Day 1 - Arrive at Istanbul
Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. Arrive at Istanbul Airport, get picked up and transfer to your
hotel. Check in,
Free day,
First overnight stay at your hotel in Istanbul
Activities
N/A
Meals Included
Day 2 - Sightseeing
Istanbul
Breakfast,
Full day tour of Iconic Istanbul - pick up by 08:30, drop off by 18:00;
You can take in some of the most iconic sights of Istanbul in this morning tour that
commences with a visit to the Blue Mosque. This magnificent mosque which was
designed by Sinan and completed in 1616 is known for its majesty and superb iznik
ceramic tiling.
Continue outside to stroll along the Hippodrome. This vast public space was built by
the Romans in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD to accommodate events such as chariot
races and gladiator fights. It is also home to the Column of Constantine, an Egyptian
obelisk and the Serpentine Column.
Next to the Hippodrome we will visit the Hagia Sophia. Originally built in 537AD as a
Greek Orthodox Church, this breath-taking building was converted to a mosque by
the Ottomans and is now a museum. Inside there are two floors built around a
central nave. It is adorned with superb decorations and has an enormous dome that
soars overhead.
Finish the morning with a walk through the Grand Bazaar for some shopping or just to
absorb the sights, sounds and historic architectural beauty of this bustling market.
Lunch,
Come on a tour to the famous Topkapi Palace and skip the queues that flock to see
this magnificent and historically significant site. Built in the middle of the 15th century,
the walled complex comprised of the palace and its buildings dominate a small
raised peninsula. The buildings are nestled within beautiful grounds that sweep
down to the sea. For centuries, the palace was the political centre of the highly
influential Ottoman Empire and although it is now purely a museum, as you visit its
parts including courtyards, the Treasury, various pavilions, the holy relics and the
weapons you will see how great it was.
A lesser known part of the Hagia Sofia complex is the adjacent structure that houses
the Sultan Tombs where five 16thand 17thcentury Ottoman sultans are
interred. Alongside each sultan’s sarcophagus are many others that hold their
wives, children and other notables. The tombs are all beautifully designed and
feature beautiful examples of tile work, mosaics, calligraphy and kundekari (a
decorative form of carpentry consisting of interlocking pieces of wood and mother
of pearl).
Or;
Not far from Topkapi Palace, this tour also takes you to Little Hagia Sophia Mosque
which was constructed in the 6th century as a Greek Orthodox Church before being
converted to a mosque in the early 16th century. Inside, this small octagonal mosque features a beautiful two-storeyed colonnade, marble pillars and a stunning umbrella
dome.
Second overnight stay at your hotel in Istanbul
Activities
Istanbul
Immerse yourself in Istanbul’s six best sights on this guided full-day tour. Fit all of the attractions at the top of your bucket list into one packed day, with the help of an expert local guide. Stroll Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, brimming with iconic buildings and storied streets. Tour the Blue Mosque, one of the most important sites in the Muslim world. Delve into history of the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Istanbul Hippodrome as well as the sunken palace of Basilica Cistern. And you won’t want to miss the and the bustling Grand Bazaar or savory lunch.
Meals Included
Day 3 - Sightseeing
Istanbul
Breakfast,
Full day tour of Europe & Asia, Panoramic views from Camlica Hill - pick up by 08:30,
drop off by 18:00;
Take a cruise on the Bosporus Strait, the busy waterway that runs between the
Marmara and Black Seas with European Istanbul on one shore and Asian Istanbul on
the other. Sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh air, the sea and the sights as you pass
magnificent palaces, mosques, mansions and places of historical note.
After getting off the boat at Eminonu, continue your tour into the historic Egyptian
(Spice) Bazaar nearby that is bursting with traditional sweets, coffee and spices, and
oozing with appeal.
This tour also takes you on a drive around part of the 20km of magnificent stone walls
of old Istanbul that date from the 5th century. This series of walls surrounded the old
city, featured 55 gates and 400 towers and is still an integral part of Istanbul.
Lunch,
The Dolmabahce Palace was built during the first half of the 19th century as the
administrative centre for the Ottoman Empire and home to the sultans and their
families. This enormous palace is set amongst well-kept grounds and unlike earlier
buildings of importance in Istanbul, it was built in a blend of Ottoman and classical
European styles. The palace is very opulent and heavily decorated with gold,
valuable stone (alabaster, marble and porphyry), crystal (including crystal
chandeliers and the Crystal Staircase) and beautiful rugs.
Later you will drive over the Bosphorus Bridge to the summit of Camlica Hill which is
popular for its magnificent panoramic views and the opportunity to take some great
photos.
Third overnight stay at your hotel in Istanbul.
Activities
Istanbul
Full day Istanbul historical and nature tour covers to visit great Dolmabahce Palace, Royal Garden of Dolmabahce and Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan Mosque, Bosphorus boat cruise between Asia and Europe continents, Golden Horn, Pierre Loti Hill and we will use Cable car down from the hill. As the tour covers transportation and guiding service, you will just enjoy the sightseeing and admire this great palace.
Meals Included
Day 4 - Departure
Istanbul
Breakfast,
Free day,
Transfer to Istanbul Airport 4 hours before your flight. End of our services here. Thank
you for choosing us for your travel in Turkey.
Activities
N/A
Meals Included
