DAY 1: Arrival to Istanbul Arrival in Istanbul.Airport transfer to your hotel. Brief orientation followed by a free day to enjoy at your own leisure. Overnight in Istanbul. DAY 2: Full Day Istanbul Tour:St.Sophia Museum-Hippodrome-Blue Mosque-Grand Bazaar Visit the St. Sophia Museum,is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Of great artistic value was its decorated interior with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings. The temple itself was so richly and artistically decorated that Justinian proclaimed , "Solomon, I have outdone thee “ Justinian himself had overseen the completion of the greatest cathedral ever built up to that time, and it was to remain the largest cathedral for 1,000 years up until the completion of the cathedral in Seville in Spain. Across from St. Sophia is the Blıue Mosque , recognizable from its six minarets, built between 1609 and 1616 for Sultan Ahmet I and decorated inside with 21,043 tiles from Iznik in a dominant blue color;because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles.Hippodrome,Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine .We continue to Topkapi Palace,The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of cyrstal,silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures,the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Conclude your day of touring with a short drive to the exotic Grand Bazaar, which is one of the most colorful institutions of Istanbul Overnight Istanbul. DAY 3: Full Day Istanbul Tour:Bosphorus Tour-Rumeli Fortrees-Camlica Hill-Spice Bazaar Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other concievable herb and spice.Bosphorus Tour on Boat, A traditional excursion by boat along the waterway seperating Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages.During the excursion you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavillions of Yildiz Palace. Ciragan Palace,300 meters of is marble facade faces the shore..Rumeli Fortres, Built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of Istanbul, was completed in only four months to control and protect Bosphorus. It is one of the most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the world.Beylerbeyi Palace,The summer residence of ottoman sultans whit its orginal furnuture and magnificent gardens with the Harem on the Asian. Bosphorus Bridge unique change to step from one continent (Asia) to another ( Europe) Camlica Hill the highest point in istanbul. at the top of it you can rest and admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul and the bosphours from the beautiful gardens, landscaped in traditional style DAY 4: Drive to Troy and Overnight in Canakkale Pickup from your hotel after breakfast. Departure from Istanbul to Canakkale crossing the Dardanelles by ferry and drive straight to Troy Ancient City. The guide will explain the mythology surrounding Troy,the Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy, as well as explaining the history and discoveries of the archeological diggings from its discovery by Heinrich Schliemann in the 1870's to the present day and on going. Who was Helen of Troy and was she the real cause of the Trojan wars or was it economy? Did the wooden horse really exist?What is happening with the current excavations? You will learn the answers to these and many other questions.Drive to Canakkale. Overnight in Canakkale. DAY 5: Gallipoli Tour &Drive Back To Istanbul After breakfast,crossing the Dardanelles by ferry. Visit Gallipoli National Park including the Gallipoli Battle fields , Kabatepe War Museum, Anzac Cove, original tunnels and trenches at Johnston Jolly, the Nek Cemetery, Chunuk Bair New Zealander Memorial, Lonepine Australian Memorial and Brighton Beach. There will be a late lunch break given on the return journey to Istanbul. Upon arrival,you will be transferred to your hotel in Istanbul. DAY 6: Freeday At Leisure Freeday At Leisure in Istanbul.Overnight in Istanbul. DAY 7: Flight to Sweet Home Transfer to Istanbul airport and flight back to sweet home. Transfer to the Airport. End of our services.
The package includes: - Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles throughout as stated in the tours general features - Escort by a professional guide-lecturer throughout - Entrance fees to the museums stated in itinerary - All meals mentioned in the program - Arrival and departure transfers from Istanbul Ataturk Airport. -Accommadation 6 Nights
EXCLUDED IN PRICE - Visits and services not mentioned in program. - Insurance - Personal expenses and all beverages - Tips
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