General information
| Destination |
|---|
| Istanbul, Turkey |
Program details
Embark on a journey through Istanbul's rich history and culture on this sightseeing tour. The Golden Horn, an arm of the Bosphorus, is a natural harbor and historical peninsula that separates the city's old and new parts. It was home to Byzantine Jews, Italian traders, and other non-Muslim minorities, making it a melting pot of cultures. As you drive through Balat, you'll see the
Metal Church of St. Stephen, the Bulgarian and Jewish Hospitals, the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate, and the impressive 22-kilometer-long Byzantine City Walls.
Next,
visit the Spice Bazaar (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar), where you'll be enchanted by the mystical scents of various spices. Here, you'll find shops selling fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and flowers, among other things. Then,
embark on a Bosphorus cruise and marvel at the magnificent marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture, and modern residences and apartments that line the waterway separating Europe and Asia. Don't forget your camera!
Stop by the
Rumeli Fortress (exterior only), a historical armament built by the Conqueror to protect and control the Bosphorus. This fortress is a unique example of military architecture that's sure to impress. If time permits, you'll also have the opportunity to visit a leather showroom.
For lunch, indulge in some
authentic Turkish cuisine at a typical restaurant. Afterward, head to the Topkapı Palace, the residence of Ottoman sultans that houses imperial treasures, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, a kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, and a calligraphy section, among other things. Please note that a live guide commentary is not allowed in the palace's special sections, and the Harem is not included in the program.
Finally,
visit the Sultan Tombs, where you'll find
five tombs of Ottoman sultans in the graveyard of Hagia Sophia. The ceramic panels are a stunning example of 16th-century art, with purple, red, green, and blue flower motifs. You'll also see Prince robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers on the sarcophaguses. This tour is a perfect way to explore Istanbul's rich history and culture in just one day!
Others
Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays and replaced with Tour to Byzantium.
Italiano
