İstanbul Tour (One Day)

Excursion to İstanbul (One Day)

Greetings to Our Esteemed Guests: Embarking on an Istanbul Odyssey

Dear guests, encompassing a sprawling city of around 14 million inhabitants, along with the timeless remnants of diverse cultures, within a solitary day might seem like an impossible feat. However, our daily expedition to Istanbul offers you a glimpse of some of the most pivotal highlights of this metropolis.

A Glimpse of Our Itinerary:

• Airborne Journey from Antalya to Istanbul (approximately 60 minutes)
• Overland Excursion to the Historical Peninsula (approximately 40 minutes)
• Exploration of the Blue Mosque (approximately 30 minutes)
• Visiting the Hippodrome Square (approximately 25 minutes)
• Intermittent Lunch Break (venue depends on excursion day)
• Exploring the Topkapı Palace (approximately 90 minutes)
• Roaming the Egyptian Bazaar (approximately 80 minutes)
• An Iconic Bosphorus Boat Excursion (approximately 90 minutes)
• Delightful Dinner in the Renowned Kumkapı District (approximately 60 minutes)
• Return Flight to Antalya

Crucial Details to Bear in Mind:

• The sequence of activities may vary due to local circumstances.
• Flight schedules hinge on the day and season.
• Please have your passport or identity card handy.
• Lunchtime might coincide with the visit to the Bazaar, if needed.
• For the Bosphorus Boat Trip, we’ve arranged a private boat to enhance the sightseeing experience.
• The exquisite dinner will be hosted in a distinctively atmospheric setting.
• Participation fees for the Boat Trip and Dinner should be paid directly to the guide on-site.
• Entrance fees are covered.

Istanbul: A City of Immeasurable Legacy

• Boasting a history spanning 3,000 years.
• Once the secondary capital of the Roman Empire.
• Served as the capital of the Byzantine Empire for approximately 1,100 years.
• Reigned as the capital of the Turkish Ottoman Empire for nearly 450 years.
• Home to an official population of around 14 million inhabitants (estimated unofficially at over 20 million), making it Europe’s largest city.
• Straddles two continents, divided by one of the world’s most awe-inspiring waterways.
• A city shrouded in legends and enigma.

In-Depth Insights: Unveiling Istanbul’s Treasures

The Blue Mosque:

• This prominent mosque in Istanbul is globally recognized for its six minarets.
• The Sultan Ahmet Mosque, often referred to as the Blue Mosque due to its predominance of blue-toned tile decorations.
• Constructed between 1609 and 1616 by architect Mehmet, a protégé of the renowned Sinan.
• A marvel of Islamic architecture with over 20,000 faience tiles, Golden Korans, green carpets, and 260 colorful stained-glass windows.

The Hippodrome Square:

• A testimony to the Byzantine era, the Hippodrome’s remnants now grace Sultan Ahmet Square.
• The Hippodrome, designed as a longitudinal track for horse and chariot races, served as a sporting and social hub.
• Adorned with Egypt’s obelisks, the Greek serpent column, the brick column, and the German fountain.
• Witnessed one of history’s largest civil uprisings in the 6th century, quelled by Emperor Justinianus, resulting in the tragic loss of around 30,000 lives within hours.

The Topkapı Palace:

• The Sultans of the Ottoman Empire resided in the grandeur of the Topkapı Palace for centuries.
• Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror initiated its construction in 1459, with occupancy commencing in 1478.
• Extensively renovated and expanded in the 18th century.
• Highlights include the Treasury and an awe-inspiring vantage point at the Bosphorus’s outset.
• Once encompassing a sprawling 700,000-square-meter area of courtyards and gardens.

The Egyptian Bazaar:

• Constructed around 400 years ago, this bazaar was commissioned by Hatice Hultan, Sultan V. Mehmet’s mother.
• A marketplace for spices, silks, and fabrics from regions including India, the Far East, North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula.
• Named the Egyptian Bazaar due to the route most goods took via Egypt.
• Architecturally crafted in the classical Ottoman style, marked by numerous domes and an L-shaped layout.

The Bosphorus:

• The Bosphorus, a strait connecting Europe and Asia Minor, links the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.
• İstanbul stands on either side of this waterway, significantly shaping its geography.
• Spanning approximately 32 kilometers in length and varying between 700 meters and 2.5 kilometers in width.
• Encompasses a depth range of 36 to 124 meters.
• Hosts majestic palaces, mosques, hotels, and iconic bridges connecting continents.
• An embodiment of Istanbul’s breathtaking allure.

Kumkapı: A Culinary and Atmospheric Marvel:

• Kumkapı, a district renowned for its authentic ambiance during evenings and nights.
• A must-visit for a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s culture and cuisine.
• Offers an array of culinary delights to satisfy diverse tastes.
• A memorable conclusion to a day enriched with unforgettable experiences.

Your voyage to Istanbul promises an encapsulation of its grandeur and allure. We look forward to sharing these captivating moments with you.