Istanbul Discovery Tour(5 Days)

WELLCOME TO ISTANBUL

Arrive to Istanbul. Pick up from the airport and transfer to the hotel.We cruise the Bosphorus, and from the deck of our cruise boat, take in the sights and sounds of this legendary waterway, lined with historic villages, grandiose waterfront mansions, imposing fortresses, like Anadolu Hisari, and the Baroque palaces of the late Ottoman sultans. After our cruise we travel along the breattaking Golden Horn to the Spice Bazaar, a thrilling riot of colors, sounds and the smell of exotic spices.

Important Note: 1)On the rare Sundays when the Spice Bazaar is closed, we offer an orientation session. 2)The Spice Bazaar may be visited prior to the Bosphorus Cruise, depending on the number of tour participants. 

(Breakfast+Lunch)

We will start our tour of the Sultanahmet district, center of old town, at Hagia Sophia. Built by the Emperor Justinian in the early 6th century AD and designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isodore of Miletus,the church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Converted in to a mosque in 1453,it is now a museum. Its massive dome still dominates the skyline of old istanbul. It is also very fameus with its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses and a poignant Virgin and Child. After Hagia Sophia we visit the Blue Mosque. This famous Mosque takes its name from the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Built by Sultan Ahmet 1st in the early 17th century and designed by a pupil of Sinan, the greatest of Ottoman architects, it is the only mosque with six minarets in the Ottoman empire period.Of these The Hippodrome, an Egyptian obeliks and the Grand Bazaar are the places that ve visit.The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4000 shops are full of treasures including carpets and kilims, jewelry,silks,ceramics,icons and leather goods.Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style. We will have a lunch break and than we will continue with Topkapi Palace which from the 15th to the 19th century, was the principal residence of the Ottoman Sultans. We will visit the fabulous Imperial Treasury and Baghdad Kioks. Topkapi Palace is now a museum and has unrivalled collections of jewelry, Including the Spoonmaker's Diamond, the 3rd largest in the world. Last but by no means least, we visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque, completed in 1563. A masterpiece designed by Sinan the Magnificent, it has the most exquisite and extensive Iznik tile decoration of any mosque in Istanbul. The large quantities of exxquisite Iznik tiles, arranged in a wide variety of beautiful flora and geometric designs, as well as the specious central courtyard, make this mosque a must see Istanbul atraction.

Important note: 1)On Tuesdays, when Topkapi Palace is closed, this tour is not offered. 2)On Mondays,when Saint Sophia is closed,we visit the Chora Church,famed for its mosaics.3) Blue Mosque is closed on Friday Mornings.

(Breakfast+Lunch)

There is no better way to escape the bustle of Istanbul for a day than with a visit to the Idyllic Princess Islands. Enjoy cool breezes and charming sights along the way to Buyukada,the largest Island in the chain. Famous for their mild climates, lush vegetation, and ornate Ottoman houses, all the islands are unspoiled by traffic. Instead of cars there are carriages, called phaetons, hich we will use to tour the island and its beautiful scenery studded with elegant mansions draped with purple bougainvillea, reminiscent of a more leisured and graceful era. We will enjoy our lunch at the best of one of the many excellent fresch fish restaurants that line the waterfront, gazing across the Asian shore of Istanbul, so close- through it feels world away.

(Breakfast)

After your breakfast you have free time till afternoon.

We will pick you up from the hotel In the afternoon and We will start by driving across the Bosphorus Bridge, which for a time was the world' longest suspension bridge, and head for the summit of Camlica Hill, which affords panaromic views of Istanbul, the Sea of Marmara and the Princes' Islands. From here a short drive brings us to the Palace of Beylerbeyi on the shore of the Bosphorus. Perhaps the most elegant of the late Ottoman Palaces, Bylerbeyi boasts six sumptuously furnished reception halls with Bohemian crystals chandeliers and Sevres and Chinese vases, including a main saloon with an indoor fountain. The sultans' guests at the palace included Empress Eugenie of France, Shah Nasruddin of Persia and Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia.

(Breakfast)

Optional Bursa Tour.

After your breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport. Good Bye!