Turkish Delight Tour

Arrive at Istanbul Ataturk International Airport. Transfer to hotel.
Day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.

Activities : Adventure

Buffet breakfast at the hotel
Proceed for a city tour of Istanbul. Visit Hagia Sophia, this ancient basilica built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century. It is one of the greatest architectural marvels of all time. Visit Topkapi Palace, the great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of crystal, 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.
Proceed to Sultan Ahmet Mosque across from Hagia Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, which is known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Visit Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races with the three monuments i.e. the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine.
After that proceed to Grand Covered Bazaar. In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more than 4,000 shops with each trade having its own area: the goldsmiths' street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as hand-painted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brassware and trays, water ewers, onyx-ware and meerschaum pipes.
Overnight at the hotel.

Activities : Forts and Palaces

Buffet breakfast at the hotel
Enjoy the Bosphorus cruise and a visit to the Spice Bazaar. The air in Spice Bazar is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and various other conceivable herbs and spices. Bosphorus, a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion, you will see the magnificent sights of the following attractions from your boat. See Dolmabahce Palace, and further along with the parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace. On the coastal edge of this park, is Ciragan Palace. At Ortakoy - a great variety of artists gather every Sunday to display their work along the street. Ortakoy is a symbol of tolerance - with a church, a mosque and a synagogue existing side by side for centuries.
See Rumeli Fortress, built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of Istanbul was completed in only four months to control and protect the infamous Bosphorus passage. It is one of the most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the world.
Beylerbeyi Palace (by the boat), the summer residence of Ottoman sultans exists in its original renovated glory featuring original antique furniture and magnificent gardens with the Harem on the Asian side of Istanbul. At Bosphorus Bridge, enjoy a unique chance to step from one continent (Asia) to another (Europe). Visit Camlica 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 Turkish Ottoman style.
During the shopping tour (after cruise), experience the traditional silk weaving skills of Turkish women at the carpet weaving courses provided by The Ministry of National Education. You will get the opportunity to see jewellery, handicrafts centre and a modern leatherwear show. Enjoy the experience of shopping whilst gaining the knowledge of the ancient craftsmen with a local escort full of knowledge about how to haggle the streets of Istanbul.
Evening at leisure to explore Istanbul.
Overnight at the hotel.

Activities : Forts and Palaces

Buffet breakfast at the hotel
Check-out from the hotel.
Transfer to Istanbul Ataturk International Airport.

Activities : Forts and Palaces