Istanbul: Old City Guided Tour, Bosphorus Cruise, Pierre Loti Hill + Cable Car

Start at the Blue Mosque and see its blue Iznik tiles and six minarets while learning about classical Ottoman architecture. Visit the Hippodrome to see the German Fountain, Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius, and Constantine's Column. Explore 6th-century Hagia Sophia, built by Emperor Justinian, and learn about its history (if decided to go inside). Stop at a local shop before entering the Grand Bazaar, where you can browse carpets, jewelry, spices, and ceramics. In the afternoon, drive along the Golden Horn, passing historic neighborhoods and the ancient city walls. Ascend Pierre Loti Hill for views of the city before taking the cable car down. Visit the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and tomb of of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, an important Ottoman religious site. Explore Balat's historic streets and try traditional baklava, Turkish delight, and apple tea (at your own expense). End with a Bosphorus cruise, passing palaces, towers, and bridges connecting Europe and Asia.