Thank you for your comment!

On the Asian side, a popular choice is the “Taste of Two Continents” food tour, which combines flavors from both Europe and Asia in one experience.

As for Cappadocia, a hot air balloon ride is truly unforgettable. You can check out my detailed article here for practical tips and recommendations.

Hope this helps with your planning!

Hi Monika, unfortunately I don’t think you will have enough time to come from the airport to Old City and see Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque on a busy day like Saturday.

If you are lucky and manage to get from the airport to Sultanahmet (which is huge and far from the city center) before 18:00, you might be able to see Hagia Sophia.

As far as I know, Blue Mosque closes around 17:30 these days and Hagia Sophia is open until 19:30. Good luck!

We booked a dinner cruise that starts at 8:30 pm with get your guide. We are staying at a hotel close to the Int’l airport.

When we arrive we plan to check in and drop off our luggage. We have no idea exactly how long this will take but we hope to be downtown by around 5 pm so hoping to be able to see The Hague Sophia or Blue Mosque before the cruise.

Is this possible or are we too ambitious and if so and time is short which do you recommend or will it be during a prayer hour that we won’t get in.

Shall we hire a driver from the airport hotel in advance or take a taxi or should we also arrange for a driver back to the hotel after the cruise. Please advise your recommendations please.

Dear Phil Cascio, thank you for your interest in my tours. I will send you information about the tours via your e-mail address registered in the system.

Let me know what your charges are for the 1/2, or full day tours.

I am staying at the Intercontinental Hotel in Istanbul.

Diffenently doing the Asia Side for sure, after reading this.

Phil Cascio jr