Istanbul tours

ISTANBUL –  HISTORICAL SIGHTS TOUR

Start your day by visiting the magnificent Hagia Sophia and then continue to the marvelous Topkapi Palace, that served as the palace of the Ottoman Sultans between the 16th and 19th centuries. Visits the Treasury, where the extensive exhibits include priceless world-class collections of jewelry, porcelain, textiles and costumes of the Sultans, as well as to the Harem quarters, which is an absolute highlight. Have lunch in one of the special traditional restaurants in Topkapi. Then we continue to visit the famous Blue Mosque, the Byzantine Hippodrome and the incredible Underground (Yerebatan Sarnici) Cistern. Rest of the day is at leisure.

(*) Should you also need accommodation service, we will provide the best options as per your particular requirements

ISTANBUL - BOSPHORUS CRUISE tOUR

We get aboard a morning ferryboat for a cruise up the strait of Bosphorus, passing half a dozen Ottoman imperial palaces, traditional Yalis (waterside villas) and shore villages. Disembark at Sariyer  we then drive along the shore of the Bosphorus, viewing the lovely houses, reminiscent of a small Venezia.

We stop for lunch in Ortakoy which is a lovely little seaside area with a real Bohemia flavor, which sports terrace restaurants and cafes dotted along the waterway, food stands side by side with displays of local handicrafts, the beautiful tiny mosque, all which come together to create a picturesque and favorites Sunday walking place for Istanbulites. For lunch you will be able to try Ortakoy famous gozleme and Kumpir (baked potatoes filled with meze). After which, accompanied by your escorting guide, you explore the Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi), the world's oldest "shopping mall", to look for treasures in its 4000 shops and then dive into the colorful sights, vibrant sounds and intriguing scents of the Egyptian Market (Spice Bazaar).

(*)Should you also need accommodation service, we will provide the best options as per your particular requirements

ISTANBUL METROPOLIS TOUR

Begin your day with a visit to the fascinating Dolmabahce Palace, the magnificent imperial palace built between 1843 and 1856 that represents the westernization of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Galata Tower built by the Genoese in 1348. The Old Pera was given to them by the Ottoman Empire because of their help in defeating a Crusade. After a short gentle walk we take the oldest functioning subway in the world. The “Tunel”, Completed in 1873, it is the shortest subway ever built. It connects Karakoy to Beyoglu, followed by window-shopping in the district of Beyoglu and a drink in  the "Cicek pasaji".

(*) Should you also need accommodation service, we will provide the best options as per your particular requirements

The Golden Horn TOUR

This tour is specially designed to discover the hidden treasures of many out of the way, spectacular, interesting and realistic sights of Istanbul. First you explore the Egyptian Market (Spice Market), where you can find the vibrant atmosphere with smells of spices. Then we will explore the outside of the Egyptian Market where we can see the living part of Istanbul. We will visit Rustem Pasa Mosque, one of the works of the greatest Ottoman architects, the incomparable Sinan. Then we will have a coffe-break in Tahtakale Hamami. We will proceed to the most interesting Byzantine churches in the city “the Church of the Holy Savior of Chora”, called in Turkish, Kariye Museum. The mosaics and frescoes are by far the most important and extensive series of Byzantine paintings in the city and among the best and most beautiful in the world. Our next stop will be the famous Pierre Loti Café, where we will enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee, and the amazing view on the Golden Horn. Return to your hotel.

PrIvate Bosphorus cRuIse TOUR (Minimum 2 hours)

On a private motor yacht, discover the pulse of Istanbul on a customized itinerary.

Ottoman herItage and SouphIsm

We start our day with a visit to the marvelous Topkapi palace, which served as the palace of the Ottoman Sultans between the 16th and 19th centuries. Optional visits: to the Treasury, where the extensive exhibits include priceless world-class collections of jewelry, porcelain, textiles and costumes of the Sultans, as well as to the Harem quarters, which is an absolute highlight. After which you visit the famous Blue Mosque, with its precious ceramics.

After a lunch break we will visit Rustem Pasa Mosque, one of the works of the greatest Ottoman architects, the incomparable Sinan. Then we will continue to Fatih Mosque Complex and the area of Eyup, a holly place, where the Mosque and Mausoleum of Eyup Sultan, located outside the corner where the land walls meet the walls along the Golden Horn, is considered a sacred site for Moslems. Eyup el Ensari was a standard-bearer of Mohammed and he died-here during an Arabic siege of the city in the 7th century. His grave was discovered at the conquest and later the mausoleum and the first mosque in Istanbul were built on this site.

In the evening, you will assist to a whirling Dervishes ceremony, preceded by a lecture on Sufism.

ByzantIne and Orthodox herItage

Start your day by visiting the magnificent Haghia Sophia,the pearl of Byzantine and then continue to the Greek Patriarchate, which have all the opulence and beauty of any Orthodox church. The church's main boast, aside from its association with the Patriarch, are its artifacts and relics, which include: the patriarchal throne, believed to date from the 5th century; three rare mosaic icons; the Column of Flagellation to which Jesus was tied and whipped; and the tombs of three female saints. Before visiting the most interesting Byzantine churches in the city the Church of the Holy Savior of Chora, called in Turkish, Kariye Camii. The mosaics and frescoes are by far the most important and extensive series of Byzantine paintings in the city and among the best and most beautiful in the world. After a lunch break at the famous Asitane Restaurant, we will walk from Taksim to Tunel, to see Hagia Triada built in 1882 by the Russian community and passed on to the Greek later on, and the Latin church of St Antoine, rebuilt in 1831, followed by window-shopping in the district of Beyoglu.

JewIsh HerItage

Istanbul has had a vibrant Jewish community for more than 1000 years. Departure for a visiting Balat district which has been the earliest neighborhood of the Jews from 1492.  Star of David can still be noticed on the facades of some of the buildings. Visit the 15th century Ahrida Synagogue whose teva resembles a bow representing the Ottoman ships sent by Sultan Beyazit II who offered safety for the refugees of the Spanish Inquisition. Continue the tour with Yanbol Synagogue which dates back to the Byzantine Period. In the afternoon we see the Jewish Museum, Ashkenazi Synagogue built in 1900 and after, the Neve Shalom Synagogue which is the biggest one in Istanbul built in 1951 for the Sepharadic Jews. We will finish the day with the area around the Galata Tower which is of prime interest to visitors touring the Jewish interest sites. The Galata neighborhood has bustling street life, the numerous synagogues have great historical and artistic value, and all sites are within easy walking distance of one another.

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