St. Sophia, Blue Mosque & Time On Your Own

St. Sophia, Blue Mosque & Time On Your Own

7.5 hours | Istanbul | I S T - 1 8 0
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$ 139.95
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Exceptional Value

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Description

Points of Interest

  • Hippodrome
  • Hagia Sofia
  • Blue Mosque
  • Grand Bazaar & Carpet Demonstration
Shopping Opportunities, Strenuous activity

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Take a tour of historic Istanbul then shop 'til you drop. Your first destination is the Blue Mosque. Together with your guide, you'll tour this 17th-century marvel that boasts a multitude of domes and semi-domes and graceful minarets on the exterior, and over 20,000 shimmering blue Iznik tiles in more than 50 different tulip designs, and 216 stained glass windows, on the interior.
Nearby, the Byzantine Hippodrome presents an opportunity to snap a photo or two as you walk by this imposing arena, once the heart of Constantinople's political and sporting life, and the scene of games through the history of the Byzantine empire.
Just minutes away, you'll visit Hagia Sophia, considered one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. After an awe-inspiring exploration of Turkish history, walk to the lively Grand Bazaar for a shopper's dream experience. Start off with a carpet demonstration then have three hours on your own to explore. With over 4.000 shops filled with jewelry, carpets, leather ware, and copper goods, you're sure to find something that'll strike your fancy. Bargaining is expected and half the fun.

Special Notes:

Attire for visiting the mosque should cover shoulders and knees; shoes must be removed before entering; bring or wear socks. Shoe bags will be provided. In addition to covering shoulders and knees, all women must cover their head with a scarf. Professional photography and flash are not allowed.

The sequence of tour stops may vary; expect extreme dense traffic. Once in Old Istanbul, passengers will walk between the major sites.

Please be aware of the ongoing restoration of the Blue Mosque.
On Friday calls; Blue Mosque visit will be substituted with a historical Ottoman Mosque.

This tour uses headsets.

Details

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Depart from ship and walk from the drop-off point to the Hippodrome for a photo stop.

Transport type: Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity: 35
Travel time: 00:45
Time at site: 00:15
Inside visit: No
Air conditioned: No
Walking distance: 207
Steps: 1
Restroom available: No
Shopping available: No
Photo/video restrictions: No
Photo/video opportunity: Yes

Depart from ship and walk from the drop-off point to the Hippodrome for a photo stop.

Transport type: Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity: 35
Travel time: 00:45
Time at site: 00:15
Inside visit: No
Air conditioned: No
Walking distance: 207
Steps: 1
Restroom available: No
Shopping available: No
Photo/video restrictions: No
Photo/video opportunity: Yes

Guided tour of the Blue Mosque

Transport type: Walking
Time at site: 00:30
Free time at site: 20
Inside visit: Yes
Air conditioned: Yes
Walking distance: 220
Steps: 15
Restroom available: Yes
Shopping available: No
Photo/video restrictions: Yes
Photo/video opportunity: Yes

Guided tour of the Blue Mosque

Transport type: Walking
Time at site: 00:30
Free time at site: 20
Inside visit: Yes
Air conditioned: Yes
Walking distance: 220
Steps: 15
Restroom available: Yes
Shopping available: No
Photo/video restrictions: Yes
Photo/video opportunity: Yes

Walk to Hagia Sophia and guided tour.

Transport type: Walking
Travel time: 00:15
Time at site: 01:30
Free time at site: 10
Inside visit: Yes
Air conditioned: No
Walking distance: 300
Steps: 2
Restroom available: Yes
Shopping available: No
Photo/video restrictions: Yes
Photo/video opportunity: Yes

Walk to Hagia Sophia and guided tour.

Transport type: Walking
Travel time: 00:15
Time at site: 01:30
Free time at site: 10
Inside visit: Yes
Air conditioned: No
Walking distance: 300
Steps: 2
Restroom available: Yes
Shopping available: No
Photo/video restrictions: Yes
Photo/video opportunity: Yes

Walk to Grand Bazaar, Free Time in Grand Bazaar including optional Carpet Demonstration.

Transport type: Walking
Transport Capacity: 35
Travel time: 00:30
Time at site: 03:00
Free time at site: 150
Inside visit: Yes
Air conditioned: No
Walking distance: 745
Steps: 2
Restroom available: Yes
Shopping available: Yes
Photo/video restrictions: No
Photo/video opportunity: Yes

Walk to Grand Bazaar, Free Time in Grand Bazaar including optional Carpet Demonstration.

Transport type: Walking
Transport Capacity: 35
Travel time: 00:30
Time at site: 03:00
Free time at site: 150
Inside visit: Yes
Air conditioned: No
Walking distance: 745
Steps: 2
Restroom available: Yes
Shopping available: Yes
Photo/video restrictions: No
Photo/video opportunity: Yes

Walk to your waiting motorcoach and return to your ship

Transport type: Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity: 35
Travel time: 00:45

Walk to your waiting motorcoach and return to your ship

Transport type: Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity: 35
Travel time: 00:45