4 Day Istanbul Extension
DAY 01 // ARRIVAL – ISTANBUL (D)
Arrival at Istanbul airport meet assist transfer to hotel for check-in.
Balance of the day at leisure
Dinner at hotel
Overnight Istanbul
DAY 02 // ISTANBUL – SIGHTSEEING TOUR (8-9 hrs) (B/L/D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full-day tour of Istanbul, visit numerous monuments from the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires that reflect the rich history and cultural heritage of the city.
Hagia Sophia, a great architectural achievement of the Byzantine Empire, was completed in 537 AD, adorned with beautiful mosaics and frescoes.
Blue Mosque known also as Sultan Ahmet Mosque famous for its six minarets and its blue interior tiles. Roman Hippodrome, a stadium built in the 3rd century AD for chariot racing and other events.
Basilica Cistern is a remarkable site, built in the 6th century with a capacity of 80.000 cubic meters supported by 336 marble columns each 9m high. One of the most striking features of the Basilica Cistern is the two Medusa heads that are used as column bases.
Grand Bazar, is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 60 streets and 4.000 shops.
Topkapi Palace, was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years, from the 15th century until the 19th century. Is known for its beautiful architecture, intricate tile work, and stunning views of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. The palace contains numerous buildings and rooms, including the Imperial Treasury, which houses an impressive collection of Ottoman jewels, precious stones, and gold objects.
The tour ends with a visit to the Tomb of the Sultan
Return to hotel for dinner and overnight
Overnight Istanbul
DAY 03 // BOSPHORUS CRUISE & TWO CONTINENTS (8-9 hrs) (B/L/D)
Today we will visit the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar), located in the old historic district of Istanbul and built in the 17th century. We continue our tour on a cruise, sailing on Bosporus (regular boat), across Istanbul’s European and Asian sides along the Sea of Marmara.
During a Bosphorus Cruise, you can enjoy stunning views of Istanbul's skyline, including the historic district, palaces, mosques, and other landmarks such as: the Dolmabahçe, Çıragan, and Feriye Palaces; the Rumeli Hisarı fortress, Bosphorus Bridge etc...
We continue with a visit to the Beylerbeyi Palace built in white marble by Sultan Abdulaziz in the 19th century with a mix of architectural styles, including traditional Ottoman elements and European neoclassical features.
The palace was a summer residence for sultans and a guest house for foreign dignitaries. Climb Çamlica Hill, a scenic hill located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the highest points in Istanbul, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Bosphorus Strait, and the Sea of Marmara.
It is known as Lovers' Hill, with a beautiful panoramic view.
Return to hotel for dinner and overnight
Overnight Istanbul
*Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Mondays.
DAY 04 // ISTANBUL- DEPARTURE (B)
According to the schedule of your return flight, you will be taken to the airport of Istanbul.