ISTANBUL

Your Itinerary

5 Days 4 Nights

We do not conquer the lands, we conquer the hearts.

Mehmed II

Day 1: ARRIVAL TO ISTANBUL

After a comfortable flight, your private travel assistant will welcome you.

Dinner at the hotel or a nice local restaurant reserved for you. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2: ISTANBUL – HISTORICAL PENINSULA

Today, you will visit the historical peninsula in Sultanahmet District. The historical peninsula is known to be the government, religion and culture center of the city throughout the history.

Hagia Sophia: Hagia Sophia was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian to be the greatest sacred building ever built, during the early Christianity period. It includes valuable examples of Byzantine mosaic art. It has been known as the fourth biggest basilica after St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome, Milan Cathedral in Milano, and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted and used as a mosque during the Ottoman Empire rule. In 1934, Hagia Sophia was turned into a museum by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of Turkish Republic.

Topkapı Palace: Topkapı Imperial Palace of Ottoman Empire, the primary residence for Ottoman Sultans is the ultimate version of profound Turkish architecture on largest scale. The imperial palace was built on 700.000 m2land near the cape, where the southern end of the Bosphorus meets the Marmara Sea and the Golden Horn. Topkapı Palace is known to be one of the richest museums ever existed, preserving the precious treasuries of the Ottoman Empire.

Blue (Sultanahmet) Mosque: Built on the east side to the Hippodrome Square, right in front of the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque is one of the greatest and the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. It is the only historical mosque with 6 minarets in Istanbul. The most important things to notice are the harmony between the domes and the dominant blue color on the ceramic tiles.

Hippodrome: Byzantine Empire being the successor to the Roman civilization, old Constantinople Hippodrome was a vital place of politics and social life where the emperors and their subjects used to gather to watch horse races and enjoy the entertainment. Sculptures and monuments from the hippodrome surviving today can be seen here.

Basilica Cistern: It is the largest of the ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Constantinople. The cistern was built in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, to provide water to the palace.

Dinner at the hotel or a nice local restaurant reserved for you. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3: ISTANBUL

We continue to discover and live the most famous and distinct treasures of Istanbul Bosphorus.

Bosphorus Yacht Tour: Your discovery of city starts with a magnificent yacht tour along the Bosphorus Channel. While you enjoy the warm welcome of the beautiful channel, your travel assistant will inform you about the palaces, yalı villas, mansions and notable landmarks along the 30 kilometers Bosphorus shore. Let your soul relax by watching the lovely harmony of intertwined historical buildings and modern city.

Dolmabahçe Palace: Dolmabahçe Palace, in Turkish: the palace full of gardens had been the resident for late Ottoman Sultans for many years and now it opens its doors for you. It was built in 19th century by Armenian Balian Brothers. Sultan Abdülmecit had ordered this grand palace to be decorated in Renaissance style. Thus, 14 tons of gold had been used to decorate the ceilings of the palace. You’ll have the chance to walk around the imperial lounges, where once French Queen Eugenie, Austrian King Franz-Joseph, German King 2. Wilhelm was hosted by Ottoman Sultans. Dolmabahçe Palace also hosted Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkish Republic. He had lived his last days in this palace until he passed away in 1938.

Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar: You’re going to be welcomed by the smell of 1001 kinds of spices, herbs and scents like you were living in the tale’s of 1001 nights. You’ll find endless delights in this bazaar including “Lokum”, the Turkish Delight. Get ready to be surprised by the abundance and variety.

Dinner at the hotel or a nice local restaurant reserved for you. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 4: ISTANBUL – PRINCE ISLANDS – ISTIKLAL AVENUE

Prince Islands: After the breakfast, today you are going to discover the islands known as “Prince Islands”. They are in different sizes and located in Marmara Sea approximately 10 – 15 nautical miles southeast of Istanbul. The Islands are composed of four large, five small islands. Only the four large islands are inhabited and connected to mainland by ferries. The islands around Istanbul are like oasis in desert, where you can have the chance to get away from city life and enjoy a glimpse of the paradise. The most popular islands are Büyükada, Kınalıada, Burgazada and Heybeliada, each having a different characteristic of setting. Once upon a time, these islands were places of exile for Byzantine princes and nobles. Now they serve as a great destination of peaceful living. On the islands, driving any vehicle besides bicycle, donkey or horse is prohibited.

Pera & İstiklâl Avenue: Old name “Grande Rue de Pera”, nowadays known as “Beyoğlu” District is famous with its unique avenue. İstiklâl Avenue, forbidden to any vehicle entrance, is the heart of modern Istanbul. Here you can mix with the crowd, hear the bell sound coming from the nostalgic tram, live the atmosphere of various kinds of instrumental music coming from music stores and enjoy the “Belle Epoque” and “Art Nouveau” designed buildings surrounding the avenue.

Dinner at the hotel or a nice local restaurant reserved for you. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 5: TRANSFER

Your private travel guide will assist you to the airport with your private VIP minivan.

We wish seeing you again in another trip. Have a nice flight.

Included Services

• Round trip flight tickets (come & return) including fees and taxes.
• Welcoming at the arrival airport by your private travel assistant
• Competent, English speaking tour guiding throughout the trip
• Luxurious hotels
• 4 Nights in Istanbul
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Local drinks with meals
• Daily excursions
• Admission fees to Museums
• Transfers, daily trips and tour with VIP Minivan & Private Driver

* The prices offered on this website are based on economy class flights from EU countries. An additional payment might be required when flying from countries outside Europe. Furthermore, please consult to our customer representative for business (first) class flight premium.