260 activitati in Istanbul, TURKEY

Your tour starts with a visit to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar which is full of the mystical aromas of various spices and colourful shops selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, fish etc. Next we board our boat for a cruise along the Bosphorus, the waterway separating the two continents of Europe and Asia. As we travel, you will have the chance to see the European style palaces of the Ottomans and the palaces of Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi, in striking contrast to some of the modern villas that line the shores.

Depart from your hotel in "Canakkale" around 11:30am for afternoon tour of Gallipoli. The World War I battlefields of Gallipoli are now a serene site. Visit the Lone Pine Australian Memorial and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, ANZAC Cove, Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, Ari Burnu Cemetery, Johnston's Jolly (where you'll visit original Allied and Turkish trenches and tunnels), 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial and The Nek. Once there we'll visit Anzac Cove the site of the first bloody battle between Australian and New Zealand troops and the Turkish defenders. We'll visit the carefully preserved Turkish and Allied trenches at Johnston's Jolly and the site of the Battle of the Nek, where hundreds of Australian troops were slaughtered. We will then visit the Australian War Memorial at Lone Pine named after the solitary pine tree that once grew here where you will find the names of 4221 Australian and 709 New Zealand soldiers who have no known grave. We will also visit the Memorials to the New Zealand and Turkish dead at Chunuk Bair. The beautiful landscape and quiet atmosphere of these sites belie their horrific past. After the tour and a visit to the Gallipoli Museum we will return to Istanbul, arriving late in the evening. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to hotel.

Begin your tour by driving to the very heart of old Istanbul, the Sultanahmet Square. Once the sporting and social centre of Constantinople with a huge horseracing circuit, it is now a beautiful square in the heart of the city and still contains relics of the original structure. Tour its key points and learn about the atmospheric events that would regularly take place here. Take in the highlights of Istanbul, a truly enchanting city that is full of history, culture and intrigue at every turn. Once the seat of the powerful Ottoman Empire, today Istanbul is home to more than 14 million people and a diverse range of cultures. Take in architectural masterpieces such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia as your guide leads you to the city’s most spectacular landmarks before finishing the trip at Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar. Boasting over 4,000 shops and tiny cafés under its roof, it is believed to have the most individual stalls of any marketplace in the world. Proceed to the Blue Mosque, one of the most striking buildings in the city and one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. With its domes, secondary domes and minarets, the mosque is a striking visual spectacle and its blue-tiled interior provides its nickname. Next head to Hagia Sophia, considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. Having been used as both a cathedral and a mosque, the vast and intricate building is now a fascinating museum. Finish your unforgettable city tour at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, renowned for its multitude of stores and stalls. Browse the vast array of goods on display and make sure to barter and haggle the price with the stall owners!

Take in the opulence and extravagance of the Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years and home to some of the most important relics of the Muslim world. Sprawling across the Bosphorus shoreline, the palace is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and would frequently host lavish royal celebrations and state occasions within its walls. Undoubtedly one of the highlights of Istanbul, your expert guide will escort you through its many buildings and chambers on this unforgettable tour. Explore the four main courtyards of the palace’s imperial interior and visit the Royal Treasury, home to numerous priceless objects and artefacts. Marvel at the emerald-encrusted Topkapi Dagger, the giant diamond candlesticks and the holiest Islamic relics such as the Prophet Mohammed’s footprint set in clay. Discover the vast collection of imperial robes and ancient manuscripts stored in the palace and explore the great kitchens where countless feasts were prepared. Proceed to the stately courtyard of Hagia Sophia, home to the Sultans’ mausoleums which have recently been restored to their former glory. Mehmed III, Selim II, Murad III, Ibrahim I, Mustafa I and all their families were laid to rest here. The interiors of the tombs are adorned with some of the most beautiful ceramic panels of the 16th century with purple, red, green and blue flower motives. Prince’s robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers are displayed on the sarcophaguses. The Sultans spared no expense when constructing Topkapi Palace and it is a must see when visiting Istanbul. Others As mosques are closed on Fridays, there will only be external visits on that day.

Book your skip-the-line tour and leave the long queues behind! This is the ideal walking tour in İstanbul where you can see the two “must dos” of İstanbul. Hagia Sophia which is considered as one of the eight wonders of the world and the unforgettable Grand Covered Bazaar. Book your skip-the-line tour and leave the long queues behind! This is the ideal walking tour in İstanbul where you can see the two “must dos” of İstanbul. Hagia Sophia which is considered as one of the eight wonders of the world and the unforgettable Grand Covered Bazaar. Stand back and enjoy the most splendid vistas in İstanbul in the company of your guide who will entertain you with interesting anecdotes and facts about the Old Town and its architecture, including stories about the 3 world dominating empires Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. Each of our tours is custom-designed specifically for small groups, with a balanced mix of sightseeing, traveling, cultural encounters, and free time. Most important, we limit our tour membership to just 15 guests. Meeting/pick-up point:In front of the “Information Desk” at the entrance of Hagia Sophia. Duration: Four hours. Start/opening time: 9.30am. End/closing time: At 1.30pm. Languages: English. Others: Tour cannot operate on Mondays as the Hagia Sophia is closed. Maximum group number is 15; minimum is 2 pax.

Take in the opulence and extravagance of the Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years and home to some of the most important relics of the Muslim world. Sprawling across the Bosphorus shoreline, the palace is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and would frequently host lavish royal celebrations and state occasions within its walls. Undoubtedly one of the highlights of Istanbul, your expert guide will escort you through its many buildings and chambers on this unforgettable tour. Explore the four main courtyards of the palace’s imperial interior and visit the Royal Treasury, home to numerous priceless objects and artefacts. Marvel at the emerald-encrusted Topkapi Dagger, the giant diamond candlesticks and the holiest Islamic relics such as the Prophet Mohammed’s footprint set in clay. Discover the vast collection of imperial robes and ancient manuscripts stored in the palace and explore the great kitchens where countless feasts were prepared. Proceed to the stately courtyard of Hagia Sophia, home to the Sultans’ mausoleums which have recently been restored to their former glory. Mehmed III, Selim II, Murad III, Ibrahim I, Mustafa I and all their families were laid to rest here. The interiors of the tombs are adorned with some of the most beautiful ceramic panels of the 16th century with purple, red, green and blue flower motives. Prince’s robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers are displayed on the sarcophaguses. The Sultans spared no expense when constructing Topkapi Palace and it is a must see when visiting Istanbul.

Take in the highlights of Istanbul, a truly enchanting city that is full of history, culture and intrigue at every turn. Once the seat of the powerful Ottoman Empire, today Istanbul is home to more than 14 million people and a diverse range of cultures. Take in the highlights of Istanbul, a truly enchanting city that is full of history, culture and intrigue at every turn. Once the seat of the powerful Ottoman Empire, today Istanbul is home to more than 14 million people and a diverse range of cultures. Take in architectural masterpieces such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia as your guide leads you to the city’s most spectacular landmarks before finishing the trip at Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar. Boasting over 4,000 shops and tiny cafés under its roof, it is believed to have the most individual stalls of any marketplace in the world. Begin your tour by driving to the very heart of old Istanbul, the Sultanahmet Square. Once the sporting and social centre of Constantinople with a huge horseracing circuit, it is now a beautiful square in the heart of the city and still contains relics of the original structure. Tour its key points and learn about the atmospheric events that would regularly take place here. Proceed to the Blue Mosque, one of the most striking buildings in the city and one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. With its domes, secondary domes and minarets, the mosque is a striking visual spectacle and its blue-tiled interior provides its nickname. Next head to Hagia Sophia, considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. Having been used as both a cathedral and a mosque, the vast and intricate building is now a fascinating museum. Finish your unforgettable city tour at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, renowned for its multitude of stores and stalls. Browse the vast array of goods on display and make sure to barter and haggle the price with the stall owners! Meeting/pick-up point: Pick up at the hotel. Pick-up time: 8-8:30am. Drop-off time:12-12:30pm. Others: Includes entrance fee to the museum.

Learn more about the holy sites of Islamwith this eye-opening visit to the Eyup Sultan Mosque and his Tomb – two of the most sacred sites in the Muslim world after Mecca and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem (or al-Quds, in Arabic), and by far the two holiest sites in Istanbul. Thousands of believers visit these sites every day. So who was this Eyup? Eyup el-Ensari was the flag bearer of the Prophet Mohammed who died in this city when the Arab’s sieged it in the 7th century. Nowadays, the mystical atmosphere is heavily present. Later on, hop aboard a cable car that takes you to Pierre Loti Coffee House, named after the French author and poet, Pierre Loti, who used to sit at this cafe to write while contemplating the scenario. It is located on top of a hill covered with splendid green nature. As you ascend, admire the breath-taking backdrop that slowly glides by below you. Contemplate a privileged vantage point of the Golden Horn from here. Your next stop is the curious Miniaturk, one of the most surprising open field miniature parks. It exhibits scaled models of the most famous landmarks of Istanbul, Anatolia and in general all of the former Ottoman territories, bestowing the miniature with a fairy-tale-like nature. Admire the countless tiny human that populate this construction, from Muslims in the mosques and Jews in the synagogues, to railroad workers and flower sellers.

Available in the afternoon, this is a great way to capture the ‘essence’ of this amazing city. The cruise of the Bosphorous will start at Kabatas pier and while cruising along the Asian and European shores, you will be surprised to see the harmony of Ottoman and modern architecture. Available in the afternoon, this is a great way to capture the ‘essence’ of this amazing city. The cruise of the Bosphorous will start at Kabatas pier and while cruising along the Asian and European shores, you will be surprised to see the harmony of Ottoman and modern architecture, as well as having an opportunity to see the major highlights of the city’s fairy tale-like skyline from the sea. A poet once described the Bosphorous as “God’s beautiful calligraphy written by an ink made of sapphires”. This strait, separating (and connecting) two continents that form the two faces of the city, takes its name from a mythological legend. Ever since those ancient times, it has marvelled people with its beauty. Along the cruise, you will pass by the Rumeli Fortress, built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror; Ortakoy, a very famous area for handicrafts and nightlife; Bebek, a popular wealthy residential district under the Ottoman rule, and continues to be so today; Besiktas, a commercial district of the new city; Dolmabahce, the magnificent 19th century palace, which was the home to the Ottoman Sultans in the last century of the Empire; Ciragan Palace, a magnificent marble palace built by Sultan Abdulaziz and designed and constructed by the Balyan family between 1863 and 1867; today it serves as luxury suites for the five star Kempinski hotel; Kizkulesi (Maiden’s Tower), an ancient lighthouse which has inspired many legends; Yali (wooden wealthy houses) constructed by the water’s edge of the Bosphorous and usually built with an architectural concept that takes into account the characteristics of the coastal location, mostly dating from the 19th century; Beylerbeyi Palace, one of the largest, lavishly furnished 19th century summer residences of the Ottoman Sultans. A short visit to the Spice Market is the surprise of the tour. In this oriental shopping area, where you experience the vibrant pulse of Istanbul at its best, rare spices, herbs, vegetables, fruits, live animals, flowers are sold. (Aphrodisiacs are available too!) Meeting/pick-up point: Hotel pick-up. Duration: 4 horas. Start/opening time: At 12:45pm. End/closing time: 4:45pm. Languages: English. Others: Please note that the Spice Market is closed on Sundays.

We begin with a brief visit to the 17th century Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most colorful, bustling attractions. On our way to an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From our cruise boat, we view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus’ wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world’s longest and Rumeli Hisari, a massive fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to take Istanbul. Also noteworthy on this tour are the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultans’ fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges. We begin by driving across the first Bosphorus Bridge, which for a time was the world’s longest suspension bridge, and head for the summit of Çamlica Hill, which affords panoramic views of Istanbul, the Sea of Marmara and the Princes’ Islands.

This comprehensive sightseeing tour of Istanbul provides the perfect introduction to the fabled city that spans Asia and Europe. On this one day sightseeing tour you will see how old meets new when you visit Istanbul’s four “must-see” historic sites. Formally called Constantinople, Istanbul was the capital of the Roman Empire and Europe’s wealthiest metropolis, and is now the largest city in Turkey. Topkapi Palace The largest and oldest palace in the world, Topkapi is the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi promises to be a truly fascinating experience. (closed on Tuesday). Harem section is not included in the program. Blue Mosque One of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style. The mosque has six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles. Hippodrome The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi survive. Hagia Sophia (from outside, no interior visit included) Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian, and was one of the largest basilicas in the Christian world. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to a mosque and is today one of the most magnificent museums in the world. Take a moment to linger here to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics. (closed on Monday)

Whirling Dervish Istanbul Show is one of the most popular event in the city. The Sufi Dance is a transcendental performance by Sufi Dervishes also known as Whirling Dervish Show. It is called in Turkish Semah. Highlights - Go on a spiritual journey - Most popular event in the city - 800 year old mystical dance show - See the Mevlevi Semah ceremony - Performed inside Orient Express Station Whirling Dervish Istanbul Show Go on a spiritual journey and watch the mystical ritual of the Mevlevi Order, whose whirling dance has been declared a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity. The Sema ceremony is a journey through man’s spiritual ascent to perfection through mind and love – do not miss this experience of music and moves. What is a Dervish? A Dervish is a Sufi, member of the Mevlevi Order. What is a Sufi? Sufi is a mystic that seeks to find divine truth and love directly with God. Sufism is the centuries old stream in Islam for the followers of 13th century poet Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi from Konya, Turkey. He is mostly known for the themes of acceptance and tolerance in his teachings and poetry. The community of Sufism developed religious practices focusing on self control that enable both mental and mystical insights as well as a loss of self, with the ultimate goal of mystical union with God.

In this afternoon tour you can discover Istanbul from the sea as well as from above as you take an invigorating cruise on the Bosphorous and then climb high above the city in a cable car. Explore an exotic spice market and discover the heart of Istanbul as you watch its most famous sights glide by from the deck of a river cruiser. After being picked up from your hotel between 13.00 and 13,30, we'll head straight for the waterfront and board a river cruiser for a cruise along the Bosphorous between two continents. We'll pass the sumptuous Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi Palaces, the impressive Rumeli Fortress, built by Sultan Mehmet II the Conqueror during the siege of Constantinople in 1453 and Leander's Tower, one of the symbols of Istanbul. Then we'll climb to the top of Pierre Loti Hill by cable car where you can enjoy amazing panoramic views over the Bosphorous, the Golden Horn and the city. Next we'll reboard the bus and head for the Golden Horn. This natural and extremely secure harbour has played an important role in the development of Istanbul.

Explore the most awe-inspiring areas of Istanbul, one of the single most beautiful cities in both Europe and the Middle East – for it is the city that bridges these two contrasting continents. Highlights - Glide along the Bosphorus on a relaxing river cruise - Surround yourself in aroma at the Egyptian Spice Bazaar - Admire the city's incredible architecture and learn about its rich history Start by becoming acquainted with your knowledgeable guide, who will accompany you throughout the duration of this exciting tour and tell you all about the interesting history and fun facts behind every Istanbul landmark you come across. Your first destination is the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, where your senses will discover pleasures unbeknownst to them until that moment. Admire the staggering abundance and variety of not only spices, but also fruits, vegetables and flowers that line the exotic stores. Afterwards, join a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus, the magnificent river that splits Istanbul into a Western and a Middle Eastern half. Contemplate the breath-taking marble palaces and ancient wooden villas of beautiful Ottoman architecture. These elegant old buildings stand in stark contrast with the more modern residential luxury apartments erected alongside them, so that Istanbul’s wealthy can relax while enjoying the views of the shimmering waterway. Then, it is time see from the outside Rumeli Fortress, a historical armament erected to keep a watchful eye over the appreciated river, a hub of international commerce back in the day. This fortress is a grand example of military architecture and it can be seen from the sea during the tour. This trip will make you fall in love with this bewildering, multicultural city while you discover its more historical side.

Istanbul is a city that spans two continents and the Bosphorous, the narrow straits separating Europe from Asia can be said to be the city's main artery and lifeline to the rest of the world. On this guided morning tour you will learn all the role of this waterway in this magical city's rich history, visitng the city's main sights before boarding a river cruiser for an exhilarating cruise on the Bosphorous. After being picked up from your hotel between 08.00 and 08.30 we'll head straight for the impressive Byzantine City Walls, finally breached by the powerful cannon of Sultan Mehmet II the Conqueror during the siege of Constantinople in 1453. Next we'll head for the Golden Horn. This natural and extremely secure harbour was vital for the development of Istanbul. Then we'll pay a visit to the 17th Century Egyptian Bazaar where 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 to river cruiser for a cruise along the Bosphorous, gliding past the Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi Palaces, the wooden villas and mansions of the rich and powerful as far as the Rumeli Fortress, built by Mehmet the Conqueror before returning to the hotel at 13pm.

Take in the highlights of Istanbul, a truly enchanting city that is full of history, culture and intrigue at every turn. Once the seat of the powerful Ottoman Empire, today Istanbul is home to more than 14 million people and a diverse range of cultures. Take in architectural masterpieces such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia as your guide leads you to the city’s most spectacular landmarks before finishing the trip at Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar. Boasting over 4,000 shops and tiny cafés under its roof, it is believed to have the most individual stalls of any marketplace in the world. Begin your tour by driving to the very heart of old Istanbul, the Sultanahmet Square. Once the sporting and social centre of Constantinople with a huge horseracing circuit, it is now a beautiful square in the heart of the city and still contains relics of the original structure. Tour its key points and learn about the atmospheric events that would regularly take place here. Proceed to the Blue Mosque, one of the most striking buildings in the city and one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. With its domes, secondary domes and minarets, the mosque is a striking visual spectacle and its blue-tiled interior provides its nickname. Next head to Hagia Sophia, considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. Having been used as both a cathedral and a mosque, the vast and intricate building is now a fascinating museum. Finish your unforgettable city tour at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, renowned for its multitude of stores and stalls. Browse the vast array of goods on display and make sure to barter and haggle the price with the stall owners! Others Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. There is no transfer back to the hotels, the last stop is Grand Bazaar. As mosques are closed on Fridays, there will only be external visits on that day. IIstanbul classic tour includes St.Sophia tickets.