ISTANBUL - No:1
Halfday(4hours) Tour of Istanbul - Highlights-
Meet with your guide in front of the Istanbul port passenger
Terminal. Drive along the old city walls and under the ancient
Roman aqueduct on the way to St Sophia, the splendid Church of
Divine Wisdom built in the 4th century BC. St Sophia's dome was
then the largest in the world. After several conquests and
pillages, the building was converted into a mosque, but fell into
disrepair as the centuries passed. The mosaics were uncovered in
the 1900s and the church was dedicated as a Byzantine-Ottoman
museum. Your next stop is at the Hipodrome. Nearby is the Blue
Mosque, named for its richly adorned interior of magnificent
Iznik tiles. Enjoy some time at the Grand Bazaar for some
shopping.
ISTANBUL - No:2
Fullday(8hours) Tour of Istanbul- Bosphorus Cruise & Asian
Side - After meeting with your guide,
proceed through the commercial area passing Ottoman monuments to
the famous Egyptian Spice Bazaar (closed on Sunday) for a short
visit. Then take the local ferry to start an unforgetable
excursion between two continents, Europe & Asia. The cruise
takes you along the latest palaces of Ottomans, The Dolmabahce
Palace and Beylerbeyi, as well as 19th and 20th century,
beautiful wooden Kiosks. Mansions and modern villas which form
the elegant section of the city. Enjoy the scenery. After lunch,
a pleasant drive to the Asian part of Istanbul through suspension
Bosphorus Bridge. Visit Beylerbeyi Palace. The palace was the
famous summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans with its
magnificent gardens and breathtaking richness. The Beylerbeyi
Palace lying on the beautiful shores of the Bosphorus is fully
furnished and it is a perfect example of the late Ottoman
architecture. Continue to the highest hill of Istanbul called
Camlica where you will enjoy a very impressive panoramic view of
Istanbul.
ISTANBUL - No:3
Halfday(4hours) Tour of Istanbul- Bosphorus Cruise - Experience a
delightful, relaxing sightseeing on this sightseeing tour. After
meeting with your guide, proceed through the commercial area
passing Ottoman monuments to the famous Egyptian Spice Bazaar (closed
on Sunday) for a short visit. Board the local ferry to start an
unforgetable excursion between two continents, Europe & Asia.
Take the opportunity to be acquainted with Istanbul`s past
Ottoman palaces, wooden 19th century waterfront mansions, modern
pleasure palaces and fortresses. Enjoy the spectacular scenery
and the perfect opportunity for taking photographs along both
shores of this fabled waterway. Cruise will end in Sariyer, a
charming fishing village located on the Bosphorus near the Black
Sea.
ISTANBUL - No:4
Fullday(8hours) Tour of Istanbul - Meet with
your guide in front of the Istanbul port passenger Terminal at 8.30am.
Drive along the old city walls and under the ancient Roman
aqueduct on the way to view the best of Istanbul's stunning
architecture and attractions. The impressive Hippodrome is your
first stop. Then visit the Blue Mosque named for the vivid Iznik
tiles which line its interior. Browse the amazing Topkapi Palace-official
residence of the Ottoman Sultans-with courts, pavilions, mosques,
fountains and a treasury. Finally, you will stop at the jewel in
Turkey's Byzantine crown-the Museum of St Sophia. This splendid
Church of Divine Wisdom was originally built in the 4th century
AD and was lovingly restored in the 1900s, reflecting the true
history of the glorious city of Istanbul. Enjoy some time at the
Grand Bazaar for some shopping.
ISTANBUL - No:5
Fullday(8hours)- Cross over Galata Bridge.
First visit the Hippodrome where once the Chariots thundered the
skies. See Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius brought from Karnak,
the Serpentine Column and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Then
walk into famous Blue Mosque which is the symbol of Istanbul with
its six minarets. See the grandeur of the 16th Century old
masterpiece. In the afternoon visit the largest sanctuary of the
6th Century which is known as St.Sophia (Holly Wisdom). See the
largest dome which was covering a church, then a mosque and the
caleidoscope of colors. Afterwards drive to the outskirts of the
Old Town. See the old city walls and the ancient Roman aqueduct.
On the way, view the best of Istanbul's stunning architecture and
attractions: the shores of the Marmara Sea, the Theodosian land
walls where people work in their small gardens and horsecart is
still being used for transportation, Tekfur Palace, one of the
best examples of Byzantine architecture existing in Turkey and
possibly the remains of Blachernae Palace and dungeon.
ISTANBUL - No:6
Fullday(8hours) - Drive to the Old Town.
Cross over Galata Bridge to the heart of the town. Arrive to
Topkapý Palace Museum. The Palace was the seat of the Ottoman
Empire for almost four centuries. Walk thru the courtyards of the
Palace, view the Chimneys of the Royal kitchens, the Harem Tower,
the Ceremonial Halls, Throne Room, see the Costumes of the
Sultans, the Treasury of the Ottoman Empire, the Library and the
Pavillions. After lunch proceed to the Grand Bazaar, where
handicraft from all over Turkey is displayed in 3.000 shops and
stores . Enjoy shopping within this bustling maze of glittering
jewels, the sweet scent of incences, radiant Turkish carpets and
the vivid sheen of brass and copper. Afterwards drive to Taksim.
Walk on the main road of Istiklal Street. See the 19th century
buildings, consulates, shops, restaurants, small snack bars,
cinemas, etc...End your tour at Pera Palas Hotel, a late 19th
century hotel which was built for the use of Orient Express
passengers. Pera Palas had been frequented by well-known and
highly-placed figures in the world such as: Agatha Christie,
Edward V111 of England, Ataturk, Yehudi Menuhin, Marie Bell,
Jacqueline Kennedy, Mata Hari Cicero....
ISTANBUL - No:7
Fullday(8hours)- Cross over Galata Bridge,
to visit the Mosque of Suleyman, the masterpiece of Turkey’s
greatest architect, Mimar Sinan. His patron was Sultan Suleyman,
for whom the mosque was named. This magnificent landmark crowns
one of Istanbul’s many hills and dominates the Golden Horn.
The building is breathtaking in size and pleasing in its
simplicity. It features some very fine Iznik tiles and
exceptional stained-glass windows. Drive through Fener and Balat,
neighborhoods midway up the Golden Horn, whole streets full of
old wooden houses, churches, and synagogues date from Byzantine
and Ottoman times. The Orthodox Patriarchy resides here at Fener.
Eyup, a little further up, reflects Ottoman architecture.
Continue to the famed Spice Market which is also known as the
Egyptian Bazaar, sample spices and witness the local life. After
lunch proceed to the Military Museum where you may see armor,
weapons, and displays of Turkish military uniforms from the ages,
At 3pm enjoy the concert performed by the colorful military
`Mehter` band.....
ISTANBUL - No:8
Fullday(8hours)- discover the riches of
Istanbul on the Asian side. Boarding your coach drive over
Bosphorus Bridge from European to the Asian side. First visit the
Beylerbeyi Palace on the banks of Bosphorus. The Palace was built
during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz and was elaborately
decorated. Walk thru the beautifully designed rooms and halls,
see the wonderful art of East and West in this Palace. Drive to
Üsküdar, see the local market and witness to the Turkish
lifestyle. View the Old Town and the European side from Asia.
Enjoy llunch in Uskudar. Continue to the highest hill of Istanbul
called Camlica where you will enjoy a very impressive panoramic
view of Istanbul. Afterwards continue to explore Asian side of
Istanbul.See the famous Bagdat Boulevard, Haydarpasa Train
Station with Prussia architectural style.
ISTANBUL - No:9
Fullday Tour(8hours)- Horhor & Pera Palas & Turkish Bath
Experience - Arrive at a hidden place within
the old city center called the Horhor Flea Market. Actually,
Horhor is not really a flea market; it is a collection of antique
shops that sell collectibles and furniture of varying age and
value and a very good place for making interesting finds. After
completing your exploration at Horhor, you will move on to the
opposite side of Golden Horn, passing the Sirkeci train station,
the last stop of the original Orient Express. Leave your vehicle
at Karaköy, the old commercial harbor of the Ottoman Empire, and
get on the underground train which connects the shores of Golden
Horn to the Pera district on the hill. Opened for service in 1880,
this is the second oldest underground train in Europe. You will
leave the train in the Pera district which houses a wealth of
fascinating buildings including churches, historical buildings,
picturesque arcades, old Ottoman Hans, consulate buildings, and
fine cafés. It is the best example of Istanbul's rich cultural
and ethnic mosaic. After a short walk on Istiklal Street, "Grand
Rue de Pera," visit the Pera Palas Hotel. The hotel was
opened in 1896 in Istanbul next to the old American Consulate
building, built in order to host the passengers of the Orient
Express train. The train was designed by the French architect
Valloury and was renovated keeping all the valuable and unique
furniture in the original form. The original Orient Express
started its service 120 years ago in 1883. Agatha Christie
authored her famous book "Murder on the Orient Express"
in one of the rooms at Pera Palas Hotel. From there, drive to
Cemberlitas Hamami to experience the centuries old tradition of
the Turkish bath. Although the date of the construction and the
name of the Hamam are not known, it is said to have been built in
the beginning of the 18th century. It is also said that this
construction is one of Sinan's works of art. These double baths
where only the changing-rooms have been changed, now consist of
two parts, one for women and the other for men in a 2,834 square
meter area. The Sultans, important people of the palace, and the
high class of the society used this magnificent monument. It is a
temple for bathing that has also provided service to important
and famous statesmen who have visited or lived in Istanbul.
Besides King Edward VIII, Kaiser Wilhelm, Franz Liszt, and
Florence Nightingale there are also many of today's well-known
personalities including King Fahd, Rockefeller, Tony Curtis, and
Richard Harrison who came to Cagaloglu Hamami during their visits
to Istanbul. Rudolf Nureyev, the famous ballet dancer, visits
this historical monument every time he comes to Istanbul. Here
you will sample the traditional bath experience with Ottoman
service including scrubbing, bathing, massage. Please note: This
is not recommended for children due to the steam and nature of
the experience.
ISTANBUL - No:10
Halfday Tour(4hours) Dolmabahce Palace & Military Museum - Drive
to the Dolmabahçe Palace, a blend of many European architectural
styles. See the famous silk and wool carpets of Hereke, some of
the finest examples of the Turkish art of carpet weaving, cover
the floors. Rare handmade object d'art from Europe and the Far
East decorate every room in the palace. Brilliant crystal
chandeliers, candelabras, and fireplaces add to the lavish décor.
After a visit to the palace, you will continue to the Military
Museum established in 1826 to house the large collection of
armor, weapons, tents, paintings, photographs, and a piece of the
chain used by the Byzantines in order to protect the Golden Horn.
Pieces date from the era of the Conquest of Istanbul to the era
of Sultan Ahmet III. After a brief visit inside the museum, you
will watch the Performance of the Ottoman Military Band (the
performance lasts approximately 20 minutes). During the battles
the Mehter (the name given to Ottoman Military Band) would create
a tremendous din with mounted timpani, horns, and bagpipes adding
to the blunderbuss and cannon as the Ottomans marched through the
Balkans into Central Europe. When retreating from the battles,
they left many of their instruments behind, and these eventually
found their way into the orchestrations of such illustrious
composers as Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and even John Phillip
Sousa.
ISTANBUL - No:11
Halfday Tour(4hours) JEWISH HERITAGE TOUR - Start
tour in centuries-old Jewish neighborhood, Galata, with its tower
built by the Genoese. From the panorama balcony. See the stunning
views of old constantinopla, Bosphorus, Golden Horn.and the
Jewish quarters. Enjoy refrehments in this historical atmosphere.
Afterwards see Neve Shalom Synagogue & Ashkenaz Synagogue,
drive to Balat along the Golden Horn where the Star of David
appears on the facades of some buildings. See Ahrida Synagogue,
built in the 15th century. See the Jewish Cemetery, where the
martyrs of Neve Shalom are buried. Last stop at Ortaköy, first
disembark point of Sepharads, welcomed by the Ottoman Sultan, and
visit to Etz-Ahayim Synagogue.
ISTANBUL - No:12
Halfday Tour(4hours) WALKING TOUR - WALKING THROUGH BAZAARs & MARKETS -
Meet with your guide in front of Istanbul Port Passenger Terminal.
After a short walk board the tram for a 10 minutes ride to the old city.
Cross the Galata Bridge and leave tram in front of Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Çarsisi, also called the Spice Market). Inside, enjoy lots of shops selling dried fruits, nuts, teas, spices and natural remedies. Outside, in the surrounding streets, it's still a great food market for the locals. Over by the New Mosque (Yeni Cami) are shops selling seeds, gardening supplies, caged birds, etc., and there's always a lively street market. Afterwards proceed to the exquisite Rüstem Pasha Mosque, one of Istanbul's finest architectural gems, which few tourists visit. Continue to Mahmutpasa Markets through the Tahtakale market district which is 99% Turkish, and all the more interesting for those who want to get away from the tourist crowds. Finally reach the famous Grand Bazaar with over 5,000 shops located in a maze of lanes and alleys. It is filled with thousands of curios, including carpets, fabrics, clothing, furniture and gold jewelry. A short walk along one of the main alleys will provide you with a glimpse of this amazing place. Afterwards walk to Çemberlitas. See a tall, obviously very old and dismal-looking porphyry column. It was erected on May 11, 330 by Constantine the Great to celebrate the designation of Constantinople as the new capital of the Roman Empire. Board the tram and return to the ship.
ISTANBUL - No:13
Halfday Tour(4hours) WALKING TOUR OF TAKSIM, PERA & GALATA -
Meet with your guide in front of Istanbul Port Passenger Terminal.
After a short walk to Kabatas board the funicular for a 2 minutes ride to the Taksim square, the hub of modern Istanbul. From Taksim square walk to Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), the heart of Beyoglu, the more modern district of Istanbul built during the 19th century. The city's most popular strolling, shopping and snacking street, now reserved for pedestrians, is lined with boutiques, cafes, consulates, restaurants, galleries, cinemas and banks, with residential apartments above. When 19th-century travelers spoke of Constantinople (Istanbul) as the Paris of the East, they were thinking of the Grande Rue de Péra (Istiklal Caddesi) and its half-European, half-Asian culture. Halfway along the avenue toward the southwest is Galatasaray Square, easily recognizable by the grand gates to Galatasaray Lisesi, the first European-style lycée (high school) erected by the Ottoman government. See The Church of St Anthony, established in 1725 to serve transient foreigners and the many families who stayed on in the sultan's dominions. Afterwards walk to the historic Pera Palas Hotel, Built to accommodate the pampered travellers arriving aboard the Orient Express. Next is Galat Mevlevihane (monastry of Whirling Dervishes, founded by a descendant of Rumi in the 1490s. Afterwards walk to Galata district and see the Galata Tower which has dominated Beyoglu's skyline since 1348 and still offers the best panoramic views of the city. From the 1500s onward, Galata was mostly Jewish. As recently as the late 20th century, Galata rang with the songs and street-games of Jewish children speaking Ladino (Judeo-Spanish). Today most of Istanbul's Jews live in more desirable residential quarters, though Galata's synagogues are still in use. Sites in Galata include the Chief Rabbinate, the Neve Shalom and Italian synagogues, the Schneider Synagogue (Terziler Havrasi, now used as an art gallery), the Zulfaris Synagogue Museum, a Jewish elementary school, and the Kamondo staircase. Walk back to port of Istanbul.
