Istanbul Tour Package – 5 Days

Day 1 – Arrival to Istanbul, Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel:

Hosgeldiniz to Turkey. Upon arrival to the airport your assigned tour guide will awaits for you at the airport exit and will drive you to your hotel destination. Then he/she will assist with your hotel check-in process and ensure that you are all setting in. On the way to your hotel your tour guide will provide you with general information about your upcoming activities and will delight you with Istanbul’s rich culture and traditions, and the history of many of its iconic monuments and buildings which are full of legends and extraordinary facts.

Day 2 – Old City Tour

After breakfast you will be picked up (time) from your hotel by your tour guide for a historical visit to the Old City of Istanbul. Our program will take you to its magnificent sights starting at Sultanahmet Square following by the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome of Constantinople, Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.

Blue Mosque: Also called Sultanahmet Mosque is a monument of the Ottoman Empire which was built between 1609-1616. By being the first mosque built with 6 minarets makes it very unique. In addition, about 21 thousand blue tiles are decorating its high ceilings and inner walls, with various flowers designs, especially tulips, the symbol of the Ottoman Empire. It’s indeed a beautiful example to discover Classical Ottoman Mosque Architecture.

Hippodrome of Constantinople: Our excursion continues with a visit to the Hippodrome of Constantinople. This large racecourse was built by the Roman Empire to perform chariot races.  It was used for hundreds of years to entertain the people and emperors during the Roman period. Although the Hippodrom maybe not full exist today still have remaining monuments that have witnessed its history, like the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, the Constantine Column and the German Fountain among others.

Hagia Sophia: Ayasofya is one of the most important Byzantine structures ever built. It holds historical significance as a culminating feature of the Christian era Roman Empire and stands as a monument to artistic and architectural achievement. Meaning “Holy Wisdom”, it was built in just 5 years between 532 – 537 AD with the order of Emperor Justinian. Hagia Sofia served as a church for 916 years, as a mosque for 482 years and it has been serving as a museum since 1935. This masterpiece was recognized as the largest cathedral in the world until the 16th century. Wonderful place to see Byzantine and Ottoman art.

Topkapi Palace: Due to its intense history is one of the most important places in this program. The palace was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet between 1465-1478 when Istanbul was taken over by the Turks. It became the residence of 24 Ottoman Sultans, including the most known and powerful sultans such as Suleiman the Magnificent and Sultan Ahmet. Topkapi “Cannonball Gate” Palace will take you back to the years that the sultans lived and will give you an unforgettable experience. Get ready to see some of most valuable Ottoman treasures, weapon collections, parliament rooms, clocks, Sacred Relics and ceramic collections of the palace through the beautiful courtyards.

Sultan Tombs: The Sultan Tombs, which are part of the Hagia Sophia complex, are not as well-known, yet they possess some of the best of Ottoman tile work and calligraphy. In a structure that’s part of the Aya Sofya complex, 16th and 17th century Ottoman sultans rest in their tombs.

Lunch: This tour includes lunch at a typical restaurant near Sultanahmet Square.

Grand Bazar: Finally we are reaching The Grand Bazaar and you will enjoy free time to discover its long halls and do some shopping. The Grand Bazaar has been open since 1461 and is one of the oldest commercial complexes in the world. In this bazaar you will have the opportunity to buy all kinds of products, and souvenirs suitable for all tastes.

After a long and excited day you will be the transported back to your hotel.

End of the day and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3 – Bosphorus Tour:

After breakfast we will continue our program to Eminonu’s Old Trade area.

Spice Bazaar: It opened the doors in 1664 with wide variety of products. Here is the ideal place to find Turkish delights, spices, saffron, the best Turkish coffee, tea and much more. Enjoy shopping in the ancient and mystical atmosphere during free time.

Bosporus Cruise: Prepare yourself to enjoy these beautiful moments in the Bosporus Strait which is a natural canal between two continents: Asia and Europe. There will be chance to witness the incredible views of both side from the ship, including Dolmabahce palace, Ortakoy district, some of the best and most expensive villas in the world and much more. Our boat will also cross from under the hanging bridge that was built in 1973 to connect Asia and Europe.

Bosphorus Bridge: Have you ever crossed from a continent to another via a bridge? Asia and Europe first connected to each other with this bridge in 1973. Time for an exclusive experience and unforgettable moments while crossing the continents.

Lunch: Our tour includes lunch

Beylerbeyi Palace: One of the summer residances of Ottoman Sultans which was built in 1865.  It is located at the Asian side of the Bosphorus at a point very near to the Bosphorus Bridge. During the visit there will be a chance to view the bridge while walking through the garden to the entrance door of the palace. As you walk inside this amazing palace, the patterns, paintings, chandeliers, original furnitures and the handmade carpets will be te unforgettable part of the visit.

Camlica Hill (Lovers Hill): It is time to learn more about Istanbul and understand its geography by viewing the both continents from an altitude of 260 meters. Enjoy the scenery of Marmara Sea, Historical area, Bosphorus and 2 hanging bridges and much more. Shortly here is the summary of Istanbul.

End of the day and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 4 – Istanbul Alternative Route

Suleymaniye Mosque: Suleiman; he is Suleiman the Magnificent,  is one of the most known  Ottoman Sultan. He ordered the great Architect Sinan to build this mosque. Sinan built a masterpiece between 1551-1557 with his incredible experience, technics and architecture. We will be visiting the mosque, the tomb of Suleiman and his wife Hurrem Sultan, the Great Architect Sinan. We will be visiting all the important parts of this beautiful complex.

Museum of Panorama 1453: It is the best place to understand about the war of Istanbul in 1453 between the Romans and Ottomans. Panorama museum will take you into those dates.

City Walls: The city walls were built to make Istanbul a safe place at the Roman period. Until today some parts of the walls are standing in good condition. We will be driving along the city walls on the way to our next place.

Pierre Loti Hill: The famous cafe entitled with the name of Pierre Loti, a famous French writer, is reached on getting to this ridge on which the perfect view of Golden Horn can be watched. The real name of Pierre Loti, who lived in Istanbul for long years and was a real Istanbul lover, was Julien Viaud.The historical cafe is the most ideal place to watch this mentioned view. It is said that, in those years Pierre Loti used to come this cafe often.

Miniatürk: Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus Bridge, Istanbul Ataturk Airport… It is an open air museum including the small models of the big country. Every important place in Turkey has a copy model at this museum. This beautiful place is awaiting you to offer unforgettable moments

End of the day and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 5 – Transfer to airport

When this pleasant tour ends, we will be happy to receive you on another tour of Colorido Tours Turkey.

End of Service,

*Depending on the arrival and departure hours of the flight more places can be organized if requested.