Istanbul Mini Stay Tour

DAY 1 ISTANBUL A full day excursion is dedicated to Sultanahmet District. The first place is the Blue Mosque famous for blue and white Iznik tiles was built between 1609-1616. Later we’ll proceed to the ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races and the centre of Byzantine civic life, stands in the open space next, we’ll pass Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum that reflects the lifestyle of Turks of every society from the 8th century to the present. In order to get acquaintance with Turkish culture too it’s a must to see. Lunch at Konyali one of the well known restaurants in Topkapi. Time to visit Topkapi Palace having the galleries exhibiting the imperial collections of gorgeous crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain of Ottoman era. Visiting Harem, the secluded quarters of the wives, concubines and children of the sultan, charms visitors, 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. Throne room, library of Ahmet the third, room of the Robe of the Prophet and other sections are simply dazzling. Later we’ll pass to Hagia Sophia, one of the finest buildings of all time built by Emperor Justinian now Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s Mosque. Get ready to be charmed in the Church of the Divine Wisdom. We’ll explore the majestic serenity and the fine Byzantine mosaics of the building. Our professional guides will answer your questions here. After St. Sophia we’ll proceed for Sunken Palace also known as Basilica Cistern 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. Finally, we’ll depart for the gorgeous Grand Covered Bazaar having over 4000 shops inside. Ready to get lost? Go on then. Orient café, Marble fountain, fur market, interior bedesten, Sandal bedesten, small caravanserais and mosques are just impeccable. Egyptian Bazaar is another paradise for the shop-lovers. Late at night we’ll join informative light & sound show in the front of Blue Mosque (if available). [B] [L] [D]

DAY 2 ISTANBUL Today you’ll not be tired because you had a great day. We’ll invite you to discover Istanbul along the beautiful Bosphorus and to be the witness of the magic medley of Ottoman Empire and modern architecture. Just before this, we’ll visit one of the best palaces in Turkey even in the world: Dolmabahçe Palace!. Hop on a cruise that’ll take us along the Bosphorus passing under 2 bridges linking Asia & Europe continents. Get ready to see the parade of the imperial palaces. Kiz Kulesi, Çiragan Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Kirmizi Yali, Küçüksu Kasri, Rumeli Hisari, Anadolu Hisari, Kanlica (famous with honey on creamy yogurt), Beykoz, Tarabya, are important places you’ll observe from the sea. The cruise terminates at Anadolu Kavagi in Asia Continent. We’ll climb Genoese Castle where you can observe the Black Sea joins Bosphorus so-called Clashing Rocks associated with Jason & Argonaut had to navigate on their search of Golden Fleece. Anadolu Kavagi is famous for its fish restaurants. We’ll set you free for an hour for your perfunctory exploration. The breathtaking view of Bosphorus, charcoal fish & raki are the main triplet that all tourists & Turkish people adore having this experience. We’ll invite you to a dinner with Turkish folk songs. The rest of the night is all ours. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 3 ISTANBUL Today we’ll escape from the city. You’ll find the real peace and tranquillity in Princes’ Island, in other words, we’d like to show another side of Istanbul today. Princes’ Island situated south of the metropolis, popular with weekend retreats. We’ll take the authentic panoramic ferry to Büyükada since it’s easy to observe. The cars are not allowed in Büyükada. Here you’ll see the trace of the Greek and Armenian people of Galata as well as Ottoman dignitaries. They mainly constructed their holiday and weekend villas in here. Traditionally, Büyükada has always been a place of retreat and exile for the past years. For instance Monastery of St. George, the granddaughter of Empress Irene, the Royal Princess Zoe, Leon Trotsky the writer of Russian Revelation History in 1933 at Izzet Pasha Chalet. Here the transportation is handled by buggy-ride. Bicycles are very popular as well. Historical houses, beautiful environs, pinewood sites and ethnic groups make these island always interesting. Get on a Buggy-car or rent a bike and join on convoy to circle around the island. After lunch we’ll return to the hotel. Tonight we’ll take you one of the best restaurants in Istanbul. You’ll have the chance to taste the samples of Ottoman Imperial Kitchen and we are sure that you’ll love this. Enjoy the taste. [B] [L] [D]

Tour Code: DKC010