The Imperial City Tour Istanbul

After breakfast we start the Istanbul tour with a trip to the first court of Topkapi Palace to visit the first museum of Turkey, the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. This building was opened in 1891 and consists of 3 buildings: The Archaeological Museum, Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Museum of Islamic Art. The museum contains over 1 million objects from many different civilizations and cultures, making it one of the richest museums in the world. Next we visit the Basilica Cistern, the largest ancient cistern that lies beneath Istanbul city. This reservoir was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I to provide water for the Great Palace and other buildings. We end the day with a stroll to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts to view Islamic calligraphy, tiles, rugs, and ethnographic displays of various cultures in Turkey, particularly nomad groups. This museum was the last one opened during the Ottoman period and was built in the former residence of Ibrahim Pasa, the first grand vizier to Suleiman the Magnificent. We are transferred back to the hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.

Today we head to the “Big Island”, Buyukada, via a private boat to spend the day. This is one the largest of the 9 Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara and about 1.5 hours away from the European side of Istanbul. This island was very popular during the first half of the 20th century with wealthy Turks, Greeks, Jews and Armenians. Like the other 8 islands, motorized vehicles are not allowed, so we will tour the island in horse-drawn carriages. After lunch we will enjoy some free time on the island for shopping, swimming, exploring on foot or on a rented bicycle. The day ends with a ferry ride back to Istanbul to the hotel for an overnight stay.

On this day, we go to the Black Sea area to visit the beautiful resort towns of Sile and Agva. Sile is located about 70 kilometers/43 miles away from Istanbul and is famous for its beaches. As such, many people from Istanbul use this area for their retreat from the city. While here we see a lighthouse that is more than 150 years old and is the largest one in Turkey and second largest of the world. Plus there are a number of bars and restaurants with sea views, especially in the little park around the lighthouse. Next we go to Agva located 38 kilometers/24 miles away from Sile. Agva means “between the rivers” and is situated between the Goksu and Yesilcay Rivers. Upon arrival we explore the Goksu River via a picturesque and enjoyable boat ride. Next, we stop for lunch at a river side restaurant. Afterwards, we have free time to explore the city, go shopping, or head to the beach for some sun, swimming, and relaxation. The day ends with a drive back to Istanbul for an overnight stay.

Our Istanbul tour continues today with a visit to the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar. This market was built in 1664 and has been the center of the spice trade since then. However, nowadays you can find a lot more than just spice shops and vendors to bargain with. Across the street from the Spice Bazaar we take a private ferry ride on the Bosphorus. The Bosphorus strait is the body of water that separates the European and Asia side of Istanbul. During the ride we take in the picturesque coastline that is filled with unique properties including multi-million dollar mansions, castles, houses, and mosques. Afterwards, we stop in Sariyer, a small fishing village close to the Black Sea. Next we head to Camlica Hill by coach located on the Asian side via one of the two Bosphorus Bridges. This is one of the highest hills in Istanbul and is a great place for sight-seeing Istanbul because it offers a 360 degree panoramic view of the city. Our last stop for the day is a trip to Dolmabache Palace located on the European side. This spectacular palace was the imperial residence of the last 6 Sultans and has more than 280 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths, and 68 toilets. Finally, we transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.

The Istanbul travel continues today with a visit to Taksim Square, known as the heart of modern Istanbul located on the European side. This area is famous for its restaurants, entertainment venues, shops, hotels, and energetic nightlife. Here we see the Monument of the Republic which commemorates the 5th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. Next we go to Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), a long pedestrian shopping street once known as the Paris of the East in the 19th century because it reminded them of the Grande Rue de Pera. We continue to the Pera Palace Hotel a historic and museum hotel built in 1892 for the purpose of hosting the passengers of the Orient Express including Agatha Christie. This hotel is also the oldest European hotel of Turkey”. Afterwards we go to Galata Tower a medieval stone tower which was the city’s tallest structure when it was built in 1348. This is one of Istanbul’s most striking landmarks and it offers a fabulous panoramic view of the Old City and Bosphorus. Along with the great views you may visit the restaurant and café located on the upper floors. We end the day with a nice stroll on the Galata Bridge and back to the hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.

After the hotel check out there is a transfer to Istanbul’s airport for the departure flight.