History and culture are around every corner on your journey through Istanbul. Discover the Hippodrome, the mighty Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia Basilica. See how traditions live on and are still part of daily life as you hunt for a deal in the labyrinthine streets of the Grand Bazaar.

Your morning starts with a visit to the remaining columns and obelisks of the Hippodrome—once the center for sports, theatre, and politics in the former Roman capital of Constantinople. See where slaves once rode chariots in ferocious races and the place where orators shared brave words for the assembled crowd.

Your tour continues to the beautiful Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque for its founder. Witness the tomb of the great ruler, and admire the delicate designs and floral patterns of the Ottoman tiles that decorate the walls of the shrine.

Feast your eyes on the majestic 6th-century Byzantine basilica, Hagia Sophia. It was once a church, then a mosque, and now a museum. View the architectural innovation of this domed structure as well as the paneled interior with colored marbles and ornamental stone inlays.

Complete your tour with an exhilarating shopping experience at the bustling Grand Bazaar. From the trading of diamonds and carpets, to food and perfumes—you are sure to find an excellent bargain.