IMPORTANT NOTE: This program is arranged for international participants, and for guests joining from within the country, we kindly request you to contact the GoAyas Tour Organization Department to inquire about program changes.
Day 1: Europe-Istanbul-Byzantine Land and Sea Walls
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will embark on an orientation bus ride on the way to your hotel. We are advancing through large parts of the formidable land and sea walls of Byzantium, which were only surpassed by Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453.
Accomodation: Green Park Pendik*****
Day 2: Eyüp-Eyüp Tomb area-Pierre Loti-Chora Church-Hagia Sophia-Topkapı Palace-Harem
Today we will explore the Golden Horn by bus. We start our tour from Eyüp district, where Muslims come to visit the tomb of the sanjak of the Prophet Muhammad. Just above the great Islamic cemetery, you will see the famous cafe of Pierre Loti, the French officer who lost his romantic heart to a forbidden love. Then we walk along the Byzantine wall towards the Kariye Mosque, with its world-famous mosaic cycle depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
With the magnificent ambiance of Yedikule and its land walls, you will be living the last days of the Eastern Roman Empire in Panorama 1453. You will have lunch at a restaurant close to the Hippodrome, which is preferred by our guide.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Harem, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, respectively. You will get detailed information with the narration of our guide. Maybe we have some time left to visit the world famous Grand Bazaar. For our dinner, we will take you to Kumkapı, a district famous for its excellent seafood restaurants, again accompanied by our guide.
Accomodation:Green Park Pendik*****
Day 3: Circus Maximus-Ibrahim Passover Palace-Basilica Cistern-Egypt and Shachely Bazaar-Sultanahmet Mosque-Bosphorus Boat Tour
In the Hippodrome, we get information about the ruins of the Nika Revolt and Circus Maximus, which were once under the rule of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, with the narration of our guide. Then we visit the Hippodrome, Ibrahim Pasha Palace and the Ethnography Museum. We take a walk in the historical Sultanhamet district and visit the Blue Mosque there. We go to the restaurant for lunch accompanied by our guide. Then we enter the wonderful Basilica cistern underground, which is a large Byzantine water reservoir.
Afternoon: Visit to Egypt and Chache market.
While waiting for saffron, caviar and Turkish delight in the Spice Bazaar, we also see Mahmut Pasha's Brokanteri Bazaar.
Boat trip on the Bosphorus; Floating under two suspension bridges connecting Europe to Asia, we admire the priceless waterfront mansions and sultan's palaces such as Beylerbey and the unique Dolmahbaçe palace. We are taking you to the shopping point with our guide for the opportunity to meet with cultural Turkish products. Here you will see many qualities such as handcrafted carpets, gold and silver items, leather goods, jewellery. You return to your accommodation for some rest and dinner.
Accomodation:Green Park Pendik*****
4th day: Istanbul-Europe
After breakfast at the hotel, we leave you as a free day with some optional short-time excursions until the departure time to the Airport. As we have come to the end of an unforgettable journey, we leave happy to know you and sad to leave you. Taste baklava along the way and we bid you farewell with the hope of seeing you on another GoAyas.com (Ayas Tourism) cultural tour.
Services Included in the Price
*16 Years of Tourism Assurance and Services
*All Sightseeings within the Program
*Transportation with Luxury Vehicles and In-Vehicle Refreshments
*Professional Guidance and Companion Services
*Accommodations
*Breakfast and dinner (valid for hotel accommodation)
*Mandatory Travel Insurance
Services Not Included in the Price
*All Lunches
*All Private Expenditures
*Beverages With Meals
*Entrance Fees to Museums and Ancient Sites
*Participation fees for activities included in the tour