Byzantian Relics
Ottoman Relics
Byzantian & Ottoman Relics
Princess Island
Golden Horn

  ST. SOPHIA 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.
  SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue İznik tiles. HIPPODROME Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. TURKISH & ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM
  GRAND COVER BAZAAR In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more then 4,000 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, brassware and trays, water ewers, onyx-ware and meerschaum pipes.

  TOPKAPI PALACE The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of cyrstal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed.
  SÜLEYMANIYE MOSQUE The mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent was built between 1550 and 1557 by the famous architect Sinan whose wish was to surpass the builders of St. Sophia which is conspicuous from its great size, emphasized by the four minarets rising one from each corner of the courtyard.

  ST. SOPHIA 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.
  SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue İznik tiles.
  HIPPODROME Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine.
  TURKISH & ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM GRAND COVER BAZAAR In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more then 4,000 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, brassware and trays, water ewers, onyx-ware and meerschaum pipes.
  TOPKAPI PALACE The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of cyrstal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed.
  SÜLEYMANIYE MOSQUE The mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent was built between 1550 and 1557 by the famous architect Sinan whose wish was to surpass the builders of St. Sophia which is conspicuous from its great size, emphasized by the four minarets rising one from each corner of the courtyard.
  Also visioned during the tours:
Aquaduct of Valens, Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II, Galata Bridge, Golden Horn.

  SPICE BAZAAR:(Egyptian Bazaar)
The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other concievable herb and spice.
Two continents Afternoon
  BEDESTEN exhibits the traditional silk weaving courses carpet weaving courses authorised by the Ministry of National Education. Possibility to see jewellery, handicrafts center and leatherware show. Free time provided for shopping.
  BOSPHORUS ON BOAT A traditional excursion by boat along the waterway seperating Europe and Asia.The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavillions of Yıldız Palace. On the coastal edge of this park, is Çırağan Palace, 300 meters of is marble facade faces the shore. At Ortaköy a great variety of artists gather every Sunday to display their work along the street. Ortaköy is a symbol of tolerance with a church, a mosque and a synagogue existing side by side for centuries.
  RUMELİ FORTRESS Built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of Istanbul, was completed in only four months to control and protect Bosphorus. It is one of the most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the world.

  BEYLERBEYİ PALACE The summer residence of Ottoman Sultans with its original furniture and magnificent gardens with the HAREM on the ASIAN.
BOSPHORUS BRIDGE Unique chance to step from one continent (ASIA) to another (EUROPE)
  ÇAMLICA 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.
  SHOPPING POSSIBILITY AT BEDESTEN exhibits the traditional silk weaving girls at the carpet weaving courses authorised by the Ministry of National Education Possibility to see jewellery, handicrafts center and leatherware show. Free time provided for shopping.

  SPICE BAZAAR:(Egyptian Bazaar)
The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other concievable herb and spice.
  BEDESTEN exhibits the traditional silk weaving courses carpet weaving courses authorised by the Ministry of National Education. Possibility to see jewellery, handicrafts center and leatherware show. Free time provided for shopping.
  BOSPHORUS ON BOAT A traditional excursion by boat along the waterway seperating Europe and Asia.The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavillions of Yıldız Palace. On the coastal edge of this park, is Çırağan Palace, 300 meters of is marble facade faces the shore. At Ortaköy a great variety of artists gather every Sunday to display their work along the street. Ortaköy is a symbol of tolerance with a church, a mosque and a synagogue existing side by side for centuries.
  RUMELİ FORTRESS Built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of Istanbul, was completed in only four months to control and protect Bosphorus. It is one of the most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the world.
  BEYLERBEYİ PALACE The summer residence of Ottoman Sultans with its original furniture and magnificent gardens with the HAREM on the ASIAN.
BOSPHORUS BRIDGE Unique chance to step from one continent (ASIA) to another (EUROPE)
  ÇAMLICA 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.

  Cruise in MARMARA SEA to PRINCES' ISLANDS, retreats for the Byzantine princes are famous for their beautiful pine woods and beaches. The largest and most enjoyable of the islands is Büyükada. There you can enjoy a ride in a horsedrawn carriage among the pine trees after relaxing on the beaches in the numerous coves of its coast. Evening return to Istanbul and transfer to hotels.

  Chora Church (Kariye Museum): A beautiful example of the beginning of Byzantine renaissance with its mosaics and frescoes depicting the scenes from the lives of the mother of god and christ.
  Eyüp Mosque: The holiest mosque of Istanbul dedicated to the memory of prophet mohammed's Standard-Bearer Eyüp Ensari. Behing the mosque, there is the Türbe (Burial Site) of the standard-bearer which has the most beautiful samples İznic tiles.
  Cafe Pierre Lotti: Wonderful view of Golden Horn and Istanbul. Famous French author Pierre Loti (1850-1923) came to this place and wrote a lot of poems about Istanbul, the Golden Horn and Life in the Harem, here.

  The first capital city of The Ottoman Empire!
  Departure by ferryboat to YALOVA then drive to Bursa to visit the Grand Mosque, the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum famous with their Iznik tiles.
  Lunch will be served in a special Iskender Kebap' restaurant.
  Also visit the historical Covered Bazaar and old Silk market, then climb by cable car to Uludağ (Olympos) mountain overlooking Bursa for the magnificient panoramic view.