DAY 1 - Arrival Day
Upon arrival in Istanbul you will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure as you begin to soak in the atmosphere of this amazing city. (If you arrive early, we could arrange a half day orientation tour.)
DAY 2 - Istanbul Classics
You are collected from your hotel and start the day with a visit to Haghia Sophia, the most influential church of Byzantium. Originally built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, reconstructed by Emperor Justinian in 6th century and converted into a mosque by the Ottomans in the 15th century, it still stands today as one of the world's greatest architectural marvels. Unequaled in size for a 1000 years, the magnificent interior is testament to the unique east-west synthesis that is manifest in Istanbul. Shimmering biblical mosaics juxtapose huge plaques bearing the names of Islamic caliphs.
You then visit the Blue Mosque, another of the world's most important religious buildings. Built in the 16th century the mosque is unique for it's 6 minarets and celestial interior decorated with the famous blue Iznik tiles.
Next, visit the Hippodrome, scene of chariot races. Although little remains of the great stadium which, in its hey day, is thought to have held 100'000 people, the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine are highlights.
From here explore the Basilica Cistern, a vast underground water depot constructed to meet the needs of the Palace of Constantinople.
After lunch explore the grand Topkapi Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultan's from the 15th to the 19th century. With its impressive treasury, exquisite harem, attractive courtyards and pavilions housing huge collections of antiquities, Topkapi Palace offers a true insight into the heart of the Ottoman Empire.
DAY 3
We start the day with a visit to the colourful 17th century Spice Bazaar and its surroundings. The narrow streets lined with shops here beautifully emphasize the atmosphere of old Istanbul. It is a joy to smell the fresh coffee, herbs and spices, to see the dazzling mixture of nuts, dried fruits, and a thousand varieties of Turkish delights all being sold as they have been for hundreds of years.
From here visit the delightful Rustem Pasha Mosque built by master architect Sinan in the 16th century. Its tiled interior, lavishly decorated with the finest Iznik tiles, is perhaps the best example in the city.
Walking through the main Eminonu square you pass the prominent New Mosque, although completed in 1663, it is newer than the other major mosques, hence the name.
We then embark on a boat tour along the Bosphorus waterway separating Europe and Asia. This is a relaxing way to take in some major landmarks including the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, the Bosphorus Suspension Bridge and the imposing waterfront villas of Istanbul. We disembark to visit the Rumeli Fortress, built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of Constantinople.
After lunch we finish the day off at the mind boggling grand covered bazaar. This legendary mother of all bazaars is a maze of over 4000 shops that will make you wish you had brought a bigger suitcase!
The rest of the evening is at your leisure.
DAY 4
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your outbound flight. |
