from AED 2629
Price Per Person on twin Sharing basisIstanbul, historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is a city that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. It is Turkey's largest city and serves as the country's economic, cultural, and historical hub. Istanbul's rich heritage spans thousands of years, making it a captivating destination for travelers. Istanbul's unique position as a city bridging two continents, its historical treasures, and its vibrant culture make it a captivating and diverse destination. Whether you're interested in exploring its ancient landmarks, experiencing its rich culinary traditions, or immersing yourself in its bustling bazaars, Istanbul offers an enchanting and memorable travel experience.
Visit Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel that served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum. Admire its stunning dome and magnificent mosaics.
Shop at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, offering a wide array of goods, from spices and textiles to jewelry and ceramics.
Take a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, offering panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline, palaces, and historic landmarks.
Explore the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, which house a vast collection of artifacts from various periods of history.
Arrive at Istanbul airport and take the provided transfer to your hotel. Check in and relax for a while. Depending on your hotel location, you can explore some nearby attractions on foot or by public transport. Some suggestions are Galata Bridge, Karakoy, and the Golden Horn. Have dinner at one of the many restaurants or cafes in Istanbul. You can find cuisines from all over the world here, but don’t miss the chance to try some local specialties such as kebabs, mezes, baklava, and Turkish coffee
After breakfast, head to Sultanahmet Square, the heart of the old city and home to some of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul. You can visit the following attractions in any order you prefer, but make sure to allocate enough time for each one The Blue Mosque: A stunning example of Ottoman architecture and one of the most iconic mosques in the world. It is called the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles that adorn its interior walls. Admission is free, but you need to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Topkapi Palace: The former residence of the Ottoman sultans and a museum that showcases their lavish lifestyle and priceless collections. You can see the royal chambers, the treasury, the harem, and the gardens. Admission is 120 Turkish Lira (about $14 USD) per person. Basilica Cistern: An underground water reservoir that was built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian in the 6th century. It is also known as the Sunken Palace because of its grand columns and arches. You can walk on wooden platforms above the water and see the famous Medusa heads at the base of two columns. Admission is 30 Turkish Lira (about $3.5 USD) per person. Istanbul Archaeological Museum: A complex of three museums that house thousands of artifacts from various civilizations that ruled or influenced Istanbul. You can see ancient statues, sarcophagi, coins, ceramics, and more. Admission is 60 Turkish Lira (about $7 USD) per person. Have lunch at one of the nearby restaurants or street vendors. You can find many options for soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, or pizzas. In the afternoon, you can either continue exploring Sultanahmet Square or visit some other attractions nearby. Some suggestions are: Grand Bazaar: One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where you can find anything from carpets, jewelry, spices, souvenirs, and more. It is a maze of over 4000 shops and stalls that will delight your senses and test your bargaining skills. Spice Bazaar: A smaller but equally colorful market that specializes in spices, herbs, nuts, dried fruits, teas, and sweets. It is also known as the Egyptian Bazaar because it was built with revenues from Egypt during the Ottoman era. Suleymaniye Mosque: The largest and most magnificent mosque in Istanbul, built by the famous architect Sinan for Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent in the 16th century. It is a masterpiece of Islamic art and architecture, with a serene courtyard, a spacious prayer hall, and four soaring minarets. In the evening, get ready for your Bosphorus dinner cruise. This is a must-do activity in Istanbul that will let you enjoy magical views of the city from the water while having a delicious meal and watching traditional Turkish entertainment such as belly dancing and folk music. You can book your cruise online or through your hotel.
After breakfast, head to Hagia Sophia for your guided tour. This is one of the most popular attractions in Istanbul, so it is advisable to book your tour in advance to avoid long queues and crowds. Your tour will take you back in time to experience the story of this ancient site that has transformed over time from a church to a mosque to a museum. You will learn about its history, architecture, art, and symbolism with a local guide who will explain everything in detail. You will also uncover stunning features that are not visible to the naked eye or accessible to regular visitors, such as hidden mosaics, secret passages, tombs, and more. Your tour will last about 2 hours and will include skip-the-line tickets, a headset, and a map. You can book your tour online or through your hotel.
This is your free day to do whatever you want in Istanbul. You can revisit some of the attractions you liked from the previous days, or discover some new ones. Here are some ideas for your free day. Visit some of the world-class museums and art galleries in Istanbul, such as The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, The Chora Museum, The Sakip Sabanci Museum, or The Istanbul Modern. Take a day trip to some of the nearby destinations from Istanbul, such as Bursa, Edirne, Iznik, or Sapanca. Experience some of the quirky and unique attractions in Istanbul, such as The Miniaturk Park, The Madame Tussauds Museum, The Sea Life Aquarium, or The Jurassic Land. Shop till you drop at some of the famous shopping areas in Istanbul, such as Nisantasi, Bagdat Street, Istinye Park, or Kanyon. Have afternoon tea at one of the elegant hotels or cafes in Istanbul, such as The Four Seasons Hotel, The Pera Palace Hotel, The Ciragan Palace Hotel, or The Maiden’s Tower.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and take the provided transfer to the airport. Say goodbye to Istanbul and have a safe flight home.
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