Day-trip to Istanbul from Alanya

Experience the glories of Istanbul during your time in Alanya with this full-day trip, including flights.After hotel pick-up in Alanya, fly to Istanbul for a guided tour. Visit must-sees including the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, browse the Egyptian Bazaar and sail between Europe and Asia on an optional Bosphorus cruise (additional cost). Return air tickets, airport transfers, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and Topkapi Palace admission included.You’ll be picked up at your hotel for the transfer to Antalya airport, arriving by plane in Istanbul at 09:15 am. Meet your tour guide and head to Istanbul’s old town to begin your full-day tour. First on the itinerary is a tour of Topkapı Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. You’ll see sacred Islamic relics of the Prophet Mohammed, the Imperial Treasury, Ottoman jewelry, belts and traditional clothing, Chinese porcelain, weapons, and more. After visiting the palace you’ll have an hour of free time for lunch. Istanbul offers many cafés, fast-food takeaways, and stylish restaurants catering to a wide range of tastes. Lunch is at your own expense. Your tour continues with a visit to Hippodrome Square, the sporting and social center of ancient Constantinople. See the Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius, and German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Next is the Blue Mosque, located in the center of the old city. This historical mosque, unique with its 6 minarets, was built in the name of Sultan Ahmet and it is known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles that adorn the walls of its interior. As this is an active mosque it is closed to tourists for a half hour during the 5 scheduled daily prayer times. Explore the Egyptian, or Spice, Bazaar with your guide. You can practice your bargaining skills there as you buy some souvenirs, Turkish delight, spices, or anything else that catches your eye. You’ll have an opportunity to admire the views of Istanbul from the water on a Bosporus sightseeing cruise (optional and at an additional fee). Before heading back to the airport you’ll have time to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (at additional cost). At 8:00 pm your flight departs Istanbul Ataturk Airport, arriving in Antalya at 9:00 pm.