Classistanbul a Traditional Istanbul Multiday Tour

DAY 1 SIGHTSEEING BUS TOUR Welcome to our special Istanbul program. Since Istanbul is a big city we’d like to introduce this treasure city deeply. This tour is also recommended by the Ministry of Tourism for the visitors in Istanbul. Today is dedicated to full day panoramic bus tour starting from in the heart of city Taksim. Via Tarlabasi boulevard we’ll pass Atatürk Bridge. The Golden horn is a lovely place for taking photo, after coastal promenade we’ll reach old city walls. Following Yedikule and Kennedy Avenue we’ll pass by Galata Bridge where you can observe the city rush and colorful landscape. After lunch we’ll pass by Meclis-i Mebusan and Barbaros Avenue. Now it’s time to pass from Europe to Asia via Bogazici (Bosphorus) Bridge linking two continents. Just take your breath for the spectacular view of the Bosphorus from here. Get ready your camera and camcorder. After Kuzguncuk district we’ll reach busy port of Harem via Çarsi Avenue. Next, via Ankara Boulevard and 1st peripheral highway we’ll reach Çamlica Hill, where you can observe Istanbul. Get ready to take another deep breath. You’ll be charmed when you see this spectacular view. Time to give a tea break as Turks always do. Before finishing our sightseeing tour we’ll take the 2nd peripheral highway for Taksim. Just before arriving Taksim, you’ll be charmed for the last time while passing by Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. This time you’ll move from Asia to Europe. Since we consider you should be tired, please take your time at the hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel. [B]

DAY 2 SULTANAHMET DISTRICT Today we’ll explore famous Topkapi Palace. the maze of buildings at the center of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries. In these opulent surroundings the sultans and their court lived and governed. A magnificent wooded garden fills the outer or first court. On the right of the second court, shaded by cypress and plane trees, stand the palace kitchens, now galleries exhibiting the imperial collections of crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain. To the left, the Harem, the secluded quarters of the wives, concubines and children of the sultan, charms visitors with echoes of the intrigue of centuries. Today the third court holds the Hall of Audience, the Library of Ahmet III, an exhibition of imperial costumes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the treasury and a priceless collection of miniatures from medieval manuscripts. You’ll certainly admire these galleries. Get ready your camera and camcorder for the most valuable Kasikçi diamond in here. The footprint of Prophet Muhammed and ornamental throne of Ottoman Sultans are simply charming. In the center of innermost sanctuary, the Pavilion of the Holy Mantle enshrines the relics of the Prophet Mohammed brought to Istanbul when the Ottomans assumed the caliphate of Islam. After lunch in famous Konyali Restaurant we’ll pass Sancta Sophia “The Church of Divine Wisdom” dominated the skyline of Istanbul. The Basilica of St. Sophia, now called the Ayasofya Museum, is unquestionably one of the finest buildings of all time. Built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, its immense dome rises 55 meters above the ground and its diameter spans 31 meters. You should linger here to absorb the building’s majestic serenity and to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics. Now it’s considered as Mimar Sinan’s Mosque. After Sancta Sophia, we’ll move historical Galata District in order to visit historic Galata Tower, Neve Shalom, Italian and Askenazy Synagogues, the Kamondo steps that is called Jewish Lane as well. At night, we’ll invite you sound & light show in front of the Blue Mosque (if available) [B] [L] [D]

DAY 3 SULTANAHMET SQUARE AND BALAT DISTRICT Today is dedicated to the major mosques in Istanbul. Upon arrival in Sultanahmet Square we’ll first visit Sultan Ahmet (Blue) Mosque with its 6 minaret built in 1609. We’ll explore these points by the professional guides. After lunch in Sultanahmet square, we’ll pass the museum of Turkish and Islamic Art having superior collection. Next we’ll pass Byzantine sunken cistern known as the Yerebatan Sarnici from Justinian era with its 336 marble columns. The cistern can cater 80.000 cubic metres of water at a time. Explore the mystic atmosphere given by the instrument “ney” here. Time to move historical Balat District. We’ll explore the Star of David embossed on the facades of some old buildings in here. Ahrida and Yanbol Synagogues and the green panoramic view of the park view on the coast of Golden Horn. Across the coast we’ll visit Kamondo Mansion. Dinner at hotel. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 4 SULTANAHMET DISTRICT Today’s full day excursion is dedicated to the major places of interest in Istanbul again. The Archaeological Museum displaying the celebrated Alexander Sarcophagus among its treasures of antiquity including the Museum of the Ancient Orient displays artifacts from the Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Haiti and Hittite civilizations will be the first our visit. The building of the latter museum was built in 19th century. Upper part have been renovated a project which earned the museum of the 1993 Council of Europe award for its contribution to European Culture. Next we’ll pass Rüstem Pasha Mosque one of the tiny mosques in Istanbul built for Süleyman the Magnificent’s grand vizier Rüstem Pasha. The mosque is dated back to 1561 when he died. Here you’ll examine the beautiful Iznik tiles in here. After lunch we’ll pass by Süleymaniye Mosque dominating the skyline on the Golden Horn’s west bank. Considered the most beautiful of all imperial mosques in Istanbul, it was built between 1550 and 1557 by Sinan, the renowned architect of the Ottoman golden age. On the crest of a hill, the building is conspicuous by its great size, which the four minarets that rise from each corner of the courtyard emphasize. Inside, the mihrab (prayer niche) and the mimber (pulpit) are of finely carved white marble; fine stained glass windows color the incoming streams of light. It was in the gardens of this complex that Suleyman and his wife Hürrem Sultan, Roxelane, had their mausolea built, and near here also that Sinan built his own tomb. The mosque complex also includes four medrese, or theological schools, a school of medicine, a caravanserai, a Turkish bath, and a kitchen and hospice for the poor. Time to get lost in covered bazaar boasting with over 4000 shops inside. Just feel free to stroll around the shops. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Get ready to taste the Ottoman Imperial cuisine. Rest of the night is yours in Istanbul [B] [L] [D]

DAY 5 PALACES OF ISTANBUL Today we’ll explore the imperial palaces of Ottoman era. First we’ll explore Dolmabahçe Palace. It was built in the mid-19th century by Sultan Abdulmecit I. The vast reception saloon with 56 columns and a huge crystal chandelier weighing four and a half tons and lit by 750 lights charm visitors. At one time, birds from all over the world were kept in the Bird Pavilion for the delight of the palace’s privileged residents. Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic, died in Dolmabahce on the 10th of November, 1938. After luch we’ll pass Beylerbeyi Palace built by Sultan Abdulaziz in the 19th century. This Palace is used as the Sultan’s summer residence, it was offered to the most distinguished with its white marble amid magnolia-filled gardens, on the Bosphorus Asian shore. Empress Eugenie of France was among its residents. Next we’ll pass Kuzguncuk District to see the Synagogues and walk through to Üsküdar. The Harem coast promenade boulevard gives the visitor a chance to see the skyline of Istanbul. Tonight we’ll have a special farewell dinner in one of the famous restaurants [B] [L] [D]

DAY 6 END OF OUR SERVICE Today is the last day of our service. We’ll provide for your service to Atatürk Airport. End of our service and it’s time to have your present in order to make this trip memorial. It’ll be pleasure to host you in Turkey again as there are so many things to see. Thanks for choosing the right agency. [B]

Tour Code: DKC011