Discover the heart of the Old City and see Bosphorus all in one tour
Highlights
* Bosphorus Cruise
* Bosphorus Bridge ( from the boat)
* Dolmabahce Palace (from the boat)
* Spice Bazaar
* Golden Horn
* Hagia Sophia
* Blue Mosque
* Hippodrome
* Hand Made Iznik Tiles
included with
* Free pick up and drop off service from most of the city center hotels
* Muesum Entrance Fees
* Donations to the Mosques
* Lunch
* Round Trip Transfers from/to Central Hotels
* Guidance
* Transportation with A/C Vehicles
excluded by
* Drinks at lunch
* Optional Gratuities
Itinerary
Golden Horn (from the bus), the arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbour of the historical peninsula separating the old and the new parts of İstanbul where the first colonies settled during the Byzantines. The residential area for Byzantine Jews, Italian traders and other non-muslim minorities. Drive along the traces of history at Balat viewing Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim), Fener Orthodox Patriarchate and 22 kms. long Byzantine City Walls, strongest fortification of the middle age.
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers etc.
Bosphorus Cruise on Plan Tours’ private boat, through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials and luxurious apartments.
Rumeli Fortress (from the boat - no interior visit), historical armament built by the Conqueror to control and protect the Bosphorus. A unique example of military architecture.
Lunch at a typical Turkish Restaurant
Tour of "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.
Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.
Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.
Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome.
Explore a unique place for art lovers! A family-owned atelier producing handmade ceramics. Along with Hittite productions of terra cotta, quartz Seljuk productions, quartz İznik (Nicea)-Ottoman productions, this place also has various examples from the Turkish culture.
