The best way to get to know Turkey is by taking one of the many historic tours
BYZANTINE & BOSPHORUS Tour
Daily departure at 08.30 and returns at 17.00
Tour of “Sultan Ahmet Center”, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.
Hagia (St.) Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.Built in 537 by Byzantine Emperor Justinianus, St.Sophia has been the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand yeras; it is considered the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture;after having been the Patriarchal basilica of Constantinople, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet II. the Conqueror and in to a museum by Atataürk in 1935.
Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. The last great imperial mosque of the classical period; it is name comes from 20.000 marvellous blue-toned Iznik tiles decorating the interior walls.
Hippodrome, center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome.
Caferaga Medresesi, of foundation for serving Turkish Culture organizes various workshop on handicrafts and music.
Lunch at the Special Turkish Restaurant
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), built between 1597 and 1664, it is the second oldest covered bazaar in the city.You may find there mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish etc..
Bosphorus Cruise; the Bosphorus strait connects the sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and separates Europe and Asia, making Istanbul one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the only one built astride two continents; this romantic cruise along the Bosphorus will allow you to admire the Dolmabahce Plalace, the Beylerbeyi Palace, the Ciragan Palace and the Rumeli Fortress, ancient wooden villas and bridges and all the wonderful and unique maritime landscapes.
Closed: Monday; St.Sophia – Sunday; Spice Bazaar.
Includes; Transportation, Guide, Boat Cruise , Museums and entrance tickets.
OTTOMAN RELICS Tour: Duration: 3,5 Hours, Departs at : 08:30
Daily departure at 13.30 and returns at 17.00Topkapi Palace: this extraordinary and secret palace was the residence of the Imperial Ottoman Sultans and the center of the Ottoman might for nearly 400 years.The building is a typical example of Ottoman architecture and the rooms exhibit rich collections of porcelains, robes, weapons, shields, armors,Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts as well as Ottoman treasures and jewellery.
(Treasury and Harem sections are not included in the program and are due to extra entry )
Grand Bazaar: the largest covered market in the world with more than 60 streets and 4.000 shops, where you may find in a authentic oriental atmosphere with all kind of gifts, leather clothing,rugs and kilims, antiques, jewellery,hand-woven fabrics etc…
Closed: Tuesday; Topkapi Palace ( Replaced with Underground Cisterne )
Includes; Transportation, Guide, Museums and Entrance Fees.