June 2026 12 Day Turkey Tour – Summary of Day 3

Day 3 – Wednesday, June 10: Istanbul: St. Sophia Church, Topkapi Palace, Archaeological Museum, Blue Mosque, Spice Market

Today was our first full day of the trip. We spent the entire day here in Istanbul. The weather was perfect, with bright sunny skies and highs in the 70s. We did a lot of walking too! It was a great first day of getting to know a little of “Turkish culture” too!

Hagia Sofia Church / Mosque

After a wonderful buffet breakfast we departed the hotel at 8 a.m. and drove to the Hagia Sophia Church / Mosque. First built in 360 AD, it was the largest Eastern Roman Church in İstanbul (it was named Megale Ekklesia” (Big Church). The church burned down in 404 AD. The second construction took place in 415 AD, but fell in 532 AD. The third construction was finished in 537 by the order of Justinian.  Columns from the Temple of Artemis in Ephessus were used in the naves, as well as 8 columns brought in from Egypt to support the domes. A total of 104 columns were used. 

However, an earthquake brought down the dome and part of the structure on more than one occasions over the following centuries. In the Ottoman Period, the church was converted into a mosque. Because of the present re-construction of the primary dome (scaffolding and support everywhere!), we could see the inside from the upper floor. It was still fascinating to see, especially the Christian reliefs.

Topkapi Palace

As we left, we didn’t have far to walk to the Topkapi Palace. It was built in 1465. The palace was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. It was turned into a  museum at the request of Turkey’s first president, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1924. It was built on the acropolis, the site of the first settlement in Istanbul. Once inside the grounds of the palace, we visited the Harem. It was interesting to see how the Sultans lived during this time. The palace has a very good view of what is called the “Golden Horn” – the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. The palace is surrounded by about three miles of walls. While we were there, a band of singers and instrumentalists offered a brief performance, reenacting the Ottomans.

Archaeological Museum

Next, we walked to the  Archaeological Museum. We were disappointed that the building displaying the Siloam Inscription, the Gezer Calendar, and one of the two “Temple Warning” inscriptions were closed. The display of the Ishtar Gate was also off limits, along with the tablets tablets of the Treaty of Kadesh known to be between Ramses II and the Hittites. However, we were able other the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great. We were also impressed by the Greek and Roman wing (displaying many fine statues) and the Troy exhibition. 

The Blue Mosque

Following lunch at a classic local Turkish restaurant, we visited the Blue Mosque. We had to take off our shoes and again dress “modestly” to enter. Also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, this impressive building is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey. The Blue Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Mehmet Ağa, under the instruction of Sultan Ahmed I. Unlike the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is supported by four massive pillars, and its central dome is flanked by four semi-domes. It is called the Blue Mosque because of over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles that decorate the interior, featuring intricate designs of tulips, roses, carnations, and lilies, all beautifully lit by 260 windows.

Spice Market

We ended the day exploring (on our own) the famous Spice Market. Some of us bough saffron and other spices, and Turkish coffee and tea. The first market here was built in 1664. It was a cultural experience walking down the hallways of shops (of which there are over 200!).

We returned to the hotel at 5:15. We enjoyed another sit-down dinner at 6:30 before retiring for the evening. We wake up early tomorrow for our flight to Cappadocia.

Day 4 – Thursday, June 11: Morning Flight to Kayseri, Cappadocia