DAY 1 -ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL & TRANSFER TO HOTEL
Upon your arrival and transfer you to your hotel. Short orientation brief at reception desk and some suggestion for your free time. Stay overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 2 - BYZANTINE & OTTOMAN RELICS TOUR (Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch)
08:30 You will be picked up from your hotel for Full day tour of Old City. In this day you will be able to see:
Hippodrome: The former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. You will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi, Constantine Column and German Fountain.
Blue Mosque: One of the biggest mosques of Istanbul from 17th century architecture is one of the principal adornments on the skyline of Istanbul. Also famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarest.
Hagia Sophia: The magnificent Byzantine Church, Ottoman imperial mosque and proud of Turkey as a museum of all times; one of the finest and largest architectural works of Roman style and famous with its Byzantine mosaics.
Grand Baazar: In addition to its historical importance, it's a bazaar that will tempt even the nonshoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs.
Topkapı Palace: The former imperial residence of Great Ottoman Empire was ruled. Four hundreds years 25 Ottoman Sultans ruled the empire rom this palace. Today a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain and the very famous treasury of the Royal Family and nice gardens and magnificent view of the city.
Little Hagia Sophia Mosque: It is one of the most important early Byzantine architectural examples in Istanbul. It built for two local saints Sergius and Bacchus in 6th century with the same style of Hagia Sophia. It has really attractive environment and peaceful especially with the café and small workshops in courtyard.
17.00 After the tour, you will be transfered back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 3- HIGHLIGHTS OF ISTANBUL: BOSPHORUS CRUISE and DOLMABAHÇE PALACE (Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch)
08:30 You will be picked up from your hotel for Full day tour of Highlights of Istanbul. In this day you will be able to see:
Cruise in Golden Horn: As a natural and extremely secures harbor, the inlet separates the European shore into two. It is approximately 8 km long and widest part is the entrance from the Bosphorus.
Cruise in Bosphorus: One of the biggest natural channel in the world lying between Black Sea and Sea of Marmara and divided city of Istanbul in two part as Asia and Europe. Both side there are so many imperial places, mosques, wooden summer houses and magnificent view of Istanbul.
Fortress of Europe or Rumeli Fortress (from sea): Order to built by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in 1452, just one year before he conquered Constantinople by the aim was to control the sea traffic in Bosphorus from the north.
Pierre Loti Hill: Charming view of Istanbul over the Golden Horn where was the place, French author Julien Viaud who lived in Istanbul in late 19th century. Pierre Loti, pen name of author given to the hill as respect of Turkish people to his memory.
City Walls: Defending wall of the city from 4th to 15th century. 23 km walls still shown magnificent of Constantinople from the Byzantine time.
Dolmabahce Palace: Second imperial palace for Ottoman Sultans, built in 1856 and until 1922 last six Ottoman Sultans lived and ruled the Empire from here. Former residence of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of Turkish Republic and first president. It is European style very luxury palace and one of the best examples of baroque style all around the world.
*Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Monday and Thursday, will be replace with Chora Museum in these days.
Bosphorus Bridge and Camlica Hill: The highest point in Istanbul. At the top of it you can rest and admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul and the Bosphorus from the beautiful gardens, landscaped in traditional style.
DAY 4 - ISTANBUL (Included meals: Breakfast)
Today is at leisure and overnight in Istanbul. We can give you couple of suggestion to do by yourself or can arrange one additional tour.
DAY 5 - DEPARTURE FROM ISTANBUL (Included meals: Breakfast).
After breakfast you will check out from hotel (before 12:00), transfer to airport or port regarding your departure details. |
