Day 1 : Arrival in Istanbul
Meet and assist at the airport. Transfer to the hotel for overnight. |
Day 2 : Istanbul Full day city tour
Visit St. Sophia Museum, the magnificent Byzantine Church of all times; Blue Mosque, one of the biggest mosque of Istanbul famous for its blue tiles and six minarets; Hippodrome, the former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople; Grand Bazaar*, a bazaar that will tempt even the non-shoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewelry, leather and souvenirs.Lunch at a local restaurant.After lunch, visit Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was once ruled. Today, it is a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelains and the very famous treasury of the Royal Family. Also it has unrivalled collections of jewellery, including the Spoonmaker's Diamond. Continue the tour with the Rustem Pasa Mosque designed by Sinan, the greatest architect of his day and originator of the Classical Ottoman style of architecture. Return to the hotel and overnight in Istanbul. |
Day 3 : Istanbul Half day Bosphorus
We begin with a brief visit to the 17th century Spice Bazaar**, one of Istanbul's most colorful and bustling attractions. Next, we take an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From our cruise boat, we view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus wooded shores : mosques, a bridge that for a time was the worlds longest and the massive Rumeli Hisari, a fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to conquer Istanbul. Also noteworthy are the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultans fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges. Return to the hotel. PM free. Overnight in Istanbul. |
Day 4 : Departure
Breakfast and transfer to the airport. |
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* Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
** Spice Bazaar may be visited prior to the Bosphorus Cruise, depending on the number of tour participants. |
