“If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital”. 

Napoleon

Istanbul is a meeting point between east and west. A city where two continents collide, Istanbul truly is a fantastic place, which has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. Istanbul is rich in cultural heritage from its history as a Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman capital. 

After the foundation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Ankara became the capital city, but Istanbul remains at the center of Turkish economic and cultural life.

 

ITINERARY OF THE TOUR

Around 05:00 am, our team will pick you up from your Hotel and transfer you to Bodrum domestic airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival at İstanbul Airport, Your guide will welcome you at the exit gate inside the arrival hall where you will see your guide holding a sign which is your name on it.

 

We will start the İstanbul tour with fascinating Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is a wonder of the ancient World still stands is remarkable. But when you consider its location becomes miraculous. At the intersection where two continents Europe and Asia collide in Turkey. Hagia Sophia 1,400 years old Byzantine cathedral which houses unbelievable relics, columns, mosaics. (Pantokrator mosaic, Deisis mosaic, Komnenos mosaic, Zoe mosaic are some of them). The Hagia Sophia takes an important place in the art world with its architecture and grandness.

 

After Hagia Sophia, we will come to the Imperial gate of the Topkapı Palace located just 5 minutes walking distance from Hagia Sophia.

 

Topkapi Palace has been the administrative and residence center of the Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years. Places inside the palace that we will visit: Palace Kitchens, Imperial Council Chamber, Harem, Kiosks, Library of Ahmet III, Gate of Felicity, Audience Chamber, Treasury, etc.

One of the most amazing places is Treasury, where you will have the chance to see breathtaking Spoonmaker’s s Diamond (86-carat), renowned Topkapı Emerald Dagger, and many others. 

 

After the Topkapı Palace, we will have lunch in a walking distance restaurant to Topkapı and Hippodrome.

After lunch, we will go on tour with Hippodrome.

 

Hippodrome was a place of sportive events, chariot races, athletics, and political activities.İt was the social center of Constantinople like the Colosseum in Rome.

Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Constantine Column, and German Fountain are decorating Hippodrome. During the walk among these monuments, we will enter the blue mosque located next to Hippodrome.

 

Blue Mosque

It was built by the Ottoman sultan Ahmed I between 1609 – 1616. Its architect was Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, a student of the greatest Turkish architect Sinan.

Turkey has more than 80,000 mosques but one of the most important is Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque by many tourists because of its bluish interior decoration. As the mosque is lined with carpets, there is a rule to take your shoes off before entering.

The mosque is generally open to visitors during the day but closed for a short time during the prayers.

After visiting Blue Mosque, we will walk along Divan Street to the Covered Bazaar.

 

Grand Covered Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is an immense structure. There are 61 covered streets and 4,000 inside, and the total area is 30,000 m2. Every day nearly 400,000 visitors come to the Covered Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul was always known as one of the first shopping malls in the World.

Shopping in the Covered Bazaar is the last part of the İstanbul excursion. After the tour, you will be taken back to the İstanbul airport with many good memories in mind. 

 

When you landed at Bodrum airport our team will be waiting for you to transfer you to Bodrum.

Prices include:

• Transfer fee
• Guide Services
• Admissions

Prices Exclude:

• Flight Tickets
• Lunch
• Dinner

Recommended items that customers should have:

• Hat, comfortable foot
• Camera
• Money for extra payments
• Suitable clothes