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SULTAN'S TOUR OF ISTANBUL

DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

Continue exploring ancient Constantinople with the great church of Holy Wisdom and the most impressive masterpiece of Byzantine architecture - the Haghia Sophia.Then admire the 6th century Basilica Cistern - the largest water supply of the Roman Empire - which is reminiscent of a sunken palace with its inspiring mystical atmosphere. No vacation in Turkey is complete without a visit  to a Turkish Bath. It is time to experience the ultimate way  of relaxation therapy of the Sultans through the hamam’s famous exfoliating scrub and soap massage. Enjoy lunch at the Four Seasons Hotel, one  of the world’s most extraordinary hotels, converted from a century-old neo-classic Turkish prison. Its  restaurant has recently been chosen as the best hotel restaurant in Turkey.. At the end of the day  visit  the Turkish and Islamic Arts  Museum, the most prominent cultural and ethnographical museum in Istanbul, with its unique antique collection of Turkish traditional crafts and fine  arts, such as carpets,tiles,glasswares  and woodworks. Enjoy dinner at Tokyo  Restaurant..

 

DAY 4

In the morning, observe the flamboyant lifestyle of the last Sultans in their final residence, Dolmabahce Palace - one  of the most opulent among the remaining palaces in the world. Then continue to the Imperial Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, the largest mosque in Istanbul and the masterpiece of the Great Architect Sinan. The  Chora Church, a fantastic museum of Byzantine mosaics, depicting Biblical and Apocryphal scenes, is the next attraction.

 

Have  lunch at Zeyrekhane Restaurant with it’s magical view and delicious Ottoman cuisine. Finish the day  by strolling through the labyrinth streets of the unique Grand Covered Bazaar - Which houses 4000 shops. Enjoy dinner at Beyti Restaurant..

 

DAY 5

Today begins with a visit  to the Military Museum, with its comprehensive collection of historical treasures of Constantinople, from both the Ottoman and Byzantine periods. Enjoy the truly unique experience of travelling between two  continents (one  that can only  be  found in Istanbul) on  a cruise of the Bosphorous. Then cross to the Asian side of Istanbul over  the Strait and through the Bosphorus bridge to Camlıca Hills  - one  of the highest hills of the city  and a meeting place for young lovers. Have  lunch at Kanaat Restaurant - where cooking is not done by recipe but by the soul.. Return to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon..

 

Enjoy dinner at Kervansaray Night Club, accompanied by a lively  show of belly  dancers and traditional folk dance groups..

 

DAY 6

You will be transferred to the airport for your homebound flight..

You will be met at the airport and escorted to your deluxe hotel. You will receive a brief information session about your tour from your dedicated lecturer-guide.

Start the day  off with a leisurely tour of ancient Byzantium. Visit the Hippodrome, formerly used as the arena for chariot racing by the Romans (which is now  an open air  museum exhibiting some of Istanbul’s oldest monuments). Next  see  the world famous Blue Mosque - the Imperial mosque of Sultan Ahmet - decorated with six  elegant minarets and exquisite blue Iznik tiles. Then discover the mysterious and intriguing lives  of the Sultans in the 550 year old  Topkapi Palace (where the Imperial Treasury is also displayed).

 

Have  lunch at the Hamdi Restaurant (with  its incomparable view) situated in the heart of the old  city  and offering the unique flavours of the east. The pistachio Kebab is highly recommended. After  lunch experience the mercantile habits of the Turks and one  of the most exotic aspects of Istanbul in the fragrant Spice ( Egyptian) Market. Enjoy dinner at Korfez  Restaurant on the asian side of the Bosphorus.