Travelpack

Highlights: Istanbul - Blue Mosque - St. Sophia Church - Roman Hippodrome - Egyptian Bazaar - Camlica Hill - Princess Islands

Other departures: Manchester - £795, Birmingham - £785, Edinburgh - £789

Hotels:
Istanbul - Senator Hotel or similar 4*

Itinerary:

Day 1: Istanbul
Upon arrival in Istanbul you will be met at the airport by your assistant for a private transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight: Senator Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 2: Istanbul
After breakfast, you will meet your professional guide at the hotel lobby for your regular full day of sightseeing to all the ‘must see’ sites old city in Istanbul. First, you will visit the serene Blue Mosque one of Istanbul’s most venerable monuments. It was built in 7 years (1606-1609 AD) with the order of Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I. From the courtyard you will enjoy the striking view of the cascading domes and semi-domes. Once inside you will see how the mosque got its name, viewing the colorful blue Iznik tiles that adorn the interior. These tiles were made at the peak of Iznik tile production in the early 17th Century.

Just outside, you'll also see the remains of the Roman Hippodrome, where thundering chariots once competed in races. Wrestling, boxing, and other athletic events were also held here, as were political rallies. Of special note at the Hippodrome is the Obelisk of Theodosius, which dates to around 1500 BC and which was transported to Istanbul (then Constantinople) in AD 390. You'll also see the fourth-century Constantine Column; the Greek Serpentine Column, one of city's oldest monuments, dating to 479 BC; and the German Fountain, a gift to the Ottoman Sultan in 1898.

Then, you will visit St. Sophia, the church of the Divine Wisdom. The architectural marvel of all time. It was built during Emperor Justinian reign (AD 537) and it remained the greatest church in Christendom until the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet II who ordered to convert Hagia Sophia into a Mosque. In 1934, Atatürk proclaimed it a museum. The walls of this beautiful piece of architecture are decorated with gorgeous mosaics.

After your lunch, you will visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace Museum. Gain a fascinating insight into this grandiose complex of buildings that formed the residence of the Sultans and the women of the Harem for 400 years. There are four main courtyards which contain extensive gardens, pavilions, fountains, royal gates, divans, kitchens, library, mosques and the Harem.

Last, visit the Grand Bazaar, the largest and oldest covered Bazaar in Turkey with more than 4,000 shops. A variety of handicrafts, carpets, rare jewels and souvenirs all sold in small shops next to each other. The merchants are selling everything from antiques, home wares, books, copper ware, ceramics, gold and inexpensive souvenirs. Venture into the hidden courtyards or hans, lookout for marble fountains and ornate kiosks. Streets are named according to the trades and the most oriental atmosphere in Istanbul is found in the bazaar.

Dinner with Cruise; An enchanted night cruise starts while you sip your welcome drink as the sun sets on Istanbul. Beneath the Bosphorus Bridge by moonlight, glide past the Ciragan Palace, nowadays Hotel Kempinski, Dolmabahce Palace on European shores and the Beylerbeyi Palace, Kanlica and Anatolian Fortress on Asian shores. A rich variety of open buffet dishes, specialities of Turkish Cuisine and barbeque, unlimited local drinks. The twinkling lights of the European shores from Tarabya to Bebek. Transfer to hotels before goodnight Istanbul.

Overnight: Senator Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Istanbul
After breakfast, you will meet your professional guide at the hotel lobby for your regular full day sightseeing the balance of the important sites in the old city. First , you will visit the Egyptian Bazaar, the second largest covered market in Istanbul. It was constructed in the 1660s as part of the Yeni Camii (New Mosque) complex. The name derives from the herbs, and spices imported from or through Egypt. It is still the best place to buy Turkish delight, dried fruit, exotic spices and herbs.

After than we will have Bosphorus Cruise with public boat We cruise along the waterway, separating the two continents of Asia and Europe, to enjoy front-door views of marble palaces, ancient wooden Ottoman villas, green vistas, modern residences and luxurious apartment buildings. Relax as we navigate through Istanbul’s winding straits and admire the shoreline of beautiful mosques, lavish palaces and decadent villas - you’ll see Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi Palaces, Ottoman Summer Mansions and Ortakoy Mosque, the defensive Rumeli Fortress and Bosphorus Bridge - one of the world’s largest suspension bridges, all alongside passing fishing boats, yachts, huge cargo ships and tankers.

After your lunch, you will visit to the Beylerbeyi Palace. The lavishly appointed 19th century summer palace of the Ottoman Sultans is located on the Bosporus. The opulence of the wall decorations and the ceilings were modeled after Europe. 19th century was the time when Ottoman tried to change in order to be more westernized.

Last, visit to the Camlica Hill. The highest point in Istanbul. At the top of it you can rest and admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul and the Bosphorus from the beautiful gardens, landscaped in traditional style.

Overnight: Senator Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4: Istanbul
After breakfast, you will meet your professional guide at the hotel lobby for your regular full day sightseeing the balance of the important sites in the old city. We will start the day with a cruise in the Marmara Sea to Princess Islands. We will stop at Büyükada, and take a horse-drawn carriage ride. Depending on time, we might visit a church on the island.  There are beaches and we will have some time for sunbathing and swimming. Lunch will be in one of the fish restaurants of the island.In the evening, we will return to downtown Istanbul, and go to hotels.

Overnight: Senator Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 5: Istanbul
Day at leisure. Dinner and Floorshow at Sultanas with limited local drinks. One attraction that shouldn’t be missed is the Dinner and Floor Show at the famous Sultanas which is located in the heart of Istanbul. The legendary nightclub has welcomed millions of spectators, and several international stars have performed on its stage. Sultana’s amazing show includes the most beautiful Turkish belly dancers, various Anatolian folk dance groups, and an outstanding Turkish singer, who entertains our guests with a mixture of international and local songs. With a 600-person capacity, the restaurant has three separate salons, all of which are available for private functions. The menu is a mixture of international and traditional Turkish dishes.

Overnight: Senator Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6: Istanbul
After breakfast, we drive to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for our departure flight back home.

Meals: Breakfast

Offer Includes

Meal Plans