You can take in some of the most iconic sights of Istanbul in this morning tour that commences with a visit to the Blue Mosque. This magnificent mosque which was designed by Sinan and completed in 1616 is known for its majesty and superb iznik ceramic tiling. Continue outside to stroll along the Hippodrome. This vast public space was built by the Romans in the 3 rd and 4th centuries AD to accommodate events such as chariot races and gladiator fights. It is also home to the Column of Constantine, an Egyptian obelisk and the Serpentine Column. Next to the Hippodrome we will visit the Hagia Sophia. Originally built in 537AD as a Greek Orthodox church, this breath-taking building was converted to a mosque by the Ottomans and is now a museum. Inside there are two floors built around a central nave. It is adorned with superb decorations and has an enormous dome that soars overhead. Finish the morning with a walk through the Grand Bazaar for some shopping or just to absorb the sights, sounds and historic architectural beauty of this bustling market. Come on a tour to the famous Topkapi Palace and skip the queues that flock to see this magnificent and historically significant site. Built in the middle of the 15 th century, the walled complex comprised of the palace and its buildings dominate a small raised peninsula. The buildings are nestled within beautiful grounds that sweep down to the sea. For centuries, the palace was the political centre of the highly influential Ottoman Empire and although it is now purely a museum, as you visit its parts including courtyards, the Treasury, various pavilions, the holy relics, weapons and the Harem you will see how great it was. A lesser known part of the Hagia Sofia complex is the adjacent structure that houses the Sultan Tombs where five 16 th and 17 th century Ottoman sultans are interred.  Alongside each sultan’s sarcophagus are many others that hold their wives, children and other notables. The tombs are all beautifully designed and feature beautiful examples of tile work, mosaics, calligraphy and kundekari (a decorative form of carpentry consisting of interlocking pieces of wood and mother of pearl). Or; Not far from Topkapi Palace, this tour also takes you to Little Hagia Sophia Mosque which was constructed in the 6 th century as a Greek Orthodox Church before being converted to a mosque in the early 16 th century. Inside, this small octagonal mosque features a beautiful two-storeyed colonnade, marble pillars and a stunning umbrella dome.

This tour starts in the village of Karahayit and a visit to its red, green and white travertines and thermal pools of red water due to its iron content. Then on to Pamukkale to visit the expansive and magnificent ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis that was founded in the 2nd century BC to take advantage of the thermal pools nearby. Hierapolis sits atop a hill and features an enormous necropolis, baths, theatre, temples, an agora and antique pool. You will have time to yourself to wander the site before walking down the hill on the sparkling white travertine and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

The day starts with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary that is significant to both Christians and Muslims and currently serves as a chapel. From here, the tour continues to Ephesus - one of the most important harbour cities of the antique world. The ruins are magnificent and highlights include the Celsus Library, Gate of Augustus, the beautifully-decorated terrace houses, a huge amphitheatre and the Temple of Hadrian. Enjoy lunch at a local Turkish restaurant and afterwards, a trip to Isa Bey Mosque (1375) and the ruins of the Artemis Temple which was one of the Seven Wondders of the World.

Take a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, the busy waterway that runs between the Marmara and Black Seas with European Istanbul on one shore and Asian Istanbul on the other. Sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh air, the sea and the sights as you pass magnificent palaces, mosques, mansions and places of historical note. After getting off the boat at Eminounu, continue your tour into the historic Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar nearby that is bursting with traditional sweets, coffee and spices, and oozing with appeal. This tour also takes you on a drive around part of the 20km of magnificent stone walls of old Istanbul that date from the 5th century. This series of walls surrounded the old city, featured 55 gates and 400 towers and is still an integral part of Istanbul. The Dolmabahce Palace was built during the first half of the 19th century as the administrative centre for the Ottoman Empire and home to the sultans and their families. This enormous palace is set amongst well-kept grounds and unlike earlier buildings of importance in Istanbul, it was built in a blend of Ottoman and classical European styles. The palace is very opulent and heavily decorated with gold, valuable stone (alabaster, marble and porphyry), crystal (including crystal chandeliers and the Crystal Staircase) and beautiful rugs. Later you will drive over the Bosphorus Bridge to the summit of Camlica Hill which is popular for its magnificent panoramic views and the opportunity to take some great photos.

This full day tour takes you to the incredible UNESCO-listed site of Troy so that you can discover the dynamic 4000-year history of this incredible city in its various iterations as it was rebuilt each time it was destroyed by fire, war or earthquake. The afternoon includes visits to the: • Trojan Horse • Sacrificial alters • 3700-year-old city walls • Houses of Troy I (3000 BC to 2500 BC) • Bouleuterium (Senate Building) • Odeon • Current excavations • Remains of various cities from Troy I through to Troy IX The cost of the tour includes pick up from your hotel, transfer to and from Eceabat, lunch at a local restaurant in Eceabat, ferry fees, site entry fees, English-speaking guide and transfer back to your hotel in Istanbul. If you require onward travel, we can organize overnight transport by bus to Izmir, Selcuk or Kusadasi instead of returning to Istanbul.

Across the Marmara Sea from Istanbul and nestled on the slopes of Mt Uludag is the beautiful city of Bursa known as the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire. Join us for a long day tour to visit the city’s many UNESCO world heritage listed sites, magnificent mosques, the covered bazaar and the silk market. The day’s tour also takes you to Mt Uludag where you are free to wander on your own or you may prefer to go on a quad bike safari or snow ski during the winter.