Mystic Turkey

Mystic Turkey Istanbul Trip 2

MYS-1:BYZANTIAN RELICS (Half day)

ST. SOPHIA:
The most interesting and the most beautiful basilica, built by Constantine the Great in 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in 6th century, is one of the architectural marvels of all time.

SULTANAHMET (BLUE) MOSQUE:
Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of 17th century blue Ýznik tiles.

HIPPODROME:
Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the monuments;Obelisk of Theodosius(Egyptian Column), Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine.

GRAND (COVERED) BAZAAR:
The bazaar built after conquering the city by Turks betwwen the years 1455-1461 to enrich the economic life in the city with its more than 3.000 shops with each trade having its own area; the goldsmiths' street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as handpainted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brassware and trays, water ewers, onyx-ware and meerschaum pipes.

CLOSED
St. Sophia - on Monday / Replaced
with Underground Cistern.

MYS-2:OTTOMAN RELICS (Half day)

Topkapi Palace:
The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from 15th to 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.

SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE:
The mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent was built between 1550 and 1557 by the famous architect Sinan whose wish was to surpass the builders of St. Sophia which is conspicuous from its great size, emphasized by the four minarets rising one from each corner of the courtyard.

CLOSED
Topkapi Palace on Tuesday / Replaced
with Beylerbeyi Palace

MYS-3:BYZANTIAN & OTTOMAN RELICS (Full day tour)

ST.SOPHIA
BLUE MOSQUE
HIPPODROME
GRAND (COVERED) BAZAAR
LUNCH
TOPKAPI PALACE

Also visioned during the tours:
Aquaduct of Valens, Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II, Galata Bridge, Golden Horn

MYS-4:BOSPHORUS BY BOAT

Depart from the hotel to visit SPICE MARKET (also known as EGYPTIAN BAZAAR).Then board on the boat to sail through BOSPHORUS.After lunch,drive to ASIAN side of the city to visit BEYLERBEYI PALACE (the summer residence of Ottoman Sultans with its original furniture and magnificent gardens with the HAREM on the ASIAN).At the end of the tour,you will have the chance to drive up CAMLICA HILL (the highest point in Istanbul. At the top of it you can rest and admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul and the Bosphorus).

MYS-5:PRINCES' ISLANDS (Full day)

Cruise in MARMARA SEA to PRINCES' ISLANDS, retreats for the Byzantine princes are famous for their beautiful pine woods and beaches. The largest and most enjoyable of the islands is Buyukada. There, you can enjoy a ride in a horsedrawn carriage among the pine trees after relaxing on the beaches in the numerous coves of its coast. Evening return to Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.

MYS-6:ORIENT SHOW BY NIGHT

Dinner at a first class restaurant. FLOORSHOW of famous BELLY DANCERS, typical ANATOLIAN Folklore Groups featuring popular musical instruments and Turkish singer.

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