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Discover Istanbul
Experience Istanbul in 4 full days.Visit
the city that dates back 5000 years. This itinery covers the most
important higlights of the city. Taste the unique Turkish Cuisine
and see the wonders of Bosphorus from both continents; Europe and
Asia. Discover the timeless city that is Istanbul.
Discover Istanbul Tour - Day 1
Upon arrival in Istanbul you will be
collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel for early
check-in and breakfast. Late morning we start our guided walking
tour of old Istanbul. We start with Haghia Sophia, the most
influential church of Byzantium. Originally built by Emperor
Constantine in the 4th century, reconstructed by Emperor Justinian
in 6th century and converted into a mosque by the Ottomans in the
15th century, it still stands today as one of the world's greatest
architectural marvels. The magnificent interior is testament to the
unique east-west synthesis that is manifest in Istanbul. Shimmering
biblical mosaics juxtapose huge plaques bearing the names of Islamic
caliphs.
We stop for lunch at an authentic restaurant serving Turkish Cuisine.
Next we visit the Blue Mosque, another of the world's most important
religious buildings. Built in the 16th century the mosque is unique
for it's 6 minarets and it's celestial interior decorated with the
famous blue Iznik tiles.
Next, visit the Hippodrome, scene of chariot races. Although little
remains of the great stadium which, in its hey day, is thought to
have held 100'000 people, the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine
Column and the Column of Constantine are highlights.
From here explore the Basilica Cistern, a vast underground water
depot constructed to meet the needs of the Palace of Constantinople.
After lunch visit the grand Topkapi Palace, residence of Ottoman
Sultan's from the 15th to the 19th century. With its impressive
treasury, exquisite harem, attractive courtyards and pavilions
housing huge collections of antiquities, Topkapi Palace offers a
true insight into the heart of the Ottoman Empire.
End of the tour and return to your hotel. If requested, dinner and
show programs can be arranged at an extra cost.
Discover Istanbul Tour - Day 2
We start the day with a visit to the
colourful 17th century Spice Bazaar and its surroundings. The narrow
streets lined with shops here beautifully emphasize the atmosphere
of old Istanbul. What a joy it is to smell the fresh coffee, herbs
and spices, to see the dazzling mixture of nuts, dried fruits, a
thousand varieties of Turkish delights and all being sold as they
have been for hundreds of years. From here visit the delightful
Rustem Pasha Mosque built by master architect Sinan in the 16th
century. Its tiled interior, lavishly decorated with the finest
Iznik tiles, is perhaps the best example in the city.
Walking through the main Eminonu square you pass the prominent New
Mosque, although completed in 1663, it is newer than the other major
mosques, hence the name.
We then embark on a boat tour along the Bosphorus waterway
separating Europe and Asia. This is a relaxing way to take in some
major landmarks including the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, the
Bosphorus Suspension Bridge and the imposing waterfront villas of
Istanbul. We disembark to visit the Rumeli Fortress , built by
Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of
Constantinople.
After lunch in a local seafood restaurant, we cross the bridge into
Asia. Visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, summer residence of the Ottoman
Sultan with its classic Harem. Then cap off the day with a panoramic
view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus from Camlica Hill, the highest
point in the city. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.
Discover Istanbul Tour - Day 3
Today is your free day. Explore the
city yourself, lose yourself in shopping at the Grand Bazaar, a mind-boggling
labyrinth of over 4000 shops, take a leisurely stroll along the
Bosphorus strait, visit the hightly fashionable Nisantasi district
or join one of the "OPTIONAL" following tours: full day Princess
Islands or Golden Horn.
Discover Istanbul Tour - Day 4
For those continuing on with Anatolia
Programs transfer to the airport early morning for your connecting
flight.
For those returning home, free time or
join one of the "OPTIONAL" tours. In the late afternoon transfer to
the airport for your return flight.
Istanbul Disvover Tour
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