Monday, June 4

Tour Istanbul.  Sites include:

The Hagia Sophia / Saint Sophia



Sixth centry basilica constructed by the Emperor Justinian, ancient seat of the Byzantine Church, site of the division of Easter and Estern Churches in 1054.

The Blue Mosque

Sultanahmet, the "blue mosque", is the largest and famous for its ceramic tiling.  There is no entry charge, but there is a dress code, as there is in all the mosques.  No shorts, exposed shoulders (e.g. tank tops), or skirts above the knees.  You will be issued a skirt if you need to cover your legs.  This applies to men as well as women.  Women must cover their heads with scarves, which are handy for women tourists to have on hand.  You are also required to take off your shoes, which you can carry around in a borrowed plastic bag.  Typically, shoes are just left by the entrance, but the Sultanahmet is so large that you may exit the mosque far from the shoe racks at the entrance.

The Hippodrome

Home of ancient chariot races and

Three monuments:

Obelisk of Theodosius
Bronze Serpentine Column
Column of Constantine

Free time at The Grand Bazaar!

Overnight: Istanbul