Explore Istanbul; where Asia meets Europe and was capital for 3 different empires. Walk on the ancient street of the historical peninsula and witness monuments bearing the traces of 3 different empires such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome. Learn history about Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Modern Turks from your expert local guide. Take photos from the best photoshoot points, experience shopping with locals in Grand Bazaar. Enjoy cruising on Bosphorus and and see Ottoman Mentions, Ortakoy Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace among, taste typical Turkish foods in a local restaurant.
Duration
The tour starts at
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Day 1
Arrival Istanbul
Upon arrival, Istanbul Airport greeted by your driver and drive to your hotel. Check-in and the rest of the day are yours to explore city. Overnight in Istanbul
Upon arrival, Istanbul Airport greeted by your driver and drive to your hotel. Check-in and the rest of the day are yours to explore city. Overnight in Istanbul
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Day 2
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia; Meaning Divine Wisdom, Hagia Sophia was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. Today's Hagia Sophia was built by the Emperor Justinian in...
Hagia Sophia; Meaning Divine Wisdom, Hagia Sophia was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. Today's Hagia Sophia was built by the Emperor Justinian in 537AD. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. It was used as a church for 916 years and as a mosque for 481 years, In 1934, by the order of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk it was converted into a museum and since it is open to the visitors.
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Day 2
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace; As well as being the imperial residence of the Sultan, the palace was also the seat of government for the ottoman empire. It housed the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years until the D...
Topkapi Palace; As well as being the imperial residence of the Sultan, the palace was also the seat of government for the ottoman empire. It housed the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years until the Dolmabahçe palace was built. In 1924 it was converted into a museum. Today it is famous with harem, royal treasury, and holy relics sections
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Day 2
Hippodrome
Hippodrome; Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD, during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Locate...
Hippodrome; Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD, during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet surrounded by Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, today it is home to The Egyptian Obelisk (Dikilitaş), The Serpentine Column (Burma sütun), The Constantine Column and German Fountain.
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Day 2
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque; Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, it is located opposite the Hagia Sophia. Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six mi...
Blue Mosque; Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, it is located opposite the Hagia Sophia. Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome. Although it is officially called Sultanahmet Mosque, the name Blue Mosque was given to it by the visitors because of the amazing blue tiles decorating the interior walls.
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Day 2
Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar; With 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops it is one of the greatest bazaars in the world. It was built between 1455-1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. Today, shops selling the same ki...
Grand Bazaar; With 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops it is one of the greatest bazaars in the world. It was built between 1455-1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. Today, shops selling the same kind of merchandise tend to be congregated in their own streets or inns as it was the original Ottoman system. At the end of the tour drive to your hotel.
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Day 3
Spice Bazaar
Spice Bazaar; Built-in 1664 it is on an ‘L’ shape with six gates. It was called Egyptian Bazaar during the ottoman period because shopkeepers used to sell herbs and spices brought throughout Egypt...
Spice Bazaar; Built-in 1664 it is on an ‘L’ shape with six gates. It was called Egyptian Bazaar during the ottoman period because shopkeepers used to sell herbs and spices brought throughout Egypt and Asia. Today still many spice shops and herb specialists are continuing their business there, You can get the mesmerizing spice smells from a mile away.
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Day 3
Cruising on Bosphorus
Cruising on Bosphorus; where you will enjoy a magnificent view. A great history, beautiful nature. The Bosphorus divides Europe and Asia geographically but connects culturally & historically. T...
Cruising on Bosphorus; where you will enjoy a magnificent view. A great history, beautiful nature. The Bosphorus divides Europe and Asia geographically but connects culturally & historically. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion, you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, Rustem Pasa Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and further along with the parks and imperial pavillions of Yildiz Palace. This cruise will be the highlights of your trip to Istanbul.
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Day 4
End of our service
Upon breakfast at the hotel check out. Check out ıs at 12:00pm. End of our service.
Upon breakfast at the hotel check out. Check out ıs at 12:00pm. End of our service.
Breakfast
Lunch
3 night accommodation in Istanbul
Meal plan as mentioned in the itinerary
Transfer services from/to Airports
Land transportation by air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle
Beverage with meals
Tips for the guides & drivers (0ptional)
Admission fees to Topkaip Palace
Entry fees to Hagia Sophia
