Activity description
The Golden Horn (from the bus), the arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbor on the historic peninsula separating the old and new parts of Istanbul, where the first colonies were established during the Byzantine era. It is a residential area for Byzantine Jews, Italian merchants, and other non-Muslim minorities. Drive along the vestiges of history in Balat, seeing the Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, the Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim), the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate, and the 22-km-long Byzantine city walls, the strongest fortification of the Middle Ages.
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), mystical scents of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers, etc.
Cruise the Bosphorus on Plan Tours' private boat, along the waterway that separates the two continents, Europe and Asia, with the opportunity to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas with Ottoman architecture, as well as modern residences and luxurious apartments.
Rumeli Fortress (from the boat - no interior visit), a historic fortification built by the Conqueror to control and protect the Bosphorus. A unique example of military architecture.
Lunch at a typical Turkish restaurant
Visit the "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.
Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest architectural wonders, built as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.
Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous for its blue Iznik tiles and the only one with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.
The Hippodrome, the center of sporting events (chariot racing, athletics) and political activities in the old city, features the Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the German Fountain of William II.
Explore a unique place for art lovers! A family-run artisanal ceramics workshop. Along with Hittite terracotta, Seljuk quartz, and Iznik (Nicea)-Ottoman quartz, this site also boasts numerous examples of Turkish culture.
Notes:
Please note that some hotels in the city are not included in the pickup itinerary. If your hotel is not included in our itinerary, we will contact you to indicate the closest hotel to which you should be transferred at the time of the service.
You should wait for your guide in the lobby of the indicated hotel.
