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Itinerary: |
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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 for the ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races and
the center 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 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 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] |
