260 activitati in Istanbul, TURKEY
Istanbul by Land and Sea
A full day with complimentary lunch exploring the Asian side of the city crossing the Bosphorous and visiting Camlica Hill, Beylerbeyi Palace and Baghdad street followed by a cruise of the Bosphorous, a great way to capture the ‘essence’ of this amazing city, passing by many of its’ famous sites. A full day with complimentary lunch exploring the Asian side of the city crossing the Bosphorous and visiting Camlica Hill, Beylerbeyi Palace and Baghdad street followed by a cruise of the Bosphorous, a great way to capture the ‘essence’ of this amazing city, passing by many of its’ famous sites. Beginning with the Bosphorous Bridge, which connects the European and the Asian sides of Istanbul, this was built in built in 1973 and affords a spectacular view of Istanbul’s modern and ancient sites while travelling over 60 metres above sea level. The highest point in Istanbul is Camlica Hill and we stop here for a panoramic view over the city provided that Istanbul chooses to show its beauties and blesses the visitors with a clear day. Moving on from here we visit Beylerbeyi Palace, one of the largest, lavishly furnished 19th century summer residences of the Ottoman sultans. The rooms are kept with their original furniture and visitors can imagine being house guests to the Imperial family. Baghdad Street, once the grouping point for the merchants who were set to travel the ancient Silk Road, this popular street on the Asian side of Istanbul has elegant boutiques and shopping alternatives. This will be a perfect chance to see the urban lifestyle of modern Istanbul. Lunch is served at a local restaurant before the tour continues with a cruise of the Bosphorous. Along this 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: 8 hours. Start/opening time: At 07:45am. Languages: English. Others: Please note that the Spice Market is closed on Sundays and Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays and this will be replaced by the 18th century Hidiv Pavilion.
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Istanbul's Sultanahmet District - Morning tour
Fall in love with Istanbul, the queen of Turkish cities. This tour gives you a taste of the landmarks and history contained in this city which has seen many an empire rise and fall, one after the other. Wake up in the morning and head off for your first destination, the Roman Hippodrome. This breath-taking site, erected during the times of the East Roman Empire, was where chariot races were organized to entertain the wealthy of former Byzantium. Your next stop will fill you with awe. Visit the iconic Blue Mosque, one of the most impressive Islamic constructions and a piece de resistance of Ottoman architecture. Being the only mosque with six minarets, the blunt size of it lies in contrast with the delicate mosaics that decorate its interior. After that, see the beautiful German Fountain, a very special gift from the Kaiser Wilhelm II to this magnificent city of the Ottoman Empire. This German Kaiser was a fervent Orientalist and admirer of all things Oriental. And last but not least, the time arrives to admire the highlight of the day: the Hagia Sophia, also known as the Church of Divine Wisdom. Like the Blue Mosque, it is a representative building of the past magnificence of Turkish history and just the sight of it can take the breath of anyone away. After the visits, follow your guide to the Grand Bazaar to wrap up the day by watching and learning about traditional Turkish handcrafts. This tour takes you through a variety of experiences. Languages English Others Hagia Sophia Museum is closed on Mondays. It will be replaced with Chora Museum. Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. It will be replaced with Spice Bazaar. As mosques are closed on Fridays, there will only be external visits on that day.
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Dolmabahce palace, Bosphorus bridge and Camlica hill tour - Small Group
Discover the beauty of Istanbul. Start by visiting the impressive Bosphorus Bridge, built back in 1973; fall in love with the 1,074 metre-long structure, which at the time of construction was the fourth longest suspension bridge in the world. It is a very picturesque setting where you will enjoy breath-taking views. Continue then to Camlica Hill, the highest peak in Istanbul, just a short drive from the Bosphorus. From this beautiful 268 metre hill you can contemplate the splendid panorama of the Bosphorus Strait and of the classical Istanbul buildings. You will have the opportunity to stop and take pictures of the postcard setting during the drive over the suspension bridge. Explore the exclusive Dolmabahce Palace, the final stop on your tour. Imagine a palace with 285 rooms, six traditional Turkish baths and 68 toilets. The regal ceiling made from 14 tons of gold will leave you agog! Learn about the history of the Dolmabahçe Palace, an architectural jewel that was built by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid between the years 1843-1856. Observe the modern approach to architecture with an essentially French influence. You’ll notice the rich tastes and splendour of the era, evident in every corner and artefact in the decor. The Bohemian crystal chandeliers are something you can’t miss, as well as the breath-taking crystal staircase and the largest handmade Hereke rug in the Great Ceremonial Hall. You will be able to ask your guide questions about the history of the palace, and you will be enraptured be the tales of legends, myths and poems. Start/opening time Between 1pm and 1:30pm. End/closing time Between 5pm and 5:30pm. Languages English. Others Dolmabahçe Palace Museum is closed on Mondays and Thursdays. It will be replaced with Chora Museum.
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Ottoman Heritage Tour
This afternoon tour will take you to two of the main attractions of this fascinating city, combining Byzantine and Ottoman cultures. Discover the Mosque of Little Hagia Sophia, believed to be the model for its larger sister, the Basilica of Hagia Sophia and the sumptuous Topkapi Palace, situated on the shores of the Bosphorous. After meeting your guide at 13.00 we will head straight for the Mosque of Little Hagia Sophia, located in the district of Fatih, not far from the Marmara Sea. This domed Byzantine church, once dedicated to Saints Sergius and Bacchus, was erected by Emperor Justinian I in 537 and is one of the oldest early Byzantine buildings in Istanbul. It is also believed to have served as a model for the larger Basilica of Hagia Sophia. After the Ottoman conquest the building became a Mosque. Our next visit will be to the impressive Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries, housing an exquisite collection of precious gems, jewellery, royal thrones and vestments as well as exquisite Ottoman-style miniatures. At its peak, the palace was a mysterious city within a city, home to as many as 4,000 people, covering a large area with an extensive shoreline along the Bosphorous. The complex was expanded over the centuries, with major renovations and contained mosques, a hospital, bakeries, and a mint. Others As mosques are closed on Fridays, there will only be external visits on that day. Languages Multilingual Tour
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Byzantine Istanbul heritage tour
Discover the splendour of Istanbul in this half day excursion covering the main sights of this fabled city that straddles Asia and Europe. After we pick you up from your hotel between 08.00 and 08.30, our first stop will be the Hippodrome, a circus dating from Roman times that became the social and cultural heart of Constantinople, the scene of riots, palace intrigues, love affairs and horse races throughout Byzantine history. It is now a city park, an oasis of calm in this bustling city. One of the main attractions is the 3500-year-old Egyptian granite Obelisk, brought to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius in 390 AD. Next we'll visit the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque due to its decoration with more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles. The Mosque is just a stone's throw away from the sublime Basilica of Hagia Sophia, built in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to a mosque and is today considered one of the most magnificent buildings in the world. Our final visit will be to the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of streets and narrow passages where you will find over 4000 shops and stalls with separate areas for the different crafts. This is an ideal place to stock up on traditional Turkish handicrafts such as colourful hand-painted earthenware and hand-burnished copperware, brassware and onyxware before returning to the hotel at around 12.30.
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Cagaloglu Hamam, Traditional Turkish Bath since 1741
Cağaloğlu Bath is one of the largest double Turkish baths of Istanbul. Baroque style novelties, a rarely seen quality in Ottoman architecture, are evident in the architectural structure of the building and also by the organization of its cooling-room and hot room sections. In the men’s section, to reach the cooling-room which is covered with a small dome and seven vaults, you should cross the dressing room covered by a large dome. Cağaloğlu Turkish Bath was built in 1741 to provide revenue for both the library of Mahmut I, the Ottoman Sultan of the time, in Hagia Sophia Külliye (social complex) and for Hagia Sophia Mosque . Architectural plans of the bath was designed by Süleyman Ağa, the architect of the court, and the bath was built by Abdullah Ağa. Before the construction of Cağaloğlu Turkish Bath, the palace built by Nevşehirli Damat İbrahim Paşa stood on the same location. The palace was destroyed by a fire in 1740, and construction of the Cağaloğlu Bath started soon after. The bath has both historical and architectural importance as it is the last great Turkish bath constructed before Sultan Mustafa III prohibited the construction of great baths in 1768, due to the increasing water and firewood needs of the city. 1. Self Service Renew yourself on Cağaloğlu Hamam’s 16 columned navel stone with speciality shampoo, hair cream and body lotion, accompanied by exotic smells of olive oil Ayvalık soaps. Find your energy back with Turkish tea, home-made sherbet and Turkish delight, which are presented right after pleasure-filled moments end. 2. The Istanbul Dream Cağaloğlu Hamam, which is in service for over 300 years promises a dreamlike experience. Relive the old Istanbul with 15 minutes of secluded, hot room rest, followed by 10 minutes of rubbing with a bath glove and 20 minutes of bobble bath. After the ritual, with Turkish tea, home-made sherbet and Turkish delight, prepared at the end of the seance, you are renewed and ready once again for the journey that is Istanbul. 3. Tip To Toe If what you need is to pause for a moment, and renew yourself, then this ritual is made specially for you. After 15 minutes of hot room rest, you are purified with 10 minutes of a bath glove rub. Then, bobble massage, which lasts a total of 35 minutes, will start from your feet, reach your neck and head, and in the end revitalize your whole body. The final part of tip to toe renewal is of course Turkish tea, homemade sherbet and Turkish delight, presented at the end of the ritual… 4. Cağaloğlu Hamam The Cağaoğlu Hamam special service, which combines the traditional Turkish bath ritual with an Oriental experience, presents a new kind of massage experience. After 15 minutes of hot room rest, the now-classic rubbing and 20 minutes of bubble massage complete the Turkish bath ritual. Followed by 15 minutes of feet massage with linden oil in the cold part of the Turkish bath and afterwards, Turkish tea, home-made sherbet, appetizers and Turkish delight. 5. Ottoman Luxury Service The Ottoman Luxury Service presents from start to finish the royal Ottoman experience. Start by 15 minutes of hot room rest, then 10 minutes of rubbing and 30 minutes of bubble massage. 45 minutes of aromatherapy massage with linden oil completes this ritual which in the end makes one relieve hospitality and kindness of the Ottoman court, with Turkish tea, home-made sherbet, Turkish delight, appetizers and fruit. 6. Sultan Mahmud The First Cağaloğlu Hamam, built by Sultan Mahmud the First, presents a package that honors his name with
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Bosphorus boat and bus tour with cable car
Discover two fascinating sides of Istanbul with a cruise along the Bosphorous and a bus trip exploring the roots of the city. Immerse yourself in a rich, vibrant history and landscape while exploring this wondrous cultural landscape. Highlights - See Dolmabahce Palace and the lonely Leander's Tower - Learn about the history of the Balats - Enjoy a ride on the cable car Make your way along the shores of the Bosphorous, where you will board a boat, and head out on to the open waters. Sailing along the coast, you can admire the views of the opulent Dolmabahce Palace and the simplicity of the lonely Leander’s tower. Do not miss the huge suspension bridges that connect the city, the grandeur of the Rumeli fortress or the multitude of mansions by the sea. Afterwards, climb the hill of Pierre Loti by cable car, from where you can enjoy fantastic panoramic views. Finally board a bus pass through the streets. On the north bank of the Golden Horn be immersed in Balat, a lively immigrant neighborhood with centuries-old history, founded a long time ago by Byzantine Jews and Italian merchants. Explore its history through the extravagance of the metal church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian. You will also see the stately Jewish hospital and the picturesque façade of the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate. See the long Byzantine City Walls, the strongest fortification of the Middle Ages. Take this opportunity to experience two unique sides is captivating city on the sea. Enjoy the charm of Istanbul from its incredible landscapes along the shore of the Bosphorus, from land crossing Balat, and also from the soaring heights of the cable car.
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Istanbul Uncovered
Turkey's capital is a beautiful city and it pays to know where to look to find its most memorable highlights. Join this tour to discover the iconic sights as well as the lesser known gems that make Istanbul so captivating. Discover the secrets haunts of locals in Sultanahmet and explore the back streets to find the city’s hidden highlights. Highlights - Admire the incredible selection of goods at the Grand Bazaar - Visit the stunning Rustem Pasa Mosque - Learn about the Turkish bath rituals at Süleymaniye Külliyesi Start by exploring Istanbul’s ancient Hippodrome and then Divanyolu, a historical thoroughfare originally mapped out by Emperor Constantine in the early 300s AD. Wander through some of the alleys of the Grand Bazaar, admiring an incredible array of goods in its 4,000 shops. We also stop by the book bazaar, where the first printed book in Turkey was sold in 1729. We then take you to the magnificent Süleymaniye Külliyesi, where the original Turkish baths were built as part of the mosque complex to learn all about this ritual of times gone by. Your guide will give you a local insight into Islam before whisking you off to try Turkish tea at a tea house with amazing views of the city. Visit the small but stunning Rustem Pasa Mosque, the first octagonal mosque built buy the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. The interior is decorated with some of the most exquisite iznik tiles ever produced. We finish the tour at a spice bazaar where your guide can give you some handy tips on how to make the most of your stay. Meeting/pick-up point: Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant, Divanyolu Caddesi No.6 34400, Sultanahmet, Istanbul. Use the Sultanahmet tram stop as reference. The restaurant is located on the street where the tram lines runs through Sultanahmet, approximately a three minute walk from the tram stop. Duration: 4 hours. Start/opening time: 8:30am. Languages:English.
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Shopping in Grand Bazaar - Small Group
Take the plunge into Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. In the company of your expert guide you will explore some of the 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops, and soak up the atmosphere of this pulsating, exotic place. Dating all the way back to the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar has been catering to the daily needs of local residen Take the plunge into Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. In the company of your expert guide you will explore some of the 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops, and soak up the atmosphere of this pulsating, exotic place. Dating all the way back to the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar has been catering to the daily needs of local residents for generations and now sells a greater range of produce than ever - if not everything under the sun then not far short. Whether you’re after a hookah, clothes, jewellery, carpets or antiques, the chances are you’ll find it in what surely ranks as one of the world’s unbeatable retail therapy experiences. The practical benefit of being accompanied by a guide comes from local knowledge and expertise: is your Turkish rug authentic and handmade? Is the antiquity you are thinking of buying genuine and is it legal to be taken out of Turkey? Is the jewellery you have your eye on made with real gems and to the highest standard? On all these questions your helpful guide will be able to advise you, as well as handling the tricky business of negotiating a fair price. Depending on your interests and tastes you will be taken to the most reputable leather shop, the fairest antique’s emporium, the jewellery seller with the reputation for the highest quality or the finest place for kilims and carpets. Shopaholics have a treat in store at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s great shopping experiences. Meeting/pick-up point: Hotel reception. Duration: Approximately 5 hours. Start/opening time: 8 am -8.30am (morning tour), 1 - 1.30pm (afternoon tour). End/closing time: 12pm - 12.30pm (morning tour), 5pm 5.30pm(afternoon tour). Languages: English.
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Istanbul aquarium and shopping tour
Fun for all the family is virtually guaranteed with this entertainment-packed day out that combines a vast aquarium with the largest shopping mall in Europe. Since it opened in 2009, Istanbul Aquarium has captivated millions of visitors with one of the most spectacular displays of marine life in the world, while the Forum Istanbul shopping mall can lay claim to being the biggest shopping and leisure destination on the continent. The excursion begins at the giant Istanbul Aquarium. Covering over 8,000 square metres and displaying over 10,000 sea creatures, including sharks, giant stingrays, groupers, piranhas and octopi, it has something for everyone. Boasting 50 separate exhibits, the largest of which holds 4.5 million litres of water, it features an underwater safari that takes visitors on a moving walkway through an 80 metre-long tunnel. If you fancy diving with sharks there is the possibility of doing just that – although this involves a surcharge payable directly to the aquarium. The next port of call is an unguided visit to the Forum Istanbul shopping centre. With its 265 stores, including global brands such as H&M, Zara, Saturn, Decathlon and many more offering everything from fashion to sports, jewellery to cosmetics, electronics to toys, there is bound to be something for all the family. There is also an ample range of leisure activities available with restaurants, bowling and a cinema.
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Troy Tour from Canakkale
Visit the ancient city of Troy and learn about its significance in Greek mythology as the main battlefield in the Trojan War. On the journey from Canakkale, stop for lunch in the coastal town of Eceabat, and then enjoy a walking tour around the archaeological site of Troy. Learn about the different eras that stamped their mark on the fascinating settlement and see the famous Trojan Horse statue before returning to Istanbul. On the tour you will be able to see: The Trojan Horse Sacrificial Altars The 3700 year old city walls Houses of Troy I, 3000 B.C. – 2500 B.C The Bouleuterium (Senate Building) The Odeon (Concert Hall) Current excavations in progress Remains of the various cities from Troy I through to Troy IX At the end of the tour at around 6pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Canakkale.
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Istanbul aquarium and shopping tour - Small Group
Fun for all the family is virtually guaranteed with this entertainment-packed day out that combines a vast aquarium with the largest shopping mall in Europe. Since it opened in 2009, Istanbul Aquarium has captivated millions of visitors with one of the most spectacular displays of marine life in the world, while the Forum Istanbul shopping mall can lay claim to being the biggest shopping and leisure destination on the continent. The excursion begins at the giant Istanbul Aquarium. Covering over 8,000 square metres and displaying over 10,000 sea creatures, including sharks, giant stingrays, groupers, piranhas and octopi, it has something for everyone. Boasting 50 separate exhibits, the largest of which holds 4.5 million litres of water, it features an underwater safari that takes visitors on a moving walkway through an 80 metre-long tunnel. If you fancy diving with sharks there is the possibility of doing just that – although this involves a surcharge payable directly to the aquarium. The next port of call is an unguided visit to the Forum Istanbul shopping centre. With its 265 stores, including global brands such as H&M, Zara, Saturn, Decathlon and many more offering everything from fashion to sports, jewellery to cosmetics, electronics to toys, there is bound to be something for all the family. There is also an ample range of leisure activities available with restaurants, bowling and a cinema.
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EUR3284EUR
Hidden Istanbul
Turkey's capital is a beautiful city and it pays to know where to look to find its most memorable highlights. Join this tour to discover the iconic sights as well as the lesser known gems that make Istanbul so captivating. Discover the secrets haunts of locals in Sultanahmet and explore the back streets to find the city’s hidden highlights. Turkey's capital is a beautiful city and it pays to know where to look to find its most memorable highlights. Join this tour to discover the iconic sights as well as the lesser known gems that make Istanbul so captivating. Discover the secrets haunts of locals in Sultanahmet and explore the back streets to find the city’s hidden highlights. HIGHLIGHTS: * Admire the incredible selection of goods at the Grand Bazaar * Visit the stunning Rustem Pasa Mosque * Learn about the Turkish bath rituals at Süleymaniye Külliyesi Start by exploring Istanbul’s ancient Hippodrome and then Divanyolu, a historical thoroughfare originally mapped out by Emperor Constantine in the early 300s AD. Wander through some of the alleys of the Grand Bazaar, admiring an incredible array of goods in its 4,000 shops. We also stop by the book bazaar, where the first printed book in Turkey was sold in 1729. We then take you to the magnificent Süleymaniye Külliyesi, where the original Turkish baths were built as part of the mosque complex to learn all about this ritual of times gone by. Your guide will give you a local insight into Islam before whisking you off to try Turkish tea at a tea house with amazing views of the city. Visit the small but stunning Rustem Pasa Mosque, the first octagonal mosque built buy the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. The interior is decorated with some of the most exquisite iznik tiles ever produced. We finish the tour at a spice bazaar where your guide can give you some handy tips on how to make the most of your stay. Meeting/pick-up point: Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant, Divanyolu Caddesi No.6 34400, Sultanahmet, Istanbul. Use the Sultanahmet tram stop as reference. The restaurant is located on the street where the tram lines runs through Sultanahmet, approximately a three minute walk from the tram stop. Duration: 4 hours. Start/opening time: 8:30am. Languages:English.
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Europe and Asia tour
Discover the more luxurious side of Istanbul with this visit to the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, one of the city’s most popular touristic destinations – which is no small feat in an area absolutely cluttered with historical monuments and breath-taking constructions. Begin your tour hopping aboard our comfortable bus that while drive you straight to the entrance of the Dolmabahce Palace. Along the way, enjoy the exotic views of one of the most beautiful cities in both Europe and the Middle East and admire how both Western and Eastern elements mix and mingle in one of the richest multicultural environments in the world. As you approach the building, you can almost feel the sheer outrageous value of the building’s contents emanating from the walls. The Dolmabahce Palace was, in times of old, the very last place of residence of the world-renowned Ottoman Sultans. Inside the palace, you can get an idea of the astronomical extent of these rulers’ richness. The palace contains no less than 365 rooms – one for every day of the year! – and 22 sensational saloons, especially famous for their collections of European art and antiquity. Top the tour off with a drive over the Bosphorus Bridge, jumping from a Westernized entourage to a more Middle Eastern one. As the bus ascends Camlica Hill, you are taken to the best vantage point of Istanbul, where you can take some beautiful photographs to take home a memory of this incredible city with you.
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A Day on Prince's Island
Take a step back in time and exchange the hustle and bustle of the city for a day of tranquillity on Princes’ Islands. Highlights - Be captivated by the tranquillity of the islands - Admire a different side of Istanbul Just a short ferry ride from Istanbul you will find the Princes’ Islands, a chain of small islands in the Sea of Marmara. These motor-free charming and unique islands offer and oasis of peace and quiet to all. Begin the day after being picked up from your hotel and transferred to the ferry terminal for a cruise on the Sea of Marmara heading for Büyükada, the largest of the nine islands making up the archipelago. On the way you'll be able to enjoy great views of the Topkapi Palace, Leander's Tower and Üsküdar on Istanbul's Asian shore. Büyükada is a popular resort for the locals in the summer with its white sandy beaches and fragrant pine forests, but it was once a place of exile for Byzantine Emperors (and Leon Trotsky) as well as a popular retreat for wealthy Istanbulites in the first half of the 20th Century. You'll be enchanted by this small slice of traffic-free paradise. When you explore some of the islands' quiet back streets, you will feel as if you have found your way back to the late 19th century and an Istanbul that no longer exists on the mainland. Why not have lunch in one of the island's many pleasant restaurants if you fancy it. Return to Istanbul in the afternoon. This full-day tour includes a return boat ride to the island of Büyükada with a guided tour.
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Tour to Byzantium
Learn all about four of Istanbul’s most history-filled landmarks; this tour takes you to the beautiful Golden Horn harbour, the great church of St Mary of Blachernae, the church of the Holy Saviour in Chora (also known as the Kariye Museum, in Turkish) and the splendorous Palace of the Porphyrogenitus (Tekfur Palace). Your first stop is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Istanbul. The Golden Horn is a hornlike branch of the Bosphorus River used as a natural naval harbour in the times of the Byzantine Empire. Its name comes from both its shape and the golden hue it adopts when seen from a hilltop due to the reflection of the sun. Visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the seat of Orthodox Christianity in Turkey since the time when Constantine the Great declared Christianity the religion of the Roman Empire. Continue to of St Mary of Blachernae, a magnificent church and shrine of the Mother of God famous for its holy water and sacred baths. Then see another breath-taking church, the Holy Saviour in Chora, long ago a Byzantine monastery and nowadays a very interesting museum filled with mosaics and frescoes from ages past. Also delve into the eerie Prison of Anemas, a spooky network of 14 separate dungeons. Finally, visit the imposing 12th century Palace of the Porphyrogenitus. It is the only surviving pavilion of the Blachernae Palace and it was erected adjacent to the city walls that surround the remains of the Byzantine acropolis; a day full of history.
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