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Half Day Highlights Of Istanbul With Topkapi PalaceExplore > Turkey > Istanbul > Half Day Highlights Of Istanbul With Topkapi Palace
OverviewSee the most important sites of Istanbul in this whirlwind tour. Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, is the largest city in Turkey, and considered by some to be the most important. This tour will take you to all of the "must-see" places of the city, introducing you to a fascinating mix of old and new that is modern Istanbul. Your tour begins by driving along the old city walls to the jewel in Turkey's Byzantine crown--the marvelous Hagia Sophia, a former patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, and now a fascinating museum. Afterwards, browse the amazing Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Originally a summer residence in the pre-Christian Byzantium era, the palace is home to gorgeous jewels, religious artifacts, silk ceremonial robes, and a manuscript collection. Next, we will see the Blue Mosque, regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of Islamic architecture. Please keep in mind that if you choose to visit the inside, you will be expected to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Women must cover their heads. Finally, you'll get a chance to enjoy some time at the Grand Bazaar's more than 4,000 stores before heading back to the pier. - The price of this tour includes a driver and air-conditioned vehicle, all transportation costs, an English-speaking guide, and entrance and parking fees to all sites. Meals, drinks, and any other extras are not included. - Visitors to the Blue Mosque are expected to dress modestly. Shoes must be removed before entering and women must cover their heads. - ShoreTrips reserves bypass the line tickets wherever possible, which is not available at the Blue Mosque. On very crowded days, we will discuss the Blue Mosque from the outside and visit the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent (1557), which is Istanbul's largest and grandest of Istanbul’s mosques. - Please note: The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays and the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Days offered: 7 days a week Departures:
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