Package Details

DAY 1, MORNING, Hippodrome, The Hippodrome had been a center for sports and entertainment in the old Constantinople, the Eastern Roman Capital, and an important center for politics since sports and politics were closely knit in these times. No wonder that the Hippodrome had been a starting point for revolts and political movements throughout history., Echoes of cries by slaves riding chariots in ferocious races and the inspirational words of intellectuals and poets that lit the flame of public movements have still been reminiscent of those with a powerful imagination., , Hagia Sophia Mosque, Shrine of Holy Wisdom, a marvelous Byzantine basilica built in the 6th century, marks the golden age of Justinianus. , The domed construction of the sanctuary is an architectural innovation and was so lavishly and artistically decorated that Justinian proclaimed, Solomon, I have outdone thee!. Humankind would have to wait for millennia before building a cathedral that would surpass the gigantic size of Hagia Sophia., Converted to a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of the city, by order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453, as the young Sultan fulfilled a divine premonition by the Holy Prophet Mohammad himself. In 1935 the building was converted to a museum by the executive order of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey., Hagia Sophia, whose status was converted to a mosque in July 2020, has been taking its visitors on a journey through the multi-layered texture of history as a mosque ever since. , , Grand Bazaar, The largest, oldest, and most attractive covered bazaar in the world, where people have been trading jewelry, carpets, food, perfumes, and even gossiping for centuries!, The tour also includes a short demonstration of Turkish rugs., , Sultan Ahmed Mosque / Blue Mosque, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as Blue Mosque, arouses admiration with the delicate Ottoman tiles that decorate the shrine’s walls. The floral patterns of the tiles and the well lighted, spacious internal spaces are testimonials of the eternity of the Ottoman spirit., LUNCH BREAK, Lunch is NOT included in the tour price. Also, you are kindly requested to be in the Sultanahmet area during this time. If you need some recommendations about restaurants, you can consult your tour guide., AFTERNOON , Topkapı Palace, The Topkapı Palace has been the Imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th century. Its design, initially devised by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror himself and then enhanced by Architect Sinan, hides marks of the rituals and structure of Ottoman hierarchy and the running of state affairs. , Home to the imperial treasury, cabinet and the site of the barracks for Janissaries, the elite of the army, every single corner of the palace mentions the splendor of the Ottomans. Apart from the priceless treasury, a distinguished collection of Chinese porcelains, holy relics, Sultan’s attires, and imperial weaponry are exhibited in different palace sections., Tombs of Sultans, While visiting the tombs of Sultans, various essential figures who had a say in the administration of the Ottoman Empire, you both will be fascinated by Ottoman history and have the chance to experience poetry in motion with their delicately constructed and decorated architecture., , DAY 2, MORNING, The Bosphorus Bridge, Built in 1973, the Bosphorus Bridge connects the European and the Asian sides of Istanbul. While traveling over 60 meters above the Marmara sea, an immaculate sight of the city’s modern and ancient sites can be seen., Çamlica Hill, One of the highest points in Istanbul, Çamlıca Hill, evokes admiration with a panoramic command over the city. Within the scope of this tour, you can have the chance to see all the beauty of Istanbul from Çamlıca Hill., Beylerbeyi Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace is one of the largest, most lavishly furnished 19th-century summer residences of the Ottoman sultans. You will feel like a guest of the Ottoman Empire while visiting these palace rooms where the original texture, design, and architecture are preserved., Bağdat Street, Once the gathering point for the merchants who travel to the ancient Silk Road, this famous street on the Asian side of Istanbul has elegant boutiques and shopping alternatives. Visiting Baghdad Street will be a perfect chance to see the urban lifestyle of modern Istanbul., , LUNCH BREAK, Lunch is NOT included in the tour price. If you need some recommendations about restaurants, you can consult your tour guide., AFTERNOON , A poet once described the Bosphorus as “God’s beautiful calligraphy written by an ink made of sapphires.”. , This strait, separating (and connecting) two continents that form the city, takes its name from a mythological legend. Ever since those ancient times, it has been marveling at people with its beauty., The cruise of the Bosphorus will start at the pier, and while cruising along the Asian and European shores, you will be surprised to see the harmony of Ottoman and modern architecture, as well as having an opportunity to see the major highlights of the city’s fairytale-like skyline from the sea., In addition, a short visit to the Spice Bazaar is the surprise of the tour. In this oriental bazaar, where you experience the vibrant pulse of Istanbul at its best, rare spices, herbs, vegetables, fruits, flowers, and more are available. , , Along the cruise, you will pass by;, The Rumeli Fortress, Built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror., Ortaköy, A very famous district for handicrafts and nightlife., Bebek, Bebek was a famous, wealthy residential district under Ottoman rule and continues to be so today. , Beşiktaş, The commercial district of the new city., Dolmabahçe Palace, Magnificent 19th-century palace, which had been the palace of the Ottoman Dynasty in the last century of the Empire., Çıragan Palace, This magnificent marble palace, built in the Sultan Abdulaziz era, was designed and constructed by the Balyan family between 1863 and 1867. Today, it serves as luxury suites for the five-star Kempinski hotel., Kızkulesi (Maiden’s Tower), An ancient lighthouse, which has inspired many legends., Yalı / Wooden Houses of the Wealthy, Houses constructed immediately on the waterside in Istanbul and usually built with an architectural concept regarding the coastal location’s characteristics, mostly dating from the 19th century. , Beylerbeyi Palace, One of the largest, most lavishly furnished 19th-century summer residences of the Ottoman Sultans. ,