Istanbul vacation package that covers the most important places of this fascinating city. Admire the glory of the past, see the modern life of Turkey and bargain in the Bazaars of the city.
DAY 1: ISTANBUL: Upon your arrival you will be ransferred to your hotel. Balance of day at leisure.
DAY 2: ISTANBUL: After breakfast full day visit to Istanbul. We begin our tour from the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul at Agia Sophia. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD this church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses (closed on Mondays).
Next we visit the Blue Mosque, which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th century, it is the only imperial Mosque with six minarets. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100.000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire.
The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4.000 shops are full of treasures – including carpets and kilims, silks, jewellery, ceramics, icons and leather goods (Closed on Sundays).
Lunch in a local restaurant and continuation of our tour. Our afternoon will begin at Topkapi Palace which, from the 15th to 19th century, was the principle residence of the Ottoman Sultans (closed on Tuesdays).
Little Agia Sophia Mosque is known as one of the oldest standing churches in Istanbul dating back to 6th century. It is early domed-basilica architectural plan of famous Agia Sophia which was applied here first time in the history.
DAY 3: ISTANBUL – BOSPORUS: Half day cruise through Bosporus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From our cruise boat, we view the dramatic si
ghts lining the Bosporus wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world’s longest and Rumeli Hisari, a massive fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to take Istanbul. Also noteworthy on this tour are the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultans’ fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges Disembarkation at the European part of Turkey and transfer to your hotel.
DAY 4: ISTANBUL – TWO CONTINENTS: Early departure for the intercontinental bridge of Bosporus, to continue to the Camlica hill at the Asiatic part of Turkey which affords panoramic views of Istanbul, Marmara Sea, Princes’ Islands and magnificent Istanbul. Then visit the Beylerbeyi Palace on the shore of the Bosphorus, one of the most elegant of the late Ottoman palaces and boasts six sumptuously furnished reception halls. and a typical fish village along the coast of Bosporus with time at leisure for shopping.
DAY 5: ISTANBUL-AIRPORT: According to your departure flight, you will be transferred to the airport.