General information
| Destination |
|---|
| Antalya, Turkey |
Program details
There is no city quite like it. Brimming with history spanning centuries, Istanbul offers something for everyone.
Visit the Blue Mosque, one of the most striking buildings in the city and one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Famous for its’ domes, secondary domes and 6minarets, the mosque is a striking visual spectacle and its 20,000 blue-tiled interior
Also included in the trip is a visit to the German Fountain and Egyptian Obelisk in the Hippodrome Park and the magnificent Hagia Sophia, dating from between 532 and 537 AD, was considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. Having been used as both a cathedral and a mosque, the vast and intricate building is now a fascinating museum.
After lunch, the tour visits Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans for hundreds of years, is a must-see. Consisting of four courts, each extravagantly decorated, housing the State Treasury, a weaponry display and exhibits of precious Chinese porcelain and priceless jewels. (Topkapi Harem admission not included).
Following the palace, there is a visit to the Egyptian or Spice Bazaar to experience the intoxicating aromas of hundreds of spices and perhaps buy some to take home – free time is given here before the option to join a boat cruise along the Bosphorus lasting approximately one hour (extra charge). Cruising along this strait is arguably the best way to see the city, with many of its architectural and historical highlights visible along the shore. An evening meal is given in a local restaurant (extra charge) then we take the transfer back to the airport to catch the return flight to Antalya.
