Day 2: Bosphorus & Two Continents (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, pick up from the hotel and meet with the tour guide. After that, we will visit; CITY WALLS The first breach of the walls was by the Fourth Crusade in 1204, the second by the cannons and troops of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453. DRIVE BY BUS TO GOLDEN HORN As a natural and extremely secure harbour, the Golden Horn has played an important role in the development of Istanbul. The inlet separates the European shore into two. It is approximately 8 km long, and the widest part is the entrance from the Bosphorus. Two streams drain into this inlet at its far end. SPICE BAZAAR (EGYPTIAN BAZAAR) The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice. BOAT TRIP ON THE BOSPHORUS An amazing cruise between the two continents, EUROPE and ASIA, along the Bosphorus by the Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi Palaces, wooden villas and mansions up to the Rumeli Fortress. THE RUMELI FORTRESS (FROM THE SEA) (NO INTERIOR VISIT) İstanbul had been besieged many times before Mehmet the Conqueror took the city in 1453, but it managed to defend itself with the help of the Roman city walls. SHOPPING As Turkey is one of the best leather-producing countries in the world. We will watch a fashion show in an outlet center which produces and manufactures a different variety of great quality leatherware. So, it’s a good opportunity to have a look at the reasonably priced good quality leather accessories. (Optional due to high traffic jam and long line for the Palace) BOSPHORUS BRIDGE Unique chance to step from one continent (ASIA) to another (EUROPE) BEYLERBEYİ PALACE The summer residence of Ottoman Sultans with its original furniture and magnificent gardens with the HAREM on the ASIAN SIDE. ÇAMLICA HILL one of the highest points in Istanbul. At the top of it you can rest and admire the magnificent pano- rama of Istanbul and the Bosphorus from the beautiful gardens, landscape in traditional style, as you sip your drinks in a cafeteria. After tour transfer to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Transport: Bus & Boat

Accommodation: Hotel Antik 4* or similar

Day 3: Byzantine & Ottoman Relics (Walking tour) (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, pick up from the hotels and transfer to Sultanah- met-Old City. After that, we will visit HIPPODROME, The center of sports activities with its four monuments: The GERMAN FOUNTAIN OF WILHELM II, Egyptian Obelisk, SERPENTINE COLUMN and the COLUMN OF CONSTANTINE. The BLUE MOSQUE: The most famous mosque of Istanbul which is known as the BLUE MOSQUE as well because of its beautiful blue Iznik tiles. (Visit is not possible on Friday due to Friday Prayer) (Blue Mosque closed from 1st January until 30th April 2023) THE HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE This ancient basilica, built by Constantine the Great, in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, is one of the architectural marvels of all time. (Visit is not possible on Friday due to Friday Prayer) GRAND BAZAAR (COVERED MARKET) In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more than 4000 shops with each trade having its own area: the goldsmiths’ street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as handpainted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brasware and trays, water ewers, onyxware and meer- schaum pipers. Lunch at local restaurant. HAGIA IRENE CHURCH Built during the same period (4th century) as its neighbour the Hagia Sophia. The name Hagia Irene Church means ‘’Godly’’ or ‘’Holy Wisdom’’ in Greek. After the conquest of Istanbul, it was incorporated into the grounds of Topkapı Palace and like many other churches was converted into a mosque. How- ever there were no major changes made to the building’s structure. (Hagia Irene Church closed on Tuesday) TOPKAPI PALACE The great palace of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries, housing an exquisite collection of precious gems, jewellery thrones of sultans, costumes worn by the sultans and their families; miniatures, the Holy Mantle; CHABER OF SACRED RELICS. (Topkapı Palace closed on Tuesday) (Harem is not included in the program and visit is due to extra entrance fee.) Overnight in Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Antik 4* or similar

Include:

– 03 Nights’ accommodation in Istanbul

– Daily breakfast

– English-speaking professional tour guide throughout the tour

– Seat-in-coach tour as per itinerary

– Day 2 & Day 3: Lunch

– Transportation by A/C deluxe vehicle

– All entry fees to the sites & museums as per itinerary

– Local tax

Exclude:

– All International and Domestic Air tickets

– Personal Expenses

– Visas

– Travel Insurance

– Optional tours

– Tips and gratuities

– Peak Season Surcharge

– Portage

– Items not listed under inclusions