Once arriving Istanbul,
your guide will then take you to our luxury vehicle, in which you can relax
before the exciting moment you will surely have with your private shore
excursion to Istanbul. You will drive to historical peninsula with our tour
transportation vehicle.
Underground Cistern – The
city's most unexpectedly romantic attraction, will be your first visit of this
shore excursion in Istanbul. The Basilica Cistern, once was the place that
operated the complicated system that brought drinking water into Istanbul. The
building was constructed in the sixth century. Unfortunately it was forgotten
by the public for centuries. The modern tourism has brought it back to life
now. It is filled with music and lights and tons of visitors coming daily. Look
for the upside-down head of Medusa that forms the bottom of one of the columns
surrounding the place. It is a good example of how the Byzantine builders saw
Roman relics as nothing more than reusable rubble.
After visited Cistern
Palace you will continue to Hagia Sophia - The Emperor Justinian built Hagia
Sophia when Istanbul was Constantinople. It is one of the greatest surviving
examples of Byzantine architecture. It served as the principal mosque of Istanbul
for almost 500 years, and became a model for many of the Ottoman mosques of
Istanbul such as the Blue Mosque, the Suleiman Mosque, the Shehzade Mosque and
the Rustem Pasha Mosque.
After Hagia Sophia you
will visit Blue Mosque. The place is known for its marvelous interior design. Once you enter the mosque, you will see
the blue tiles surrounding its inner walls. Enjoy explore its architecture and
historical exhibits. The best way to enter the mosque is from the Hippodrome,
which is the West side of the mosque. It draws so many visitors everyday even
though it is being used as an active mosque. So it is closed five times a day
for half an hour each time during the time of the prayers.
After the Blue Mosque we
will continue to Topkapi Palace. The palace has been significant as it was both
used as a royal residence, and occasional entertainments. Even today it
contains holy religious items from the Muslim world. UNESCO has described it as
“the best example[s] of ensembles of palaces [...] of
the Ottoman period."
After the visit to Blue
Mosque, you will visit Grand Bazaar –one of the
largest and oldest covered markets in the world. The market houses more than
3000 shops, all along on 60 streets. It has been operating since the 15th
century. Listen to your guide giving you the bargaining tips as this market is
not for an innocent tourist. The shops look almost the same and sell the same
stuff. You might feel like you are lost in a maze.
After a whole day
exploring this magnificent city, your tour finishes with a drop-off at your
port of call by your guide.
Food/Beverage
Lunch is not included in the cost of the tour. We will suggest options for local Turkish restaurants and provide ample time for you to have a sit-down lunch.
Included
- Port pick-up and drop-off
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Luxury air-con coach
- Licensed tour guide
- Drinking water in vehicle
- VAT
Exclude
- Lunch and beverages
- Entrance fees to the Terrace Houses $15 extra (optional)
- Gratuities (optional)
Dress
This tour requires a bit of walking and we suggest you wear comfortable shoes or sandals. As it can be very hot in summer months, please bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and any other necessary sun gear with you.
Restrictions
For optional mosque visits you need to bring a sarong to cover legs and a head scarf for women.