DAY 3 – ISTANBUL/CANAKKALE (B,L,D)

After breakfast we enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Istanbul including visits  to the Rustem Pasha Mosque. Designed by the Ottoman imperial architect Mimar Sinan for Grand Vizier ''Son-in-Law'' Rüstem Pasha (husband of Princess Mihrimah Sultana, one of the daughters of Suleiman the Magnificent), the construction was carried out from 1561 to 1563. The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is famous for its many exquisite Iznik tiles that depict a wide variety of beautiful floral and geometric designs. These priceless tiles have been used to decorate the mihrab, minbar, walls, columns and the interior and exterior facades of the enclosed portico.

These tiles use the cherry red that is characteristic of the early Iznik period (1555-1620). No other mosque in Istanbul makes such a lavish use of these tiles. From here we go on to the Egyptian Spice Market, an arched complex of shops that have long and traditionally specialized in spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits. After lunch we begin our drive to Gallipoli, a pleasant drive that takes us through the European (Thracian) lands of Turkey.  Here we board a ferryboat that will carry us across the Dardanelles Strait.  On the other side of the Strait we will come to Canakkale, where we will check into our hotel and enjoy our dinner and overnight stay.