Istanbul Tour: Relaxed experience 7-day trip

The metropolis on the Bosphorus looks back on a glorious, eventful and glamorous two thousand years history as the former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire. Here one meets at the footsteps of the Muslim and Christian past. The former Byzantium of the Roman Emperors can be discovered as well as the glorious Constantinople Turkish ruler from 1001 night. In the enormous melting pot of Istanbul, three world-wide and numerous peoples have blended into a unique cultural diversity. In the old town on Seven Hills you can feel the spirit that connects the Orient with the Occident and creates a colourful and exotic atmosphere that draws every visitor into its irresistible spell. Tradition is self-conscious alongside modernity, here thousands history meets contemporary lifestyle!

Highlights:

Highlights on the Bosphorus: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace
The Old Town of Istanbul (Unesco World Heritage Site)
Chora Church & Archaeological Museum
Yerebatan Cistern: The Sunken Palace

History:

Day 1: Merhaba-Hello in Istanbul!
Merhaba in Istanbul! Your guide will be waiting for you at the airport and will accompany you to the hotel. With a refreshing welcome drink you will be attuned to the course of the next days. Are you still in the mood for a first little discovery tour? Then stroll together through the alleys of the old town and let the impressions of the Bosporusmetropole look upon you. Your guide will recommend the local cuisine at a joint restaurant visit (optional).

Day 2: Discover Istanbul on foot
Together with your knowledgeable tour guide you will experience the cultural treasures of Istanbul: The Hippodrome, the ancient racecourse, was the former Entertainment centre of the city, and monuments from all over the world adorn the complex. The indescribable Sultan Ahmed Mosque (“Blue Mosque”) with its six minarets is a unique building of Ottoman architecture. Experience the great Bright prayer room and its devout atmosphere. The Hagia Sophia, once the largest church of Christianity, then mosque and today’s museum, welcomes you with finest mosaic art. In the afternoon you will experience the fairytale world of the Orient: you visit the legendary Topkapi Palace with its treasury (optional visit of the harem).( B )

Day 3: Between the continents
With its exceptional location between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is the only metropolis that spans two continents. Today, take the Marmaray tunnel under the Bosphorus to the Asian side to Üsküdar. While strolling through the market, you get EinenEinblick into the everyday life of Istanbul. Go back by boat and visit Dasschöne Pera District. Here you can stroll past numerous art galleries and boutiques. Through the alleys of the old town you can reach the Grand Bazaar, a treasure trove for all kinds of beautiful and useful. The colours and fragrances on DemGewürzbasar are also impressive. Let yourself be seduced into oriental worlds. In the evening you have the opportunity to experience the range of Turkish cuisine: ( B )

Day 4: Boat trip on the Bosphorus
During a trip along the city city wall from the 5th century, you will immerse yourself in the era of the Eastern Roman of Constantinople. In the Chora church you can see beautiful mosaics of late Byzantine church art: calligraphy, masterfully decorated tiles and valuable rugs. Learn more about Turkish handicrafts in a carpet gallery in the old Town before dedicating yourself to the Eyüp Mosque of the religious world of Istanbul. E in the afternoon another highlight awaits you: a cruise on the Bosphorus. Admire the magnificent views of the city skyline. You pass by palaces from the 19th century, mighty fortresses and charming gardens. The evening sounds like a traditional restaurant. ( B/D )

Day 5: Underground Treasures
Upon entering the underground Yerebatan cistern, you will embark on a journey through the world. Between the 360 pillars of the former water reservoir you feel the centuries after. In the Archaeological museum you can find out what is still dormant in the long history of Istanbul and Turkey. The former garden of Topkapi Palace exudes tranquillity and is an ideal place for a little time out from the lively city. In the afternoon, you will be fascinated by the abundance and exoticism of Islamic science and Technology in the Museum of the same name. Before the day comes to an end, exchange your experiences at dinner. ( B/D )

Day 6: Today’s Istanbul
A cultural contrast point for the week is set by the Museum of Modern Arts. Contemporary art, video installations and changing exhibitions lead you into the young, cosmopolitan and dynamic world of the incredibly versatile Istanbul. In the afternoon, this is what counts here and now-and this is all yours: stroll through the city, enjoy a Turkish mocha or join our guide to the Princes Island of Büyükada. The car-free island of the Marmara Sea, where you will find many Istanbul recreation, is a carriage ride (optional, 20 usa dollar p.p.).( B )

Day 7: Departure
Transfer to the airport ( B )

Notes:

B = breakfast, D = dinner

Services:

Execution from 4 guests
Transfer from the airport to the hotel and back
6 nights in a double room with shower/WC in the 4 star hotel meals according to programme
Program as described incl. entrance fees and transfer
Permanent, local, travel guide