia Sofia. This is one of the most famous religious buildings in the world. Its interior walls are adorned with beautiful bluish green tiles which gives the mosque its name. On another side of the square is the Hippodrome and its remnants - the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine and Constantine Columns. Continue your walk through this bustling square to reach the majestic Hagia Sophia, the most important Byzantine monument in the world. The intricate mosaics that adorn its ceilings and walls are of immeasurable artistic and historic value. Next visit one of the most colorful sites in Istanbul – the Grand Bazaar. You’ll have a chance to explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered part briefly. A stop for lunch is scheduled during the tour to enjoy a Turkish style meal.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a panoramic and immensely scenic drive through Istanbul, beginning with a 30-minute journey from the pier to the Old Town via the Galata Bridge. Along the way, you’ll pass by historic landmarks such as the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once a grand arena that hosted chariot races, gladiatorial contests, and public events during the Byzantine era. Though only fragments remain today, the site once held up to 100,000 spectators and played a key role in the city’s civic life. Next, visit the magnificent Blue Mosque—so named for the stunning blue-green Iznik tiles that adorn its interior. With 30 domes and six fluted minarets, this architectural gem continues to impress both inside and out. After your visit, rejoin your coach for a panoramic drive along the shores of the Golden Horn, taking in the scenic beauty of Istanbul’s storied waterways. You’ll then return to the ship, with the remainder of your day at leisure.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a panoramic drive through Istanbul.
• Pass the site of the 3rd-century hippodrome, once an enormous arena for sporting events.
• Behold the Blue Mosque, an early 17th-century architectural treasure that still inspires awe.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover the highlights of this fascinating city in the company of a small group. On this exclusive tour, you’ll experience the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Beylerbeyi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and Turkish food - all musts when you visit Istanbul. Start with a visit to one of the most recognized landmarks in the world, the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, better known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue-green Iznik tiles used for its interior decoration. The six minarets and the layout of the domes and semi-domes create a unique exterior. From here, continue to the Hippodrome, to see the remains of what was once the center of Byzantine Constantinople’s political and sporting life. Walk and visit Hagia Sophia, now the St. Sophia Museum, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, considered as the most important Byzantine monument in the world. Also visit Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. You’ll have the chance to explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered part for a brief period of time. You’ll also visit the open and modern section of the Grand Bazaar with many modern stores and reliable shopping. During your time around the Grand Bazaar, you’ll stop at the modern section where you’ll enjoy local snacks and a presentation of carpets, leather or jewelry, followed by time for shopping. A lunch of typical Turkish specialties is yours to enjoy during the tour.

Drive to the Old City where you’ll find the Hippodrome, a reminder of what was the center of Byzantium’s political scene. Take in the breathtaking views of the Blue Mosque with its unique exterior defined by its six minarets, domes and semi-domes. You’ll admire its interior, covered with beautifully hand painted blue tiles which give the mosque its most popular name. Next visit one of the most colorful sites in Istanbul – the Grand Bazaar. You’ll have a chance to explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered part briefly. Enjoy a boat ride along the shoreline of the Bosphorus and take in the views of the Dolmabahce Palace, the Beylerbeyi Palace and the few remaining towers of the Anadolu Hisar, where you’ll see the city’s connection to the Black Sea.

A scenic orientation drive takes you to the old city where you’ll have a glimpse of the Old City’s Sea Walls, Golden Horn, Bulgarian Orthodox Church, several gates on the Land Walls and the Sea of Marmara with a photo stop en route. You’ll pass by the heart of Old City, you'll see the magnificence of the Blue Mosque, the German Fountain and Obelisk in the Byzantine Hippodrome and St. Sophia from outside. Continue to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with thousands of stalls that sell items such as carpets, jewelry, leather goods, silver, brass and copperware, ceramics, alabaster, textiles and a variety of souvenirs. You’ll have time to wander this giant labyrinth and take in the atmosphere. As you walk in deeper in to the bazaar, keep in mind that it is easy to get lost in it if you don’t pay attention to where you started.

OVERVIEW

See Istanbul from different perspectives that will present this cosmopolitan city straddling Asia and Europe in its best light. As you meander through the energetic Spice Bazaar, you will be inundated by the aromas wafting through the air, creating an unforgettable sensory experience. It will offer a wonderfully intimate look at daily life in Istanbul, as will watching artisans masterfully ply their crafts at a leather shop elsewhere in the city. Guests are invited to explore a selection of finely crafted leather goods, with the option to purchase a piece as a special souvenir. Cruising the storied Bosphorus Strait will reveal yet another vantage point to admire the urban landscape. You will see countless minarets rising above Istanbul – often called the “City of Minarets” – and pass the medieval Rumeli Fortress, which guards the narrowest point of the Bosphorus. Exploring the vibrant Balat Town will reveal its colorful houses and rich history. Don’t miss the surroundings of the Iron Church, formally known as the Bulgarian St. Stephen Church. This cast-iron architectural gem showcases the city's diverse cultural heritage and adds a distinctive touch to your Istanbul adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold different aspects of Istanbul and come away with a complete picture of the city.
• Browse the bustling Spice Market and watch artisans craft fine leather goods, with the opportunity to purchase a special piece to take home.
• Gaze out over Istanbul while cruising the Bosphorus Strait that divides the city in two.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Start your day with a visit to Topkapi Palace. The palace was built with a series of pavilions, kitchens, barracks, audience chambers, sleeping quarters and courtyards. The treasury section houses an invaluable collection of richly decorated items made with gold, silver, precious stones, pearls and diamonds.

You'll continue to the Harem section and provided a ticket for entry. Strictly closed to outsiders, its been a subject of many stories over the centuries. It is up to the imagination of the visitor to recreate the colorful and lively old days in the now empty rooms. Visit Hagia Sophia, a true artistic and architectural treasure; the intricate mosaics that cover its walls and ceilings are of incredible historic value. It dates back to the 6th century and is the only Byzantine structure that still stands in this excellent state of preservation.

You’ll stop at the Grand Bazaar, for an opportunity to experience its unique and lively atmosphere. Thousands of stalls fill its lanes with everyday household items as well as souvenirs, antiques, jewelry and more. You’ll also visit the open section of the Grand Bazaar, here you’ll find the best stores offering reliable shopping and you can get almost anything including ceramics, leather, jewelry, handmade carpets and more. You’ll attend a presentation on the unique art of Turkish carpets with additional time to shop while enjoying complimentary refreshments. You'll be provided free time to enjoy lunch on your own.

OVERVIEW

Delight in a meal that is as innovative and imaginative as the Sultanahmet district where you will dine. Although this historical neighborhood is quite historical, it has taken on new life as one of Istanbul’s hippest and trendiest areas. The restaurant Deraliye is an ideal fit as its chefs are equally progressive. You will enjoy an immersive, multi-sensory dining experience that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Head chef Necati Yilmaz created the inspiring menu of classic dishes with a modern twist. Although the exact dishes will depend on what ingredients are freshest and most readily available. Even the art and music have been carefully chosen to enhance the dining experience. Few meals will be quite so memorable, creative and indulgent as this one at Deraliye.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy traditional dishes that have been creatively prepared with an unconventional twist.
• Savor a multi-sensory dining experience that goes far beyond the meal alone.
• Recognize how Deraliye restaurant perfectly reflects the hip and creative Sultanahmet district.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Sample traditional street foods in Istanbul’s wonderfully cacophonous Spice Bazaar as the endless aroma of Turkish delicacies wafts through the air. To reach the marketplace, which was built in 1664 in the atmospheric Eminönü quarter, you will walk across the Golden Horn Bridge while taking in the panoramic views of the city’s European side. As you will see while wandering about the covered bazaar – also known as the Egyptian Market – it contains countless shops with every imaginable type of food. Mounds of freshly ground spices only touch on the offerings. Expect to see specialties such as dried apricots, honey-soaked baklava and all sorts of Turkish Delight, a sweet and chewy confection that comes in a variety of flavors. Many of the vendors will offer samples. Later, you can browse the market on your own and perhaps shop for non-food items such as perfumes, scarves and eye-shaped amulets said to ward off evil spirits.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse the bustling Spice Bazaar, an institution since the 17th century.
• See an unimaginable amount of spices, fruits and other merchandise.
• Sample street foods that best represent Turkish cuisine.
• Enjoy a sweeping view of Istanbul while walking across the Golden Horn Bridge.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.