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DAILY TOURS IN ISTANBUL |
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St. Sophia Church
Suleymaniye Mosque
Hippodrome
Covered Bazaar
Topkapi Palace by Night
Blue Mosque
Hippodrome and Blue Mosque
Suleymaniye Mosque
Topkapi Palace
Spice Bazaar
Maiden's Tower
Ortakoy Mosque and Bosphorus Bridge
Rumelian Fortress
Galata
Beylerbeyi Palace
Camlica Hill |
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PRS 101 - ISTANBUL CLASSICS IN HALF A DAY (09:00-12:00)
A half day tour with St. Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture constructed as a basilica in 536 by Emperor Justinian (Closed on Mondays); Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its more than 20.000 blue Iznik tiles and unique with its 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet in the 17th century, one of the best examples of classical Turkish art; Hippodrome, the scene of Byzantine chariot races, athletic events, victory celebrations, and political activities of the old city where one can also see today the “Obelisk of Theodosius” from Egypt, “Serpentine Column” from Delphi, the “German Fountain of Wilhelm II” and the “Colossus”. End of the tour.
PRS 102 - OTTOMAN RELICS IN HALF A DAY (14:00-17:00)
An afternoon tour with Topkapi Palace - Harem section is excluded - (Closed on Tuesdays); built in 1468 by Mehmet the Conqueror, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans housing the souvenirs of 600 years and exhibiting imperial treasury, Chinese porcelains, weapons, calligraphy section, etc. A short ride on to Suleymaniye Mosque (presently under restoration and visit could be limited), masterpiece of Sinan, the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire, built in the name of the Sultan Suleyman, the Magnificent, during the 16th. century, considered as the best amongst the imperial mosques. Grand Covered Bazaar (Closed on Sundays), which is one of the most attractive shopping centers in the world with nearly 4000 shops. Return to the hotel (You may also prefer returning to the hotel on your own if you like to spend longer time in the Bazaar). Return to the hotel.
-If “Harem” section is added on to the visits at Topkapi Palace an extra $15 for each will be surcharged.
PRS 103 - HEART OF HISTORICAL ISTANBUL IN A DAY (09:00-17:00)
A full day tour with St. Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture constructed as a basilica in 536 by Emperor Justinian (Closed on Mondays); Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its more than 20.000 blue Iznik tiles and unique with its 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet in the 17th century, one of the best examples of classical Turkish art; Hippodrome, the scene of Byzantine chariot races, athletic events, victory celebrations, and political activities of the old city where one can also see today the “Obelisk of Theodosius” from Egypt, “Serpentine Column” from Delphi, the “German Fountain of Wilhelm II” and the “Colossus”. In the afternoon, visit the Topkapi Palace - Harem section is excluded - (Closed on Tuesdays); built in 1468 by Mehmet the Conqueror, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans housing the souvenirs of 600 years and exhibiting imperial treasury, Chinese porcelains, weapons, calligraphy section, etc. A short ride on to Suleymaniye Mosque (presently under restoration and visit could be limited), masterpiece of Sinan, the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire, built in the name of the Sultan Suleyman, the Magnificent, during the 16th. century, considered as the best amongst the imperial mosques. Grand Covered Bazaar (Closed on Sundays), which is one of the most attractive shopping centers in the world with nearly 4000 shops. Return to the hotel (You may also prefer returning to the hotel on your own if you like to spend longer time in the Bazaar) (Lunch is inclusive on only regular/seat-in coach tours).
-If “Harem” section is added on to the visits at Topkapi Palace an extra $15 for each will be surcharged.
PRS 104 - MORNING BOSPHORUS CRUISE (09:00-13:00)
A morning tour to visit the aromatic Spice Bazaar (Closed on Sundays) from 1663 with its domed and vaulted shops selling spices and herbs along with a wide variety of commodities, also known as Egyptian Bazaar as it was once endowed with the Cairo imposts. Then proceed to the pier so as to embark the public boat. Sailing through the waterway separating the two continents - Asia and Europe - with a possibility to take pictures of the marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials. During this trip Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges as well as Rumelian Fortress, historical armament built by the Conqueror in 1452 to control and protect Bosphorus, will be visible from the sea. After having disembarked the boat get into the coach to get back to the city center (No lunch is served in this tour).
-Regular government ferry (on seat-in-coach basis) or a private boat can be used depending on weather conditions and the number of the participants on both private and regular Bosphorus tours.
-If required, Rumelian Fortress (except on Wednesdays) and Ortakoy and then a transfer service to the hotel can be added on to the private tours without any surcharge, which is not available on our regular tour.
PRS 105 - BOSPHORUS & ASIA (09:00-17:00) A full day tour to visit the aromatic Spice Bazaar (Closed on Sundays) from 1663 with its domed and vaulted shops selling spices and herbs along with a wide variety of commodities, also known as Egyptian Bazaar as it was once endowed with the Cairo imposts. Then proceed to the pier so as to embark the public boat. Sailing through the waterway separating the two continents - Asia and Europe - with a possibility to take pictures of the marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials. During this trip Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges as well as Rumelian Fortress, historical armament built by the Conqueror in 1452 to control and protect Bosphorus, will be visible from the sea. Leaving the boat and getting into the coach. In the afternoon, cross to the Asian side to visit the Beylerbeyi Palace (Closed on Mondays and Thursdays), the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans, with its original furniture and magnificent gardens. Then proceed to Camlica Hill (or Nakkastepe) to observe one of the lovely panoramic views of Istanbul. Time permitting, visit Bedesten. Drive back to the hotel.
-Regular government ferry (on seat-in-coach basis) or a private boat can be used depending on weather conditions and the number of the participants on both private and regular Bosphorus tours.
-If required, Beylerbeyi Palace can be replaced by Dolmabahce Palace on the private tours without any surcharge.
PRS 106 - DOLMABAHCE & GOLDEN HORN (10:00-17:00)
Morning visit to the Dolmabahce Palace (Closed on Mondays/Thursdays; replaced with visits to the Yildız Park and Yildiz Porcelain Factory) the last residence of Ottoman Sultans, with its 365 rooms and 22 saloons and famous with the great collection of antiques, furniture and 4.5 ton chandelier (Harem section is included). In the afternoon, drive along the Golden Horn, tour the Chora Museum (Closed on Wednesdays; replaced with Eyup Mosque), see the impressive city walls, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee (inclusive) at the Pierre Loti Café unless all the tables are already occupied (No advanced booking is possible).
PRS 107 -
ORIENTAL NIGHT SHOW (20:00-23:30)
After being picked up from the hotel a short drive or walk to get to the place where there will be a lot of fun and enjoyment. Dinner at a restaurant to taste various kinds of Turkish cuisine and local drinks while watching the spectacular oriental show performed by famous belly dancers, folk groups from different regions of Anatolia and Turkish singers. Late night back to the hotel (First local drinks are included within the price) (D).
PRS 108 - HALF DAY JEWISH HERITAGE TOUR (08:45-13:00)
Pick up from the hotel at 08.45 and visit the most prestigious synagogues of the city; Ashkenazi at 09.00 and thereafter Neve Shalom. Then drive along the Golden Horn and through Balat, Istanbul's first Jewish settlement. Visit the Ahrida Synagogue, built in the 15th century, then the Jewish Cemetery at Ulus district, and the Ortakoy Etz-Ahayim Synagogue, before returning to the hotel (No lunch is served in this program).
-All synagogue visits require advance permission from the officials and therefore the guests are required to advise their full names and passport numbers at the time of booking and carry their passports during visits
PRS 109 - PALACES AND PAVILIONS (09:00-17:00)
Morning visit to the Dolmabahce Palace, the last residence of Ottoman Sultans, with its 365 rooms and 22 saloons and famous with the great collection of antiques, furniture and 4.5 ton chandelier. (Harem section is excluded). After the visit to the Yildiz Palace time for lunch. In the afternoon visit to Ihlamur Pavilion where Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecit entertained special guests including the French poet Lamartine. Then cross to the Asian side to tour the Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans, with its original furniture and magnificent gardens. After a picturesque stop at Camlica Hill (or Nakkastepe) drive back to the hotel.
PRS 110 - FULL DAY TOUR TO BURSA (08:30-19:00)
Departure by ferry-boat (If the high-speed ferry is prefered there would be a suercharge of $30 per person) to Yalova and drive onto Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century, and a major spa center. Wander through the covered market with its local cotton goods, and Koza Han, the silk cocoon caravanserai, with shops selling beautiful silks and brocades. Visit the Ottoman complex to see the Grand Mosque, the Green Mosque, considered to be one of the finest examples of early Ottoman architecture, and the Green Mausoleum, the tomb of Sultan Mehmet I. This is Bursa's loveliest building with its spectacular tile work. Drive to Yalova to board a ferry which will take you back to Istanbul.
PRS 111 - FULL DAY TOUR TO BURSA (08:30-19:00)
Early departure from the hotel and drive along the northern shores of the Sea of Marmara to Troy, the location where the legendary Trojan War in the book of Homeros of Smyrna took place. In the afternoon cross the strategic waterway, the Dardanelles, to visit Gallipoli, historically famous as the site of many battles - particularly involving the Allied Forces including Australians and New Zealanders during World War I. Visit Anzac Cove where the Allied Forces landed on the 25th of April 1915 along with the other sites like War Cemeteries (Beach Cemetery, Quinn’s Post) and Anzac Memorials (Lone Pine-Australian Memorial, Chunuk Bair-New Zealand Memorial, Hellespont-English Memorial). Drive back to Istanbul late evening.
-If Troy is not visited the above given rates will be applied $20 less on per person basis.
PRS 112 - FULL DAY EPHESUS (07:00-20:00)
Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight to Izmir. On arrival meeting and proceed to Selcuk town to visit Ephesus Antique City (Hillside Houses are excluded), one of the most popular ancient sites of Turkey with many acres of carefully excavated ruins; House of Virgin Mary where she is supposed to spend her last years together with St. John; Ephesus Archaeological Museum; St. John’s Basilica and Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Transfer back to the Izmir airport.
-Our tour rates exclude the airfares for Istanbul-Izmir and Izmir-Istanbul
PRS 113 - IMPERIAL PALACES ON SULTAN BOATS (09:00-12:30)
Pick up from the hotel and proceed to Dolmabahce Palace (Closed on Mondays and Thursdays). Visit the palace, which reflects the blend of various European architectural styles and built between 1843-1856 by Karabet Balyan, the court architect of Sultan Abdulmecid. After visiting the three-storeyed palace (Harem section is exclusive) with 285 rooms and 43 halls - one of them with a crystal chandelier of 4.5 tons - embarking the Sultan Boat to proceed to Beylerbeyi Palace (Closed on Mondays and Thursdays), the summer residence commissioned to be built by Sultan Abdulaziz between 1861-1865. Then return to the pier by the Dolmabahce Palace and transfer back to the hotel, or if required, to Taksim Square.
Optional Services: - A glass of champagne or wine ($25 per person) - A glass of champagne or wine or bier with nuts ($50 per person) - Live music on the boat ($295 per instrument per boat) - Traditional Ottoman candy seller on the boat ($295 per boat) - Traditionally dressed up Ottoman syrup seller on the boat ($295 per boat)
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