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full day
Daily Tour
10 people
Chinese, English
Türkiye ETT International Travel Agency IST 02
3 Days 2 Nights
Istanbul 02: A First Experience of Istanbul Across Europe and Asia
Meet & greet upon arrival at Istanbul International Airport.
Istanbul has always held a pivotal position on the Silk Road, playing a particularly crucial role in transporting goods from China to the European continent—a role that remains significant to this day. It is, in essence, a city that bridges two continents: Europe and Asia. Both the ancient Silk Road and the modern Silk Road have regarded Istanbul as one of their most important corridors. Historically, the city stood on the vital route linking the western and eastern parts of the Roman Empire and was established in the 3rd century BC during the tenure of Consul Egnatius.
Proceed to the Byzantine Hippodrome (Hippodrome), once the sporting and social heart of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today it serves as the central square of Istanbul’s Old City. Here you will see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Çemberlitaş Column, and the Serpent Column and Column of Constantine. After lunch, visit the iconic Blue Mosque (The Blue Mosque), one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks. Its interior walls are adorned with exquisite blue İznik tiles decorated with intricate floral motifs, filling the mosque with a serene blue hue. As the largest domed mosque in Istanbul, it is surrounded by six slender minarets. The journey continues to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar (Aegyptian Spice Bazaar), where the air is filled with the aromas of cinnamon, cloves, thyme, and countless other spices. Spices were once an essential commodity along the Silk Road, and over time this trade evolved into the vibrant spice market seen today.
Enjoy a boat tour of the Bosphorus (Boat Tour of the Bosphorus), the natural strait marking the boundary between Europe and Asia. Along the way, admire panoramic views of waterfront palaces, ancient fortresses, imperial gardens, and the Bosphorus bridges linking two continents. With the sea breeze, gliding seagulls, and ever-changing scenery, the cruise offers a truly relaxing and memorable experience. After dinner, return to the hotel for rest.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Air-conditioned coach
First, proceed to the Basilica Cistern (Basilica Cistern), built in the 6th century, one of the architectural works of the Byzantine Empire. The ceiling of the vast underground palace is supported by hundreds of marble columns, which create a spectacular sight in the dimly lit environment. It can hold more than 80,000 cubic meters of water and was used for the city’s water supply. Inside the cistern are two famous columns known as the “Weeping Medusa” (Medusa). The bases of these columns are carved with the head of Medusa, and many mysterious legends surround them.
Then visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum (Istanbul Archaeological Museum), which houses a wide range of archaeological and historical artifacts, showcasing Turkey’s rich cultural heritage and history. Among them are the first recorded peace treaty in history from the Battle of Kadesh, as well as an artifact recognized through interpretation as the world’s first love letter. After lunch, pass through Soğukçeşme Street (Soğukçeşme Street) to visit some well-preserved old buildings, including houses and shops from the Ottoman period.
Proceed to Galataport (Galataport), an emerging cultural gem of Istanbul, transforming the city’s historic coastline into a modern port filled with artistic atmosphere. It is not only a docking place for luxury cruise ships, but also an open-air art gallery—lined along the shore are contemporary art museums, design shops, and creative cafés, where every step feels like walking on a canvas. Whether enjoying the sunset over the Bosphorus Strait or immersing yourself in the fusion of Turkish and international art, Galataport turns travel into a feast of vision and inspiration. After dinner, return to the hotel for rest.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Air-conditioned coach
After breakfast, enjoy free time for shopping. Afterwards, transfer to Istanbul Airport for the departure flight. The journey comes to an end.
Optional Tour: Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Palace)
Also known as the Old Palace, Topkapi Palace is located on a historic peninsula overlooking the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus Strait. It served as the venue for state ceremonies, imperial receptions, and royal life, and was the residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans. From the conquest of Constantinople by Sultan Mehmed II in 1453 until the 19th century, successive sultans ruled the empire from this palace for nearly four hundred years.
Today, the open sections of the palace display a remarkable collection of porcelain, weapons, paintings, original calligraphy manuscripts, and priceless jewels. The palace complex consists of four main courtyards, the Imperial Harem, and numerous auxiliary buildings, forming a “city within a city.” Supplied by an underground cistern system, the palace once included imperial kitchens, private chambers, gardens, libraries, schools, and mosques. Skilled artists and craftsmen worked here to create many of the finest masterpieces of the Ottoman Empire.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Air-conditioned coach
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