This comprehensive sightseeing tour of Istanbul provides the perfect introduction to the fabled city that spans Asia and Europe. On this one day sightseeing tour you will see how old meets new when you visit Istanbul's four "must-see" historic sites.
Formally called Constantinople, Istanbul was the capital of the Roman Empire and Europe's wealthiest metropolis, and is now the largest city in Turkey.
Blue Mosque:
One of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style. The mosque has six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.
Hagia Sophia:
Now a museum, Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian, and was one of the largest basilicas in the Christian world. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to a mosque and is today one of the most magnificent museums in the world. Take a moment to linger here to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics. (closed on Monday)
Topkapi Palace:
The largest and oldest palace in the world, Topkapi is the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its harem (additional cost), treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi promises to be a truly fascinating experience. (closed on Tuesday)
Grand Bazaar:
In operation since the 14th century, the Grand Bazaar is one of the world's largest covered markets, with 58 streets and over 4,000 shops. The bazaar is specially known for its jewelry, leather, pottery, spices and carpets. (closed on Sunday additional time will be spent at the other locations)
Breathe in the heady mix of spices and herbs in the Egyptian Bazaar, then take an invigorating cruise on the Bosphorus for superb views of the magical city of Istanbul. You'll cruise past the famous Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi palaces, and see the historic European and Asian shores. Afterwards you can visit the Sadberk Hanim Museum or the 15th-century Rumelihisar Fortress.
You begin your adventure with a visit to the 17th-century Spice Bazaar one of Istanbul's most colorful and bustling attractions. Breathe in the heady mix of spices and herbs in the Egyptian Bazaar, Next you'll take an invigorating cruise on the Bosphorus for superb views of the magical city of Istanbul.
You'll cruise past the
famous Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi palaces, and see the historic European
and Asian shores, you can also admire the mosques, fortresses,
19th-century masions and Sultan's fanciful gingerbread palaces and
hunting lodges. After your cruise you'll have the chance to visit the
15th-century Rumelihisar Fortress.
Egyptian Bazaar:
Built in 1660 with the taxes collected from the trade of Egyptian herbs
and spices, the exotically domed bazaar is filled with the enticing
aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint and thyme. Browse the stalls
and compare the prices!
Rumelihisar Fortress:
Built
by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452, the castle was built at the
narrowest point of the Bosphorus in order to isolate the city of
Istanbul, prior to its invasion in 1453. Following the fall of
Istanbul, the north tower was used as a prison.
Istanbul by night means floodlit mosques, a fabulous Turkish dinner and a spectacular floorshow with bejeweled belly dancers. It's the ultimate Turkish experience!
On your evening out in Istanbul you will be picked up from your hotel and privately transfered to a first-class restaurant for dinner. The fabulous four-course dinner includes a Turkish dessert, followed by an exotic floor show. You'll be entertained by belly dancers and an Anatolian cultural folklore group.
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Depart Istanbul in the early morning for the drive to Gallipoli (approx. 5 hours). On the way your English speaking guide will tell you the history of the ANZACs and prepare you to make the most of your time during your visit. Visit ANZAC Cove, the site of the famous battle between Allied and Turkish troops where heavy casualties were suffered on both sides. See the Turkish and Allied Trenches at Johnston's Jolly. See The Nek, a narrow stretch of ridge in the battlefield on the Gallipoli peninsula and the New Zealand Memorial at Chunuk Bair, site of one of New Zealand's epic stands on the Gallipoli peninsula in August 1915.
There will also be a visit to Lone Pine Cemetery and Memorial named after the solitary pine tree that grew here. The beautiful landscape and quiet atmosphere of the site hides its horrific past. On the memorial you will find the names of 4221 Australian and 709 New Zealand soldiers who have no known grave.
At around 6:00pm you will board your bus for the return journey to Istanbul
Take a step back in time as you immerse yourself in the ancient city of Troy where the Trojan wars took place and unlock the ANZAC secrets of Gallipoli on your visit to the famous World War One site.
Depart Istanbul early and head for Gallipoli, Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and other famous memorials from World War One. Crossing the Dardanelles, you'll spend the night in Canakkale.
You'll also visit Troy to see the re-creation of the Trojan horse, then you will have the option to spend a leisurely free afternoon in Canakkale or head to Anzac House where you can watch a Gallipoli documentary free of charge before heading back to Istanbul.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Istanbul - Canakkale (L, D)
Depart Istanbul and head for Gallipoli - visiting Anzac Cove, Lone pine cemetery Johnston's jolly (Turkish and Allied Trenches and tunnels), The Nek and hunuk Bair New Zealand memorial. Arrive Canakkale at approximately 6:30 pm and overnight in Canakkale.
Day 2: Troy - Gallipoli - Istanbul (B)
Morning departure for Troy, with its famous wooden horse, return to Canakkale and free afternoon, or for those who are interested, Gallipoli documentary films are shown in Anzac House, free of charge. Depart for Istanbul at approximately 6:00 pm and arrive to Istanbul about 11:00pm and transfer to hotels.
Take a hassle-free tour of Istanbul's most famous attractions with your own private guide to lead the way. You'll enjoy personalized attention on your private tour of magical Istanbul and its signature sights: Topkapi, Aya Sofya, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.
On this tour you will visit the following historic sites:
Blue Mosque:
Just across from the Hippodrome, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style. The mosque has six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.
Aya Sofya:
One of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world, this former basilica and mosque is now the Saint Sophia Museum. Many historians have nominated it as the 8th wonder of the world. Take a moment to linger here to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics.
Topkapi Palace:
The largest and oldest palace in the world, Topkapi is the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its harem, treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi promises to be a truly fascinating experience.
Grand Bazaar:
In operation since the 14th century, the Grand Bazaar is one of the world's largest covered markets, with 58 streets and over 4,000 shops. The bazaar is specially known for its jewelry, leather, pottery, spices and carpets.
Please note: The Grand Bazaar is not open on Sundays and Aya Sofya is not open on Mondays.
Under the romantic backdrop of minarets and mosques, like a step out of time stands the ancient city of Istanbul.
The only city in the world built on two continents, Europe and Asia, standing on the shores of Bosphorus and guarding the precious relics of the world-dominating empires Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman which has been the capital, a unique link between the east and west, past and the present.
Art treasures and architectural works will evoke your feelings of nostalgia. Modern day Istanbul boasts the best of both continents. With a colorful history and vibrant past, vividly alive, Istanbul today offers you a unique insight into variety of cultures.
The tour is primarily a guided city tour on a double decker bus, however you may hop-on and off at a few selected stops enroute. Please see below for a full listing.
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Travel by ferry to Yalova before joining your coach to continue by road to Bursa. First stop is the early 15th century Green Mosque (Yesil Camii) and the , Green Tomb (Yesil Turbe), where Sultan Mehmet I was buried in 1421.
Visit the imperial Great Mosque (Ulu Cami), with its 20 domes and 12 massive pillars built in the Seljuk style in 1399.
After lunch at an elegant kebab restaurant, you will visit the Bazaar and the Koza Han where merchants from all over the world have met for centuries to trade silk cocoons.
Travel by cable car to visit Uludag mountain where you can admire panoramic views of Bursa and the fertile plains below.
Continue by coach to Cumalikizik Village's beautifully preserved early Ottoman private homes. Bursa city was known as the city of green in Turkey due to the numerous amounts of different tones of this color up on the legendary mountain of Olympos.
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Your tour of Istanbul starts with a visit to either Dolmabahce Palace or Beylerbeyi Palace. Dolmabahce Palace was the last residence of the Ottoman sultans, and is famous for its impressive collection of European antiques, furniture and a massive chandelier given to the sultan by Queen Victoria. The enormous palace has 365 rooms, one for every day of the year, and 22 saloons.
Beylerbeyi Palace was constructed in 186165 by Sarkis Balyan, a famous Armenian architect. Beylerbeyi is the largest and most elegant Ottoman palace, located right by the Bosphorus Bridge and the waterfront.
After touring the palace, you will then cross the Bosphorus Bridge for a unique chance to travel from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in only two minutes!
Once on the Asian side, you'll enjoy magnificent views of Istanbul from Camlica Hill, the highest point in the city. The picture-postcard panorama of Istanbul is spread before you from a viewpoint of beautiful gardens landscaped in the traditional Ottoman style.
Istanbul by night means floodlit mosques, a fabulous Turkish dinner and a spectacular floorshow with bejeweled belly dancers. It's the ultimate Turkish experience!
On your private evening out in Istanbul you will be picked up from your hotel to enjoy a short drive through Istanbul, spectacularly illuminated at night.
Then it's on to a first-class restaurant for dinner. The fabulous four-course dinner includes a Turkish dessert, followed by an exotic floorshow. You'll be entertained by belly dancers and an Anatolian cultural folklore group.
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