Istanbul - Capital of the Empires

We’ll enjoy an introductory narrative timeline of Istanbul’s history as we mingle at our hotel over drinks and dinner, followed by an evening at leisure. At a Glance: Arrive from the airport and check in to the hotel in historic Sultanahmet Meet our guide for an orientation lecture Welcome dinner together as a group

We’ll kick things off with private tours of must-see landmarks such as Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome followed by a visit to the Mosaic Museum in the afternoon. At a Glance: Breakfast at the hotel, then we begin our deep dive into the history of Istanbul Walking tour of Sultanahmet area including Hippodrome Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia Traditional lunch in Sultanahmet area as a group Dinner on their own - recommendations will be provided

Experiencing Topkapi Palace and A Taste of Istanbul Today will include a guided tour of Topkapi Palace followed by an annotated lunch with an expert. We’ll learn about the history of Turkish regional cuisine and the origin story of spices such as saffron. Then we will enter to Sinan the Architect world by Suleymaniye Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar Today our learnings will focus upon the larger role of mosques and sultans within Turkish society – and religious education. We'll visit the Suleymaniye Mosque in the company of a leading local guide. In the afternoon, those who wish to can join a tour of the Grand Bazaar.

Sinan the Architect, Suleymaniye Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar Today our learnings will focus upon the larger role of mosques and sultans within Turkish society – and religious education. We'll visit the Suleymaniye Mosque in the company of a leading local guide. In the afternoon, those who wish to can join a tour of the Grand Bazaar. At a Glance: After breakfast at the hotel, we will go to Suleymaniye Mosque to see the architectural masterpiece of Sinan Lunch together in central Istanbul Optional afternoon visit to the Grand Bazaar

Travelers depart for flights home – or their next adventure!