Arrive Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul. Upon arrival you will be transferred to hotel in Istanbul where you can enjoy rest of the day at leisure.

Full Day Istanbul Classic Tour

Tour of "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and
Ottoman Empires were ruled.
Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture,
constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.
Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets,
built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.
Hippodrome, centre of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city.
Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments
decorating the Hippodrome.
Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping centre and the biggest "souk" in the world
with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir.
(Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request)
Lunch at a Turkish Restaurant.
Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics
of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Live guide
commentary is not allowed in special sections. (Harem is not included in the program)
Sultan Tombs, there are five tombs of Ottoman Sultans within the graveyard at Hagia Sophia.
The ceramic panels are the most beautiful examples of the 16th century with purple, red, green
and blue flower motives. Prince robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers are displayed
on the sarcophaguses.

Full Day Bosphorus Cruise and Two Continents Tour

Golden Horn (from the bus), the arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbour of the historical peninsula separating the old and the new parts of Istanbul where the first colonies settled during the Byzantines. The residential area for Byzantine Jews, Italian traders and other non-muslim minorities.

Drive along the traces of history at Balat viewing Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian,

Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim), Fener Orthodox Patriarchate and 22 kms. long Byzantine City Walls, strongest fortification of the middle age.

Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers etc.

Bosphorus Cruise on Plan Tours’ private boat, through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials and luxurious apartments.

Rumeli Fortress (from the boat – no interior visit), historical armament built by the Conqueror to control and protect the Bosphorus. A unique example of military architecture. (Visit a leather showroom if time permits)

Lunch at a Turkish Restaurant.

Dolmabahçe Palace, recent residence for Ottoman Sultans built by two Ottoman architects Karabet and Nikogos Balyan on a 110.000 m² area and served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. Famous with great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4.5 tons chandelier, the palace has 285 rooms and 46 halls.

Bosphorus Bridge, unique chance to step from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in 2 minutes.

Çamlica Hill, famous for its widest bird’s eye panoramic view of Istanbul from Marmara Sea to the Black Sea, gives a chance to see the Bosphorus and Golden Horn from one of the best point of the highest and most appealing places of the city.

also:

IMPERIAL GARDENS OF ROYAL YILDIZ PALACE
BOSPHORUS BRIDGE connecting EUROPE & ASIA continents
BEYLERBEYÄ° PALACE from the boat

The tour starts with pick ups around 08:00 and will end around 17:00

Full Day At Leisure in Istanbul

There is no activity involved. You can enjoy your day based on your interest. 

Depart Istanbul

Check out from Hotel & you will be transferred to airport for your further journey.