Meet at Istanbul Port  or at your hotel in Istanbul.Our guide will hold up a sign with your name on it.After pick up, begin with a drive over the Golden Horn to the ancient city of Istanbul aiming for the historical Hippodrome  was for 1,000 years, the center of Byzantium's life and afterwards for another 400 years, the center of Ottoman life.The Hippodrome was the scene of countless political and military dramas, including rival chariot races.The main monument left today is the impressive granite obelisk,carved in Egypt around 1500 BC and brought to istanbul in 390 AD. Continue to the Museum of Hagia Sophia, just a few minutes walk from the Hippodrome . St.Sophia Museum, originating in 326 under Constantine the Great, became Hagia Sophia and was rebuilt on a larger scale during the reign of Emperor Justinian.His intention was that the new building should surpass in splendor all others in antiquity.Marble columns were brought in from temples in minor Asia, Lebanon, Greece and Italy.It is said that 10,000 workers were employed in its construction. The Underground Cistern, is a 6th century cistern supported by 336 Corinthian columns. The Basilica Cistern is the largest covered cistern in Istanbul. It was built to supply water to the palace complex located nearby. Visitors enter through a small building to the west of Hagia Sophia Square. The ceiling of this forest of columns is made of brick and is cross-vaulted. Rejoin your coach for a 20-minute transfer to the Chora Museum,located just beyond the ancient city walls.The frescoes and mosaics were cleaned and preserved by the Byzantine Institute of America between 1945 through 1959. The mosaics and frescoes depict the lives of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.Dating from the early 14th century, they are beautiful examples of the Byzantine Renaissance.Conclude your day of touring with a short drive to the Patriarchal Cathedral Church of St. George (Aya Yorgi). Istanbul know as  has been the center of the Eastern Christian Church since Constantine moved the Roman capital there in the 4th century. To this day, the city remains the home of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, who is recognized as the "first among equals" of all Orthodox spiritual leaders