Best of Istanbul
İstanbul, Türkiye
Overview
Explore Istanbul where Asia meets Europe and was the capital for 3 different empires. Walk on the ancient streets 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 watch traditional Turkish Dance Shows, taste typical Turkish food and enjoy panoramic view of Ottoman Mansions, Ortakoy Mosque and Bosphorus Bridge.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Supplement will apply for the single room
- A maximum of 15 people per booking
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Included/Exclude
- 2 nights at 3* hotel
- Transfer services from/to Airports
- English speaking guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- International flight tickets
- Admission fees for all sightseeing
- Visa services & fees
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, taxi, excess baggage etc.
- Travel insurance
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
Tour Amenities
Accepts Credit Cards
Car Parking
Free Coupons
Laundry service
Smoking Allowed
Wireless Internet
Tour Plan
Upon arrival Istanbul Airport, greeted by your driver and transfer to your hotel. Check-in and the rest of the day is yours to explore the city.
- Sightseeing at Hagia SophiaMeet your guide and start the full-day tour. Explore 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 Emperor Justinian in 537 AD. 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 has since been open to visitors.Sightseeing at Sultan Ahmed MosqueBlue 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 named Sultanahmet Mosque, the (nıck) name Blue Mosque was given to it by the visitors because of the amazing blue tiles decorating the interior wallsLocal Flavor at Grand Bazaar, Istanbul 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 in the original Ottoman system. At the end of the tour drive you back to the departure point Sightseeing at Topkapı 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 Dolmabahçe palace was built. In 1924 it was converted into a museum. Today it is famous with harem, royal treasury, and holy relics sections Sightseeing at Hippodrome Of Constantinople Hippodrome, built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203 AD, 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 the German Fountain. Drive you back to your hotel. (Breakfast - Lunch)
- Local Flavor at Spice BazaarUpon breakfast at the hotel check out, According to your tour pick-up time, meet with your guide and start your half-day tour. Visit Spice Bazaar, Built in 1664 it is an ‘L’ shape with six gates. Prevıolusly called the 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. The mesmerizing smells and aromas of the spices can be smelt from miles away.Boating at Bosphorus BridgeNext, Cruising on Bosphorus, where you will enjoy a magnificent view. A great history and beautiful nature. The Bosphorus divides EUROPE & 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 pavilion of Yildiz Palace. This cruise will most certaınly be the highlight of your trip in Istanbul at the end of the tour. Drive you back to your hotel.Take your luggage and drive to Istanbul Airport for your next destination.
Video
Location
Find a route from your location
Related Tours
Review Scores
Booking Tour
Last Minute Deals
Independent London & Paris 7 Days
$1499.00
Independent Rome
$895.00
Independent Rome & Florence
$1310.00
Italy Grand Tour
$1695.00
