3adim-Daily Tours

DAILY TOURS IN ISTANBUL

1. IMPERIAL TOUR ( Half day)

p.p. 35 EURO

Highlights of This Tour:The fabled capital of three great empires - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, Istanbul is steeped in almost 3,000 years of history. The greatest concentration of landmarks is found in Istanbul's oldest district, Sultanahmet, an awe-inspiring expanse of leafy parks, Byzantine cathedrals, Greek statuary, bustling bazaars and imposing mosques with towering, slender minarets.

Daily Morning Tour - Itinerary:Starting with a drive around the Golden Horn and the great walls of Constantinople, we pass Dolmabahce Palace, then cross the Galata Bridge before arriving in Sultanahmet Square, where we visit.

Hagia Sophia*: The former spiritual heart of the Byzantine Empire, considered to be the 8th Wonder of the World, Hagia Sophia is now a museum. (* Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays, so on that day we visit the Kariye (Chora) Museum, a former church which houses the most important surviving Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in the world.)

The Blue Mosque: Dating from the 17th century, an architectural masterpiece famed for its exquisite blue tiles and six elegant minarets.

The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts: The former palace of Ibrahim Pasha, it now exhibits an extensive collection of nomadic art and ethnography, providing a rich glimpse into the traditional Turkish lifestyle.

The Hippodrome: The former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. During the visit, you will be able to see the obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine column from Delphi and Fountain of Willhem II.

The Grand Bazaar: An exotic maze of narrow alleys, stunning architectural details and hundreds of shops selling a rich assortment of handmade carpets, gold, silver, leather and other precious goods.

2. OTTOMAN WONDERS TOUR ( Half day)

p.p. 35 EURO

The best way to appreciate the splendor of the Ottoman Empire, which once held sway over three continents, is to visit its actual and symbolic center: Topkapi Palace. Then pay a visit to the finest of all Ottoman mosque complexes, the Suleyman Mosque, completed by master builder Sinan in 1557 in honor of his most illustrious patron, Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. The monumental tomb of this Sultan, who reached the gates of Vienna, is located here.

Starting with a drive around the Golden Horn and the great walls of Constantinople, we pass Dolmabahce Palace, then cross the Galata Bridge before arriving in Sultanahmet Square, where we visit.
Topkapi Palace: The seat of Ottoman power for three centuries and imperial residence of the Sultans, the Palace also houses one of the world's most extensive collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain, religious artifacts, and other priceless relics.

The Treasury Section of Topkapi Palace: An exhibition of the precious personal belongings of members of the Ottoman dynasty. Specially, chance to see the 'spoonmaker' diamond and emerald dagger in this section.

Suleymaniye Mosque: Overlooking the Golden Horn a short distance from Sultanahmet, this mosque complex once included a soup kitchen, hammam, caravanserai and primary school.

The Golden Horn: A drive along the Golden Horn past Roman land walls and Byzantine churches.

Operated: Everyday except Tuesday

3. GRAND TOUR ( Full day)

p.p. 70 EURO

Full day tour combines Imperial Tour and Ottoman tour and includes lunch.

Full Day Tour (except Tuesdays) - Itinerary:Starting with a drive around the Golden Horn and the great walls of Constantinople, we pass Dolmabahce Palace, then cross the Galata Bridge before arriving in Sultanahmet Square, where we visit.

4. BOSPHORUS CRUISE & SADBERK HANIM MUSEUM ( Half day)

p.p. 35 EURO

Bosphorus literally means "cow-ford", so named because Zeus' s mistress, Io, fled across the strait in the shape of a cow to escape the wrath of Zeus's wife, Hera. Myth aside, the legendary waterway is as dazzlingly beautiful now as it was in antiquity. No visit to Istanbul is complete without a cruise along its physical and spiritual heart, the glistening waters that link Europe to Asia, that join the Black Sea and Sea of Marmara.
After a brief visit to the 17th century Spice Bazaar* (*closed on Sundays), the second largest covered bazaar in Istanbul, we embark on a cruise up the Bosphorus, the legendary strait separating Europe and Asia. We cruise past the Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi Palaces, wooden 19th century seafront mansions, picturesque villages and modern pleasure palaces, disembarking at the mouth of the Black Sea. We then drive along the strait to the Sadberk Hanim Museum (closed on Wednesdays), a gracious three-story waterfront mansion housing a rich collection of Anatolian works of arts, antiques and relics dating back to 6,000 BC

5. BOSPHORUS CRUISE( Half day)

p.p. 35 EURO

A leisurely cruise along the fabulous Bosphorus, starting near the Black Sea and taking us past Ottoman palaces, wooden 19th century waterfront mansions, modern pleasure palaces and fortresses. The perfect opportunity for taking photographs along both shores of this fabled waterway.

We drive to Sariyer, a charming fishing village located on the Bosphorus near the Black Sea, from which we embark on a cruise.

6. ISTANBUL BY NIGHT

p.p. 75 EURO

Guests are driven to an exclusive nightclub to feast on Turkish delicacies as part of a full a la carte dinner. Following dinner, renowned belly dancers, Anatolian folk dancers and Turkish singers perform.

7. PRINCE'S ISLAND

p.p. 55 EURO

A gourmet experience followed by Turkish entertainment. Savour delicate Turkish hors d'oeuvres, or meze, sample the fiery national drink, raki, and feast on Ottoman cuisine fit for a Sultan. After dinner, a spectacular floor show featuring sinuous belly dancers, rhythmic folk dances and Turkish songs is staged for your enjoyment.
After the cruise by ferry boat, we tour the island by horse-drawn carriage and there is no better way to explore these lovely Island with a decidedly 19th Century ambience, elegant buildings and promenades, the peaceful atmosphere makes for a relaxing visit and lunch at a gourmet seafood restaurant.

8. BURSA & CUMALIKAZIK

p.p. 80 EURO

Despite its smaller size, many of Bursa's Ottoman landmarks rival those of Istanbul. Best of all, this lush city, known as "Green Bursa", rests at the base of Mt. Uludag, a forested peak once thought to be the mythical Mt. Olympus. Enjoy a magical day of incomparable architectural wonders and natural beauty.

Travel by ferry to Yalova, then drive to Bursa, where we visit the early 15th century Green Mosque, and the Green Tomb, where Sultan Mehmet I was buried in 1421, as well as the imperial Great Mosque, with its 20 domes and 12 massive pillars. After lunch at an elegant kebab restaurant, we visit the Bazaar and Koza Hani, the silk cocoon caravanserai, then travel by cable car to visit Uludag, looking out over Bursa and the fertile plains beyond. Next we take a short drive to Cumalikizik Village's beautifully preserved early Ottoman private homes.

Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays (min. 4 persons)

9. TROY & GALLIPOLI (DAILY)

p.p. 180 EURO

Visit the legendary city immortalized by Homer's Illiad and later excavated by German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann. Then, journey from the ancient battlefield where Ajax, Hector and Achilles fell to Gallipoli, the WWI battlefield near the Dardenelles where allied forces in the world's first amphibious landing were repulsed in a bloody battle by Ottoman troops under the command of Kemal Ataturk.

Early morning departure to the ancient city of Troy. Famous for the legendary TROJAN HORSE from the times of BEAUTIFUL HELEN and HELEN. Ferry trip across the Dardanelles to Gallipoli, famous battle-field of ANZAC of World War I. Return to Istanbul late that evening

(min. 4 persons)

10. EPHESSUS (DAILY)

p.p. 350 EURO

The capital of all Asia during the Roman imperial period, Ephesus's magnificent public buildings are remarkably well-preserved. Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, Saint Paul and Saint John were all visitors. The Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life at a nearby mountain retreat. Follow in their footsteps.

Early flight to Izmir and transfer to Ephesus. We visit the Chapel of the Virgin Mary, then proceed to the spectacular ruins of Ephesus, many of which have only recently been excavated. Stroll along the Marble Street, visiting the Odeon, Baths, decorative Fountains, Temples, a Brothel, the Library of Celsus, an Ancient Theater and the Gymnasium. After lunch, we visit the Archaeological Museum, the Mosque of Isabey, St. John's Basilica and his tomb and the Temple of Diana. Flight to Istanbul that evening, with transfer to your hotel provided.

(min. 2 persons)