İSTANBUL TOURS INFORMATION
TR-01 THE IMPERIAL TOUR (Daily Morning Tour)
We begin our tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Saint Sophia*. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD, this church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses. Next we visit the Blue Mosque, which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th century, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. 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. The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures – including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style. (also available on Tuesday afternoons)
* On Mondays, when Saint Sophia is closed, we visit the Chora Church, famed for its mosaics and frescoes.
Date : Upon Request *
Time : 07:45 – 12:00
Fee : 50 €
TR-01 THE IMPERIAL TOUR (Daily Morning Tour)
We begin our tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Saint Sophia*. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD, this church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses. Next we visit the Blue Mosque, which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th century, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. 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. The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures – including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style. (also available on Tuesday afternoons)
* On Mondays, when Saint Sophia is closed, we visit the Chora Church, famed for its mosaics and frescoes.
Date : Upon Request *
Time : 07:45 – 12:00
Fee : 50 €
TR-02 OTTOMAN SPLENDOURS (Daily Afternoon Tour)
Date : Upon Request
Time : 12:45 – 17:00
Fee : 50 €
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We begin our tour at Topkapı Palace, which, from the 15th to the 19th century, was the prin ciple residence of the Ottoman Sultans. We will visit the fabolous Imperial Treasury and the Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapı Palace is now a museum and has unrivalled collections of jewelry, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the 3rd largest in the world, Ottoman court costumes and ceramics, notably one of the world’s finest collection of early Chinese ceramics, much of it gifts from other rulers. Interestingly, some of the ceramics have a special glaze that was said to change color in the presence of poison. We also visit the Imperial Armory, displaying centuries of Ottoman weaponry. But perhaps the loveliest features of Topkapı Palace are its courtyards with their ancient trees, and it is easy to imagine the sultan strolling here far from the cares of state and empire. The Süleymaniye Mosque is the largest and grandest of Istanbul’s imperial mosques. It dates from the 16th century heyday of the Ottoman Empire, and was designed by Sinan, the greatest architect of his day and originator of the Classical Ottoman style of architecture. Of the 2,000 structures Sinan designed, Süleymaniye Mosque and its complex of charitable institutions ra nk among the most important. (every day except Tuesdays) Note : On days when the Suleymaniye Mosque is closed for renovations,we visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque,another masterpiece by Sinan that has the most exquisite and extensive Iznik tile decoration of any Mosque in Istanbul |
Date : Upon Request
Time : 12:45 – 17:00
Fee : 50 €
TR-03 SPECIAL: FULL DAY OLD CITY
Combining tours TR-01 and TR-02
The combination of The Imperial Tour and Ottoman Splendours Tour (TR-01 & TR-02)
Date : Upon Request
Time : 07:45 – 17:00
Fee : 100 €
Combining tours TR-01 and TR-02
The combination of The Imperial Tour and Ottoman Splendours Tour (TR-01 & TR-02)
Date : Upon Request
Time : 07:45 – 17:00
Fee : 100 €
TR-04 MORNING BOSPHORUS CRUISE (Daily Morning Tour)
We begin with a brief visit to the 17 th century Spice Bazaar one of Istanbul’s most colorful and bustling attractions. Next, we take an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestıc strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia.From our cruise boat, we view the dramatıc sights lining the Bosphorus’ wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world’s longest and the massive Rumeli Hisarı, a fortress built by Fatih the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to conquer Istanbul. Also noteworthy are the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultan’s fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges.
Date : Upon Request
Time : 07:45 – 12:00
Fee : 50 €
We begin with a brief visit to the 17 th century Spice Bazaar one of Istanbul’s most colorful and bustling attractions. Next, we take an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestıc strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia.From our cruise boat, we view the dramatıc sights lining the Bosphorus’ wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world’s longest and the massive Rumeli Hisarı, a fortress built by Fatih the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to conquer Istanbul. Also noteworthy are the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultan’s fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges.
Date : Upon Request
Time : 07:45 – 12:00
Fee : 50 €
TR-05 AFTERNOON BOSPHORUS CRUISE (Daily Afternoon Tour)
We cruise the Bosphorus and from the deck of our cruise boat take in the sights and sounds of this legendary waterway, that is lined with historic villages, grand wooden mansions, imposing fortresses, like Anadolu Hisarı and the Baroque palaces of the late Ottoman sultans.After our cruise,we visit the Spice Bazaar, a thrilling riot of colors, sounds and the rich smells of exotic spices.
*The Spice Bazaar is closed Sundays
Date : Upon Request *
Time : 12:45 – 17:00
Fee : 50 €
We cruise the Bosphorus and from the deck of our cruise boat take in the sights and sounds of this legendary waterway, that is lined with historic villages, grand wooden mansions, imposing fortresses, like Anadolu Hisarı and the Baroque palaces of the late Ottoman sultans.After our cruise,we visit the Spice Bazaar, a thrilling riot of colors, sounds and the rich smells of exotic spices.
*The Spice Bazaar is closed Sundays
Date : Upon Request *
Time : 12:45 – 17:00
Fee : 50 €
TR-06 ASIA (Daily Afternoon Tour)
We begin by driving across the first Bosphorus Bridge and head for the summit of Çamlıca Hill, which affords panoramic views of Istanbul, the Sea of Marmara and the Princes’ Islands. From here a short brings us to the Palace of Beylerbeyi on the shore of the Bosphorus. Perhaps the most elegant of the late Ottoman palaces, Beylerbeyi boasts six sumptuously furnished reception halls. (Every day except Monday and Thursday)
Date : Upon Request - Every day except Monday and Thursday
Time : 12:45 – 17:00
Fee : 50 €
We begin by driving across the first Bosphorus Bridge and head for the summit of Çamlıca Hill, which affords panoramic views of Istanbul, the Sea of Marmara and the Princes’ Islands. From here a short brings us to the Palace of Beylerbeyi on the shore of the Bosphorus. Perhaps the most elegant of the late Ottoman palaces, Beylerbeyi boasts six sumptuously furnished reception halls. (Every day except Monday and Thursday)
Date : Upon Request - Every day except Monday and Thursday
Time : 12:45 – 17:00
Fee : 50 €
TR-07 SPECIAL: FULL DAY BOSPHORUS TOUR, Combining tours TR-04 and TR-05
The combination of The Morning Bosphorus Cruise and Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise Tours (TR-04 & TR-05)
Date : Upon Request
Time : 07:45 – 17:00
Fee : 100 €
The combination of The Morning Bosphorus Cruise and Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise Tours (TR-04 & TR-05)
Date : Upon Request
Time : 07:45 – 17:00
Fee : 100 €
TR-08 ISTANBUL BY NIGHT
We visit an exclusive nightclub where we will enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine, including the delicious array of appetizers known as meze. The Turks are justly proud of their food. They are equally proud of their traditional music, and after dinner folk musicians from different regions of Anatolia will perform for us. And of course no night out in Istanbul would be complete without Turkish belly-dancers. We will be entertained by some of the cities finest.
Date : Upon Request
Time : 20:00
Fee : 120 €
We visit an exclusive nightclub where we will enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine, including the delicious array of appetizers known as meze. The Turks are justly proud of their food. They are equally proud of their traditional music, and after dinner folk musicians from different regions of Anatolia will perform for us. And of course no night out in Istanbul would be complete without Turkish belly-dancers. We will be entertained by some of the cities finest.
Date : Upon Request
Time : 20:00
Fee : 120 €
TR-09 THE PRINCES ISLANDS (Daily Full-day)
If you feel the need to escape from the bustle of Istanbul for a day, nothing could be easier. You simply join us aboard a ferry bound for the charming Princes’ Islands. Our destination is Büyükada, the largest of the island chain, but we will pass by four other islands on the way. All are famous for their mild climates, lush vegetation and ornate Ottoman houses, and on all of them cars are banned. The preferred means of transportation is the charming horse-drawn carriage known as the phaeton, which we will use on our circular tour of Büyükada, passing elegant mansions draped in brilliant purple bougainvillea. You will feel as though you have stepped back into a more leisured and gracious age, almost expecting grand 19th century ladies and gentlemen to come strolling down to the waterfront on an afternoon promenade. Lunch will be at one of the many excellent traditional fish-restaurants on the waterfront, gazing across the water at the Asian shore of Istanbul, so close though it feels worlds away.
Date : Upon Request
Time : 07:45 – 17:00
Fee : 90 €
If you feel the need to escape from the bustle of Istanbul for a day, nothing could be easier. You simply join us aboard a ferry bound for the charming Princes’ Islands. Our destination is Büyükada, the largest of the island chain, but we will pass by four other islands on the way. All are famous for their mild climates, lush vegetation and ornate Ottoman houses, and on all of them cars are banned. The preferred means of transportation is the charming horse-drawn carriage known as the phaeton, which we will use on our circular tour of Büyükada, passing elegant mansions draped in brilliant purple bougainvillea. You will feel as though you have stepped back into a more leisured and gracious age, almost expecting grand 19th century ladies and gentlemen to come strolling down to the waterfront on an afternoon promenade. Lunch will be at one of the many excellent traditional fish-restaurants on the waterfront, gazing across the water at the Asian shore of Istanbul, so close though it feels worlds away.
Date : Upon Request
Time : 07:45 – 17:00
Fee : 90 €
TR-10 BURSA & CUMALIKIZIK VILLAGE (Full-day)
We travel by ferry to Yalova, then by luxury coach to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and one of the great treasure houses of Islamic architecture. We will visit the Green Mosque and the neighbouring Green Mausoleum, both world-renowned for their superb tile decoration, as well as the late 14th century Great Mosque and the Koza Han, which for centuries was the center of the silk trade. After enjoying a cable car ride up the slopes of Mount Olympus (Turkish Uludağ), we drive to the village of Cumalıkızık. This is one of the best preserved Ottoman villages in Turkey with scores of picturesque houses built in the traditional style. Lunch is at one of Bursa’s finest Turkish restaurants, the Darüzziyafe, where we will enjoy the finest Ottoman cuisine in a historic setting where Sultan Murat the Second once dined. (Available Monday, Thursday & Saturday)
Date : Upon Request
Time : 07:45 – 17:00
Fee : 120 €
We travel by ferry to Yalova, then by luxury coach to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and one of the great treasure houses of Islamic architecture. We will visit the Green Mosque and the neighbouring Green Mausoleum, both world-renowned for their superb tile decoration, as well as the late 14th century Great Mosque and the Koza Han, which for centuries was the center of the silk trade. After enjoying a cable car ride up the slopes of Mount Olympus (Turkish Uludağ), we drive to the village of Cumalıkızık. This is one of the best preserved Ottoman villages in Turkey with scores of picturesque houses built in the traditional style. Lunch is at one of Bursa’s finest Turkish restaurants, the Darüzziyafe, where we will enjoy the finest Ottoman cuisine in a historic setting where Sultan Murat the Second once dined. (Available Monday, Thursday & Saturday)
Date : Upon Request
Time : 07:45 – 17:00
Fee : 120 €
PRE & POST CONGRESS TOURS INFORMATION
TRP-01 TWO-DAYS OF CAPPADOCIA
Dates : October 24 - 25, 2011 / October 29 - 30, 2011
Fee : 700 €
Price Includes
TRP-01 TWO-DAYS OF CAPPADOCIA
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On our way to Cappadocia, we fly to Ankara or Kayseri and drive south to Üçhisar in the midst of Cappadocian heartland, where we will be staying at one of Cappadocia’s unique boutique Cave Hotels. Cappadocia is a region unlike any other. Its extraordinary landscape is composed of soft volcanic stone that wind and rain have sculpted into fantastic clusters of multicolored spires and pinnacles. What is more, the softness of the stone encouraged the medieval Christian inhabitants of the region to carve out of the living rock literally hundreds of churches, monasteries towns and villages. A trip to Cappadocia is a magical experience you will never forget. On our way to Üçhisar we will stop by at the magnificent 13th century Selçuk Caravanserai known as Ağzıkarahan, at one of the region’s famous ‘underground cities’. These go down many storeys into the earth and are among the marvels of medieval engineering. Once in Üçhisar, we will visit the great rock-hewn citadel that looms over the town. On our second day we will visit the open-air museum of the Göreme Valley, which contains the region’s highest concentration of painted churches. The frescoes are among the masterpieces of Byzantine art. A short distance beyond Göreme lie the villages of Avcılar and Çavuşin, both of which have many cave-dwellings, and the dramatic Zelve Valley. |
Dates : October 24 - 25, 2011 / October 29 - 30, 2011
Fee : 700 €
Price Includes
- İstanbul - Ankara - İstanbul flight ticket by Turkish Airlines
- Ankara - Cappadocia - Ankara and airport transfers by private coach
- 1 night full board accommodation at 4-5 star hotels
- Entrance fees of museums and historical sites
- English speaking guides.
TRP-02 FULL-DAY TOUR OF EPHESUS
We catch an early flight to the city of İzmir on the Aegean coast, and then drive south to the antique city of Ephesus. This is one of the world’s richest and most rewarding archaeological sites with impressive ruins dating from the Classical Greek, Hellenistic, Roman and early Byzantine period. It is also closely associated with the beginnings of the Christian faith. In addition to being the city to which the Letters to the Ephesians were written, St. John and St. Paul both visited the city and the Virgin Mary herself is said to have spent her last days nearby. Among the highlights of our tour of Ephesus will be the antique theatre, the famed Library of Celcius, the brothel, the vast Basilica of St. John, the Mosque of İsabey, the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of Ancient World ) and a group of recently excavated early Byzantine mansions that feature incredibly well-preserved floor mosaics and frescoes. At Ephesus, the past comes to life in a pageantry of architectural and artistic marvels the like of which can be found almost nowhere else in the world. Finally we will make a short pilgrimage to the House of the Virgin Mary, which stands high on a mountainside overlooking the Aegean Sea the Greek island of Samos.
Dates : October 24, 2011 / October 29, 2011
Fee : 650 €
Price Includes
We catch an early flight to the city of İzmir on the Aegean coast, and then drive south to the antique city of Ephesus. This is one of the world’s richest and most rewarding archaeological sites with impressive ruins dating from the Classical Greek, Hellenistic, Roman and early Byzantine period. It is also closely associated with the beginnings of the Christian faith. In addition to being the city to which the Letters to the Ephesians were written, St. John and St. Paul both visited the city and the Virgin Mary herself is said to have spent her last days nearby. Among the highlights of our tour of Ephesus will be the antique theatre, the famed Library of Celcius, the brothel, the vast Basilica of St. John, the Mosque of İsabey, the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of Ancient World ) and a group of recently excavated early Byzantine mansions that feature incredibly well-preserved floor mosaics and frescoes. At Ephesus, the past comes to life in a pageantry of architectural and artistic marvels the like of which can be found almost nowhere else in the world. Finally we will make a short pilgrimage to the House of the Virgin Mary, which stands high on a mountainside overlooking the Aegean Sea the Greek island of Samos.
Dates : October 24, 2011 / October 29, 2011
Fee : 650 €
Price Includes
- İstanbul - İzmir - İstanbul flight ticket by Turkish Airlines
- All excursions and airport transfers by private coach
- Entrance fees of museums and historical sites
- English speaking guides.
TRP-03 FULL-DAY TOUR OF TROY AND GALLIPOLI (Upon Request)
Early departure for Troy, scene of Homer’s Illiad, the story of the Trojan War and the first great work of Western literature. Here Achilles, Hector and Agamemnon performed their heroic exploits in their attempts to recapture Helen, whose face launched 1,000 ships. Today, Troy is the subject for a major Hollywood film, starring Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom. The site dates back to the very early Bronze Age (2500 BC) and was discovered by the German archeologist Heinrich Schliemann in the late 19th century. The city was destroyed and rebuilt many times, with the result that the site consists of many layers, one city atop the other. To the layman, perhaps the most impressive feature is the massive ramparts. After visting the site, we then drive to Çanakkale and cross the Hellespont to explore the First World War battlefields of the Gallipoli peninsula. This was the scene of the world’s first modern amphibious landing, planned by Winston Churchill, and one of Turkey’s greatest military victories of modern times, but it was won at the cost of enormous losses on both sides, particularly among the heroic ANZAC troops.
Date : Upon Request
Time : 07:45 – 17:00
Fee : 850 €
Early departure for Troy, scene of Homer’s Illiad, the story of the Trojan War and the first great work of Western literature. Here Achilles, Hector and Agamemnon performed their heroic exploits in their attempts to recapture Helen, whose face launched 1,000 ships. Today, Troy is the subject for a major Hollywood film, starring Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom. The site dates back to the very early Bronze Age (2500 BC) and was discovered by the German archeologist Heinrich Schliemann in the late 19th century. The city was destroyed and rebuilt many times, with the result that the site consists of many layers, one city atop the other. To the layman, perhaps the most impressive feature is the massive ramparts. After visting the site, we then drive to Çanakkale and cross the Hellespont to explore the First World War battlefields of the Gallipoli peninsula. This was the scene of the world’s first modern amphibious landing, planned by Winston Churchill, and one of Turkey’s greatest military victories of modern times, but it was won at the cost of enormous losses on both sides, particularly among the heroic ANZAC troops.
Date : Upon Request
Time : 07:45 – 17:00
Fee : 850 €
The tours might be organized according to the number of participants.
