Daily Tour
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ETT International Travel Agency Turkey No ：IST 04
6 Days 5 Nights
Istanbul 04: Breathe in History (6 Days 5 Nights of In-depth Culture)
Meet & greet at Istanbul International Airport. Istanbul has been always important on Silk Road –in terms of bringing goods from China to the European continent.And it is still holding true for the day. It is actually a city that connects two continents, Europe and Asia. And this historic ancient Silk Road and modernday Silk Road is going to use Istanbul as one of the most important corridors. Historically, Istanbul(Byzantium)was on the road Via Egnatia a road par excellence,being the connection between the western,And Eastern part of the Roman Empire,built in the 3rd century BC (under consul Egnatius).
Proceed to the Hippodrome, once the sporting and social center of Constantinople during the Byzantine era, now the main square of Istanbul’s Old City. Here you will see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the Column of Constantine (Çemberlitaş). 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 Iznik tiles decorated with rich floral motifs, giving the mosque its distinctive blue ambiance. As one of the largest domed mosques in Istanbul, it is surrounded by six elegant minarets. Continue to the Aegyptian Spice Bazaar, where the air is filled with the aromas of cinnamon, cloves, thyme, and other exotic spices. Spices were among the most important commodities traded along the Silk Road, and over time this vibrant trade gave rise to the famous spice market.
Enjoy a Boat Tour of the Bosphorus, the strait that forms the natural boundary between Europe and Asia. Along the way, admire scenic views of waterfront palaces, ancient fortresses, imperial gardens, and the Bosphorus bridges. With the sea breeze and seagulls accompanying the journey, the cruise offers a relaxing and memorable experience.
After dinner, return to the hotel for overnight rest.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Air-conditioned coach
First, visit the Basilica Cistern (Basilica Cistern), built in the 6th century and one of the architectural masterpieces of the Byzantine Empire. This vast underground structure is supported by hundreds of marble columns, creating a spectacular and atmospheric scene in the dim light. The cistern could hold more than 80,000 cubic meters of water and once served as a crucial part of the city’s water supply system. Inside the cistern stand two famous columns known as the “Weeping Medusa” (Medusa), whose bases are carved with Medusa heads. These sculptures are surrounded by many mysterious legends and stories.
Then proceed to the Istanbul Archaeological Museum (Istanbul Archaeological Museum), which houses an extensive collection of archaeological and historical artifacts, showcasing Turkey’s rich cultural heritage and long history. Among its most important exhibits are the world’s earliest known written peace treaty, the treaty concluding the Battle of Kadesh, as well as an artifact interpreted as the first love poem in human history.
After lunch, walk along Soğukçeşme Street, where you can see a number of well-preserved historic buildings, including Ottoman-era houses and shops. Continue to Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Palace), where the beautifully decorated imperial palace, harem, royal gardens, imperial library, and palace kitchens are open to visitors. The palace museum is renowned for its vast collection of historical artifacts, priceless treasures, and cultural relics of the Ottoman Empire. Here, visitors gain deep insight into the empire’s glorious past and enjoy a rich visual and cultural experience. After dinner, return to the hotel for rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Air-conditioned coach
After breakfast, visit Çamlıca Tower (Çamlıca Tower), located on Çamlıca Hill, one of the two major hills of Istanbul. As the tallest structure in the city, the tower rises to an elevation of 587 meters above sea level and is one of Istanbul’s newest urban landmarks. Integrating observation decks, restaurants, and state-of-the-art broadcasting facilities, the tower offers visitors a high-speed elevator ride to the top, where breathtaking panoramic views unfold across both the Asian and European sides of Istanbul. It has quickly become one of the city’s most iconic modern symbols.
After lunch, continue to Taksim Square (Taksim Square), the vibrant heart of modern Istanbul. From here, stroll along Istiklal Street (Istiklal Street), one of the city’s busiest shopping and entertainment avenues, famous for its lively atmosphere, historic buildings, and the charming red nostalgic tram that runs through the street. This area is a favorite gathering place for both locals and visitors.
Walking further along the avenue, arrive at Galata Tower (Galata Tower), completed in 1348 and one of Istanbul’s most recognizable landmarks. From the top of the tower, enjoy sweeping views over the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, and the historic city skyline. The tour concludes with a visit to the Kamondo Stairs (Kamondo Stairs), an elegant stone staircase influenced by European design, blending Baroque and Neoclassical architectural styles and reflecting Istanbul’s cosmopolitan past. After dinner, return to the hotel for rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Air-conditioned coach
After breakfast, visit Mihrimah Mosque (Mihrimah Mosque), one of Istanbul’s renowned imperial mosques, built in the 16th century by the great architect Sinan in honor of Mihrimah Sultan, the daughter of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. Overlooking the Bosphorus, the mosque is one of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks. Its architecture reflects classic Ottoman design, featuring a distinctive central dome and slender, elegant minarets. The interior is beautifully decorated with exquisite tiles, graceful arches, and an impressive dome that fills the space with light and harmony.
Continue to the Tekfur Palace (Tekfur Palace), a Byzantine-era palace dating back to the 12th century. Once used as a residence for Byzantine nobles and members of the imperial family, the palace was originally constructed of stone and wood and later underwent several restorations and transformations. Over the centuries, it served various functions, including as a ceramics workshop, and today it operates as a museum showcasing its layered history.
After lunch, visit Vefa Bozacısı (Vefa Bozacısı), one of the oldest and most iconic traditional beverage shops in Istanbul. Established in 1876, it has been handcrafting and serving the same traditional fermented drink, Boza, in the same neighborhood for more than 150 years. Rich in nutrients and especially popular during the winter months, Boza is believed to be beneficial for health. More than just a drink, it represents a living Istanbul tradition that has endured for over a century and a half.
After dinner, return to the hotel for rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Air-conditioned coach
After breakfast, visit Galataport, one of Istanbul’s newest cultural gems, where the city’s historic waterfront has been transformed into a vibrant modern harbor infused with art and creativity. More than just a luxury cruise port, Galataport functions as an open-air cultural promenade, lined with contemporary art spaces, design boutiques, and stylish cafés. Every step feels like walking through a living gallery. Whether enjoying a sunset over the Bosphorus or immersing yourself in the dialogue between Turkish and international art, Galataport turns travel into a feast for both the eyes and the imagination.
After lunch, enjoy a half day of free time for shopping and leisure activities. Dinner is followed by a return to the hotel for rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Air-conditioned coach
Breakfast.Transfer to airport fort he departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Air-conditioned coach
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