Witness the classic sites of heritage and history that abound in Istanbul on your full-day tour. Visit architectural masterpieces, marvel at awe-inspiring, Byzantine-era tilework, and see the imperial treasures of Ottoman sultans. Along the way, experience the customs of a bustling bazaar.

Your tour starts with a brief stop at the Hippodrome, once the sporting and social centre of the Roman capital of Constantinople, and still home to a few remaining obelisks. Continue on to the Byzantine basilica, Hagia Sophia, where 30 million gold tesserae (tiny mosaic tiles) create stunning mosaics and the great calligraphic panes line the interior.

Put your haggling skills to the test and find a bargain at the Grand Bazaar, or observe the trade of diamonds, perfume, food, and rugs, before moving on to the Sultan Ahmet-inspired masterpiece—The Blue Mosque. Admire the mosque's finely decorated Ottoman tiles and stained-glass windows and learn about the lives of pasty royalty at the solemn Tomb of Sultan Ahmet.

After lunch, meander through the Topkapi Palace's regal rooms, and the Ottoman sultans' residence from the 15th to the 19th centuries. See the imperial treasury and its collection of Chinese porcelain, costumes, and weaponry, and complete your day with a visit to the Tombs of Ottoman Sultans in the graveyard at Hagia Sophia. Each of the five tombs actually houses the sultan as well as his family. Each architecture has different decorations, including works by Mimar Sinan. The ceramic panels are the most beautiful examples of the 16th century with purple, red, green, and blue flower figures.