HALF DAY HISTORICAL ISTANBUL EXCURSION

Your professional tour guide and a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle will meet you and your party at the Istanbul Cruise-Ship Pier or your hotel.

You will first visit Misir Carsisi [known as The Spice Bazaar or the Egyptian Bazaar], one of the oldest bazaars [from the Turkish word “Pazar”, which means marketplace] in Istanbul and the second largest after the Grand Covered Bazaar. Misir Carsisi was built in 1660 to help support the upkeep of the adjacent mosque, Yeni Cami (New Mosque). It is filled with exotic spices, as well as stores selling Turkish Delights, Turkish coffee and teas, caviar, dried fruits, and other food items, in addition to souvenirs. Afterwards, your guide will take you to the Hippodrome Square where ancient chariot races used to take place. You will next visit the Blue Mosque, distinctive with its six minarets and its interior decoration of beautiful Iznik tiles. Then, you will be visiting the famous St. Sophia Church (Museum), which was built in the 6th Century and for a long time remained as the largest Christian Church in the world. There will be a shopping opportunity before returning to your Cruise Ship or your hotel.