260 activitati in Istanbul, TURKEY

Make as much as you can of your trip to Istanbul on this comprehensive tour of the city’s most spectacular sites. From the Hippodrome of Constantinople and the magnificent Blue Mosque to the awe-inspiring Grand Bazaar, this trip is sure to not leave you indifferent. Begin by discovering the ancient Hippodrome. This impressive space used to be both a circus and the centre for sporting Make as much as you can of your trip to Istanbul on this comprehensive tour of the city’s most spectacular sites. From the Hippodrome of Constantinople and the magnificent Blue Mosque to the awe-inspiring Grand Bazaar, this trip is sure to not leave you indifferent. Begin by discovering the ancient Hippodrome. This impressive space used to be both a circus and the centre for sporting events in Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. Nowadays, it has been mostly reconverted into a public space, the Sultanahmet Square, although parts of the original structure survive. Back in 200AD it used to host chariot races and it held over 100.000 people. It outlived the Byzantine Empire and was a popular space even in the ensuing Ottoman Empire. Later on, continue towards the Blue Mosque, one the most iconic constructions of not only Istanbul, but the whole of Turkey. Towering over the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus, it is the only mosque that has six minarets. The hulking figure of the Blue Mosque is perched on top of a hill and was originally commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I in the early 1600s. It is one of the prime examples and masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. Round this day off with a ramble through the hustle and the bustle of the Gran Bazaar. With about 4,000 shops, it is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world; all in all, the best way to merge with local life and feel the essence of Istanbul. Meeting/pick-up point:Port. Duration: 4 hours. Others: As mosques are closed on Fridays, there will only be external visits on that day.

Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or how to brew the perfect Turkish coffee, our official guide has you covered! We are ready to take you around Istanbul or all of Turkey, for one day or the duration of your trip. Our official guides are just that locals who care deeply about making your trip to our beautiful country an experience you will remember for a lifetime. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or how to brew the perfect Turkish coffee, our official guide has you covered! We are ready to take you around Istanbul or all of Turkey, for one day or the duration of your trip. Our official guides are just that locals who care deeply about making your trip to our beautiful country an experience you will remember for a lifetime. Delight in the sights, sounds, and smells of Istanbul: no other city on earth straddles two continents -Europe and Asia- and has been home to three great empires (Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman). In a city like this, it's important to have a local friend who can help you to navigate, all the while ensuring you the most personal experience possible. Our official guides will fascinate you with the story of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, will wander with you (and help you bargain!) in grand bazaars and spice markets, and host you in our favorite restaurants off the tourist track. If your interest is modern Turkish culture and politics, discovering the very best Turkish kebabs, or anything in between, we'll tailor-make a trip just for you. With our official guide, you'll get knowledgeable, experienced, and very friendly guides, all at an affordable rate. Meeting/pick-up point: Client’s hotel. Duration: 8 hours. Start/opening time: 9am. End/closing time: 5pm.

Early morning flight to Kayseri or night before bus to Ürgüp. Walk through the “Fairy Chimneys” in Devrent Valley, Paşabağ (Monks’) Valley, practice pottery production with the ancient technique in Avanos. Visit to Göreme, the "open-air museum“ holding the earliest churches and chapels carved in fairy chimneys presenting finest examples of frescoes. Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in the region.

The Bosphorus, the narrow straits separating Europe from Asia, is Istanbul’s main artery and lifeline of the city to the rest of the world. On this guided morning tour you will learn all about the role of this waterway in this magical city's rich history, visiting the exotic spice market before boarding a sightseeing boat for an exhilarating cruise on the Bosphorus. A knowledgeable local guide wil The Bosphorus, the narrow straits separating Europe from Asia, is Istanbul’s main artery and lifeline of the city to the rest of the world. On this guided morning tour you will learn all about the role of this waterway in this magical city's rich history, visiting the exotic spice market before boarding a sightseeing boat for an exhilarating cruise on the Bosphorus. A knowledgeable local guide will provide plenty of fascinating historical and cultural insight as you pass some of the main landmarks of this beautiful city. After being picked up from your hotel we'll pay a visit to the 17th century Egyptian Bazaar. Located in the neighbourhood of Eminonu, it is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. The bazaar was (and still is) the centre for the spice trade in Istanbul and the air is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice. Now it's time to a board a river cruiser for a sightseeing cruise along the Bosphorus. You’ll glide past some of Istanbul’s more impressive sights, including the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace, the 15th-century Rumeli Hisari Fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror and Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer palace of the Ottoman sultans. You’ll also get to see both the European and Asian shores, passing mosques, fortresses, palaces and the wooden villas and mansions of the rich and powerful. Then after returning to land you’ll rejoin the coach for the journey back to your hotel. Meeting/pick-up point: Hotel pick up. Start/opening time: At 1pm - 1:30pm. Duration: Five hours.

We begin with a coach tour along the Golden Horn, the inlet that has been the city’s natural harbour since it was settled in Roman times. We’ll pass through the former non-Muslim districts, seeing traces of the their rich past such as the Bulgarian Orthodox metal Church of St. Stephen, the Jewish Hospital and 22km-long Byzantine defensive walls. Discovering the sensuous smells and assorted aromas of the Spice Bazaar before embarking on a boat. At the Spice Bazaar you will experience every gamut of emotions as you navigate through the stalls selling both fresh and dried fruits, veg We begin with a coach tour along the Golden Horn, the inlet that has been the city’s natural harbour since it was settled in Roman times. We’ll pass through the former non-Muslim districts, seeing traces of the their rich past such as the Bulgarian Orthodox metal Church of St. Stephen, the Jewish Hospital and 22km-long Byzantine defensive walls. Discovering the sensuous smells and assorted aromas of the Spice Bazaar before embarking on a boat. At the Spice Bazaar you will experience every gamut of emotions as you navigate through the stalls selling both fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, flowers and, of course, spices. From aniseed to zedoary, you will find every imaginable spice under the sun. Naturally, vast amounts of Turkish delight, coffee and tea are also on sale. A big part of the fun is haggling with the garrulous stallholders, who will either amuse you or convince into purchasing something. After this sensory feast, it’s time to sit back and relax with a pleasant cruise along the Bosphorus. You’ll pass the elegant waterfront villas that were the weekend and summer retreats of the Ottoman elites and the imposing Rumeli Fortress. Some of these waterfront residences, yal? in Turkish, are centuries old and made of wood. Others are veritable marble palaces of a less distant vintage. The range of colours and architectural styles is truly vast, ranging from the intrinsically Ottoman to Western neo-classical. Make sure to have your camera at the ready because along the Bosphorus there are more than 600 of these homes dotted about. From the boat you’ll also see the hulking Rumeli Fortress, which was built more than 560 years ago by the Ottomans to prepare their attack on Constantinople and to control the Bosphorus. Meeting/ Pick up point: Hotel Lobby. Start or opening time: 8am. End or closing time: 1pm.

This two-day tour of the WWI battlefields at Gallipoli and the site of the ancient city of Troy is ideal for anybody with an interest in history. After an early morning start we'll drive southwards to Gallipoli, site of the ill-fated WWI campaign to seize control of the Dardanelles. We'll visit the main battlefields at Anzac Cove, the Nek and Johnston's Jolly as well as the Australian, New Zealand and Turkish War memorials at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. The beautiful landscape and quiet atmosphere of the area today belie its horrific past. After spending the night at a hotel in Canakkale, the following morning we'll head for the site of the ancient city of Troy, one of the most important archaeological complexes in the world. On the one hour walking tour of the site, you'll learn all about the fascinating history of the area, one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world, how it started up as a small hamlet in neolithic times before growing to become one of the most powerful Bronze Age cities in the world. You'll hear how it was successively invaded, conquered, destroyed and rebuilt before finally falling into obscurity and ruin. Learn all about the Trojan Wars, immortalised by Homer, with beautiful Helen, impetuous Paris, brave Achilles and the wooden horse that has now become the symbol of the site. After the morning tour of Troy we will return to Istanbul. This excursión includes two lunch packs and a B&B hotel night. Start/opening time: First day: at 6.30am. Second day: at 8am. End/closing time: First day at 6pm. Second day: at 8pm. Languages: English.

Spend a full day around the old city, visit spectacular Byzantine Churches including Patriarch, Blacharnae, St. Savour-in-Chora, Pammarictos, Pege, St.Sargius & Bacchus and Pantacrator Churches. The Patriarchate at Fener by the Golden Horn is the heart of the global Orthodox Christian community. Spend a full day around the old city, visit spectacular Byzantine Churches including Patriarch, Blacharnae, St. Savour-in-Chora, Pammarictos, Pege, St.Sargius & Bacchus and Pantacrator Churches. The Patriarchate at Fener by the Golden Horn is the heart of the global Orthodox Christian community. After Constantine the Great's declaration of Christianity as a freely practiced religion in the Roman Empire, the capital was moved from Rome to Byzantium. Though the city was conquered by Muslim Ottomans in 1453, Sultan Mehmet’s wisdom and vision of coexistence among civilizations and policies of tolerance have encouraged the seat of the Patriarch to remain in the city. Church of Panagia Blachernae, the best known and most celebrated shrine of the Holy Virgin located near the Golden Horn. Famed for the Hagiasma (fountain of holy water), said to cure health problems and the Hagion Lousma (Sacred Bath) said to clean the soul, where even emperors sought the grace of God to purify themselves. St. Saviour in Chora (Kariye), originally a Byzantine monastery dedicated to Jesus Christ the Saviour, survived with fantastic mosaics and frescoes portraying scenes from the Holy Bible, the life and miracles of Jesus. Church of St. Mary Pammacaristos (Fethiye) built in XI century by the Emperor John Comnenus, displaying the aesthetic refinement attained to the age of Paleologanage and originally belonged to a convent of nuns. The abbey housed the Patriarchate for a while after the conquest. Zoodochos Pege at Balikli, dedicated to the Mother of God at Pege, with an underground cistern, full of goldfish related to a well-known miracle and the fountain of holy water, believed to cure many diseases, is one of the most celebrated shrines. The monastic complex of Christ Pantocrator (Zeyrek) was one of the largest and best organised of the Byzantine period, comprising two churches and a funerary chapel, baths, a hospice for the aged, a hospital and a medical school, a hostel for travellers and a library –this can only be seen from outside. St. Sergius & Bacchus, a landmark in Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture. Today it is known as the "Little Hagia Sophia" because of its’ general plan as a precursor of the Hagia Sophia -can only be seen from outside. Meeting/pick-up point: Hotel pick-up. Duration: 8 hours approximately. Start/opening time: At 07:45am. Languages: English. Others: Please note that the Chora (Kariye) and Pammakritos Museums are closed on Wednesdays.

In this four-hour walking tour you’ll discover some of the different quarters of old Istanbul and gain some fascinating insight into the history and culture of this magical city. You’ll tour ancient fortifications, sophisticated boulevards and then visit the Mevlevi Sufi Lodge, home to the famous whirling dervishes. A knowledgeable local guide will bring the bustling historic quarters around the Golden Horn and Pera to life with a lively commentary in this unmissable tour. After meeting your guide, the first destination is the Galata Tower. This striking stone fortification with its conical roof has dominated the Istanbul skyline ever since it was built by the Genoese in 1348. Climb 70m to the top for some unforgettable views over Istanbul and the Bosphorus. From here we’ll continue with a stroll down one of the city’s most important commercial arteries, Istiklal Avenue This pedestrianized thoroughfare is located in the historic Pera district and is the place where Istanbulites come for their evening stroll. You’ll find exquisite boutiques, music and book stores, art galleries, cinemas, theatres, libraries, cafés, pubs, night clubs with live music, historical patisseries, chocolatiers and restaurants. Our final visit is to the exquisitely preserved Mevlevi Sufi Lodge dating back to 1491. The original monastery was built on a ridge overlooking Galata by Divane Mehmed Dede, Sheikh of Afyon during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II.

Located on the northern shore of the Golden Horn in the Haskoy area of Beyoğlu, this is Turkey’s first major museum dedicated to Transport, Industry & Communications. It lies on three separate parts of around 27,000 square metres. The Museum is part of the Rahmi M. Koç Museology and Culture Foundation, which is a private non-profit institution. Located on the northern shore of the Golden Horn in the Haskoy area of Beyoğlu, this is Turkey’s first major museum dedicated to Transport, Industry & Communications. It lies on three separate parts of around 27,000 square metres. The Museum is part of the Rahmi M. Koç Museology and Culture Foundation, which is a private non-profit institution dedicated to the collecting, housing, researching, preserving and exhibiting of industrial and engineering objects and their documentation from all countries and periods up to the present day. The Museum uses its collections and resources to inform, inspire and delight the general public, to attract more visitors to museums as well as cultural activities in Turkey, and to support research into industrial history. Collections include a very large number of cars, motorcycles, horse-drawn carriages along with trains, boats & ships. The Museum is reserved for large scale and durable objects such as a submarine, ferry boat and aircraft as well as thousands of smaller items such as gramophone needles. A “hands-on” gallery is perfect for kids where they can climb all over a vintage car, sit in the cockpit of a real plane and try the controls or try real-life scientific experiments. Meeting/pick-up point: Pick-up available only in hotels located in Sultanahmet, Aksaray, Sirkeci, Beyazıt and Taksim areas. Pick-up time: At 10am. Drop-off time: At 2pm.

This full day tour is a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul city life and takes you to a couple of the islands which form the Princes’ Islands in the Marmara Sea. Heybeliada is the second largest island measuring just under 3km in length and a little over 1km in width. Once home to a thriving Greek community, amongst the architectural artefacts remaining from that time are three monasteries. Buyukada, is the largest of the islands covering over 5sq km in area. Home to a diverse community of Jews, Muslims and Christians, it is a popular destination for the wealthy who visit th This full day tour is a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul city life and takes you to a couple of the islands which form the Princes’ Islands in the Marmara Sea. Heybeliada is the second largest island measuring just under 3km in length and a little over 1km in width. Once home to a thriving Greek community, amongst the architectural artefacts remaining from that time are three monasteries. Buyukada, is the largest of the islands covering over 5sq km in area. Home to a diverse community of Jews, Muslims and Christians, it is a popular destination for the wealthy who visit their mansions, particularly during the summer months. Free of traffic, the popular mode of transport on both islands is horse-drawn vehicles. The tour begins with collection from your hotel and transfer to the pier to embark on the boat to Heybeliada. We cruise along the beautiful Marmara Sea arriving at Heybeliada. The guide will show you around the island and then we will take horse drawn carriages to Degirmenburnu Picnic Park where a barbeque will be at your disposal to cook your own lunch. Following this, we walk to the pier admiring the beautiful scenery along the way. Once at the pier, we board the the ferry to Büyükada, arriving after 15 minutes. Free time is given here to explore the island by yourself. Then we take the boat back to Istanbul pier and arrive on the mainland and transfer back to the hotel. Meeting/pick-up point: Pick-up at the hotel. Pick-up time: At 9am. Start/opening time: Embark on the boat to Heybeliada at 9:30am. End/closing time: 5pm.

Discover Istanbul at your own pace with your own private chauffer. Create the perfect itinerary and sit back and relax as you travel from point A to point B with ease Highlights - Explore Istanbul with ease - Your own private minibus, chauffer and guide - Create your own itinerary With so much history at your fingertips, Istanbul is brimming with culture, ancient mosques and monuments. Whether you want to spend the day visiting the museums or hitting the shops, relax and save time with your own minibus, private chauffer and guide. Explore parts of Istanbul that few visitors get the chance to see. Do you have your own itinerary? If not, don´t worry as your knowledgeable private guide will help you to explore, not just the main sights and attractions, but all the hidden corners and secret favourites known only to the locals. Get the lowdown on the must-know history, the culture, the architecture, the legends and much, much more. All you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy everything that this beautiful city has to offer. Duration 4 or 8 hours

Glide through the ages with this half-day guided tour of four fantastic Istanbul landmarks. You will visit the Hippodrome, the fabled Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. A fascinating itinerary that will take your breath away in just four hours Highlights - Gain an insight to life before the Ottoman Empire - Visit some of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks - Grab yourself a bargain at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest markets in the world Journey straight into the heart of old Byzantium, to the Hippodrome. Now called Sultanahmet Square, this was where fierce competitive chariot races took place during the periods of the Roman and Byzantine empires. Three famous attractions adorn the Hippodrome: The Obelisk of Theodosius, the Walled Obelisk and the Serpent Column, which is believed to be 2,500 years old. From the Hippodrome it’s a short journey to the Blue Mosque, the name by which the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is affectionately known. A sight to behold from the outside, the blue-tiled interior is mesmerising. Look up and admire the elaborate domes. The mosque is considered a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Across the square from the mosque is Hagia Sophia, the former basilica of the Holy Wisdom. It is the ultimate example of Byzantine architecture and dominated the Constantinople skyline for more than 1,000 years. The Blue Mosque is consciously modelled on it. This vast and imposing church was turned into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest and has been a museum since the 1930s. Among the wealth of treasure, you will see awe-inspiring golden mosaics. End the tour at the vibrant and exotic Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world. Meander its 61 streets and peruse the more than 3,000 outlets selling every imaginable. Others When the Grand Bazaar and Hagia Sophia are closed, Sunday and Monday respectively, we will instead visit the Basilica Cistern, a vast underground chamber supported by 336 marble columns that featured in the Bond movie, From Russia With Love. As mosques are closed on Fridays, there will only be external visits on that day.

Delve into the intricate beauties and fine architecture of Ottoman culture with this fascinating visit to Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace and the striking Suleymaniye Mosque and religious complex. The Topkapi Palace was the chief residence of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years of their 624-year reign, a fact that is reflected in the magnificence of its location, overlooking the Delve into the intricate beauties and fine architecture of Ottoman culture with this fascinating visit to Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace and the striking Suleymaniye Mosque and religious complex. The Topkapi Palace was the chief residence of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years of their 624-year reign, a fact that is reflected in the magnificence of its location, overlooking the Bosphorus, and the opulence of its buildings. Famous for housing holy relics that are venerated in the Muslim world, such as what are reputed to be Muhammed’s cloak and sword, it is among the Istanbul monuments designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city within a city, which at one time was to as many as 4,000 people, was laid out on the Byzantine model with the ruler being insulated from the common people by a series of increasingly exclusive courtyards: the first court was open to all, the second only to people on imperial business, and the third and the fourth only to VIPs, staff and the imperial family itself. Don’t miss the Treasury with its extensive collection of inscribed arms and armour. Next we visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, a masterpiece of domes and minarets designed by the architectural genius Mimar Sinan and the largest mosque in Istanbul. Marvel at the engineering skill employed in its construction, the graceful simplicity of its lines and the stunning beauty of its decorated interiors. Step back in time with this ideal introduction to Istanbul’s Ottoman past. Meeting/pick-up point: Hotel. Duration: 3.5 hours. Start/opening time: At 1:30pm. End/closing time: At 5pm. Others:As mosques are closed on Fridays, there will only be external visits on that day.

To step through Bab-? Humayun, the Imperial Gate of the Topkap? Palace, is to step into the past – a past redolent with the mysteries and exoticism of the Orient. This colossal complex taking up all of Seraglio Point was from where the Ottoman sultans ruled an empire that at its peak stretched from Budapest to Baghdad. The vast wealth and luxury enjoyed by the sultans is evident as yo To step through Bab-? Humayun, the Imperial Gate of the Topkap? Palace, is to step into the past – a past redolent with the mysteries and exoticism of the Orient. This colossal complex taking up all of Seraglio Point was from where the Ottoman sultans ruled an empire that at its peak stretched from Budapest to Baghdad. The vast wealth and luxury enjoyed by the sultans is evident as you wander through the complex, which is divided into four courtyards and the harem. In the first courtyard you will see the fourth century Hagia Irene church, a reminder of what the Ottomans conquered. The second courtyard is a treasure trove of attractions such as the Imperial Divan, the Tower of Justice and the Imperial Treasury. Pass through the gilded Gate of Felicity into the third courtyard to marvel at the Conqueror’s Pavilion, which houses a dazzling collection of jewels, including the Topkap? Dagger and the 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond. Then there’s the Harem, the forbidden area where the sultans kept their wives and concubines, often in the hundreds, under the close watch of eunuchs. In the fourth courtyard and beyond you will admire the kiosks and gardens, and enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the city, the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and Asia. At the Rustempasa Mosque the opulence on display is of a different sort; here it is the glory of God that is celebrated. A somewhat modest exterior – it has just one minaret – hides an interior decorated with beautifully crafted tiles with floral and geometric designs. Meeting/ Pick up point: Hotel Lobby. Start or opening time: 8-8.30am End or closing time: 1pm. Others: As mosques are closed on Fridays, there will only be external visits on that day.

Settled on the northwestern slopes of Mount Uludag in the southern Marmara Region, Bursa is frequently cited as "Green Bursa", in reference to the parks and gardens located across its urban tissue, as well as to the vast forests in rich variety that extend in its surroundings. Settled on the northwestern slopes of Mount Uludag in the southern Marmara Region, Bursa is frequently cited as "Green Bursa", in reference to the parks and gardens located across its urban tissue, as well as to the vast forests in rich variety that extend in its surroundings. The first major capital city in the early years of the Ottoman Empire; Bursa kept its importance as a commercial center, especially as the source of most royal silk products during the Ottoman period. Thus, Bursa has traditionally been a pole of attraction, and was a major center for refugees from various ethnic backgrounds; and it holds an immaculate heritage of Ottoman civil architecture. The tour starts with an early departure from the hotel. The ferry trip to the nearby city of Yalova is followed by a 45-minute drive to Bursa. Places to visit are The Green Mosque, the Green Tomb, the Grand Mosque, the Covered Bazaar and the Old Silk Market. You may also taste the world famous “Iskender Kebap”. The return to Istanbul follows the same route. Meeting/pick-up point: Pick-up at the hotel. Start/opening time: At 7:30am. End/closing time: At 8pm. Languages: English. Others: Included: ferryboat.

Istanbul straddles two continents and in this 5 hour tour you’ll cross to the Asian shore and discover the sumptuous Beylerbeyi Palace, summer residence of the Ottoman sultans before climbing to the summit of Camlica Hill for some unforgettable views over the Bosphorus and Istanbul. A knowledgeable guide will provide you with plenty of local insight into the fascinating history of the different attractions. After being picked up from your hotel we’ll head straight for the Asian shore of the straits, crossing the impressive Bosphorus suspension bridge. Here we'll explore Beylerbeyi Palace, situated right on the shoreline. This opulent palace was built in the 19th century as a summer residence for the Ottoman sultans and as place to entertain visiting heads of state. The Palace was designed in the Second Empire style and is somewhat more restrained in comparison to earlier Ottoman palaces. You will tour the reception rooms, harem and the men's and women's bathing areas. If you feel like some fresh air then nearby Camlica Hill is ideal. This is one of the highest points in the city making for an ideal vantage point over Istanbul and the Bosphorus. Popular with Sunday strollers, lovers and children, Camlica Hill is a dearly loved refuge from the stresses of everyday life. Stroll around the beautifully landscaped gardens or sip on a Turkish coffee in a traditional Ottoman-style pavilion as you admire the views and watch the world go by. Then we'll cross back into Europe, taking you back to your point of departure.