Tour Program
DAY 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival in Istanbul, transfer to the hotel, where you will be briefed by our travel consultant with the remainder of day at leisure to relax &/or check out the city. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 2 – Byzantian & Ottoman Relics
Your day will commence with a visit to the ancient Byzantine Hippodrome where you will tour the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Fountain of Wilhelm II, the elegant Blue Mosque famous with its heavenly six minarets and the Hagia Sophia Museum, built during the reign of Emperor Theodosius and burned down in the fire of Nika Revolt in 532 A.D. Day tour will continue with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, exploring a labyrinth of streets and passages housing more than 4,000 shops. After lunch you will be guided to visit the Topkapi Palace, residence and administrative center of the Ottoman Sultans. Historical tour of Istanbul will conclude with a visit to the Rustem Pasha Mosque. After the tour you will be leaded back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 3 – Bosphorus Cruise & Two Continents Tour
Start the day a driving journey along the Golden Horn, the arm of the Bosphorus peninsula which separates the old and new cities of Istanbul. Follow the traces of history in Balat at the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate, proceeding on to visit the Metal Church of St Stephen the Bulgarian, Ahrida Synagogue, Eyup Sultan Mosque and see the 21km long City Walls of Istanbul. Next stop, the Egyptian Market (Spice Bazaar), with different aromas of various spices From here, join a cruise along the Bosphorus on one of the iconic ferries of Istanbul giving you the chance to see the two bridges that link Europe and Asia. Disembark the ferry and enjoy a trip over the Intercontinental Bosphorus Bridge to Camlica Hill, the highest hill in Asiatic Istanbul to enjoy breathtaking views of both shores. Travel back to Europe with a stop at Dolmabahce Palace, with more than 340 rooms & eight Turkish Baths the imperial residence of the last six Sultans. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 4 – Princess' Islands Cruise Tour
After having breakfast at hotel, you will have another full day Istanbul tour. Today you will cruise in Marmara Sea to Princes' Islands, stop at Buyukada, the popular summer resort with sandy beaches and pinewood scenery, once the pleasure island of Byzantine Princes. Here you will tour the island with horse-drawn carriages before lunch at a fish restaurant. Also
visioned during the cruise: Topkapi Palace, Leander's Tower, Uskudar from the sea. After the tour you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 5 – Green Bursa Tour
After having breakfast at hotel, departure by ferry-boat via Yalova, enjoying the lovely countryside view. Drive to Bursa, former Ottoman Capital and lunch of famous "Kebap of Alexander The Great". Climb to Uludag, the legendary Mount Olympos, by Teleferik (Cable Car), visit to Ulucami (Grand Mosque), the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, the old Silk Market in the Covered Bazaar. Late evening return to Istanbul and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 6 – Istanbul / Departure
Breakfast, check-out & transfer to Istanbul International Airport as per your onward flight schedule.
Included
- All hotel accommodations in choice of preferred class
- All noted city sightseeing tours on regular group OR private guided basis
- All tours with professional tour guide, licensed by the Ministry of Tourism
- All main entrance fees to sights mentioned by the itinerary
- All meals mentioned by the itinerary - Vegetarian meals available
- All required land transport & round-trip airport transfers with A/C minivans throughout the trip.
- All parking fees, ferry, tolls and petrol.
- Local taxes & handling services