3 Days Combined Tour in Istanbul

3 Days Combined Tour in Istanbul

Day -1   : BALAT, FENER  & GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH  DAILY PRIVATE WALKING CITY TOUR

Duration: 9 am to 5 pm               

Full day Private City Tour of Hidden Istanbul starting your Hotel Lobby at 09:00am.

Fener, Balat, Cibali

This is a full day walking tour in the earliest cosmopolitan districts of Istanbul. The area was mainly started to be inhabited by Islamic Turks, Christian and Jewish minorities after the conquest of the city by Mehmet the Conqueror. The mutual respect and harmony of different ethnic and religious groups living in the area for centuries have always been admired and considered a role model even for the modern societies. During the tour we will be able to walk around historic streets with sidewalk cafes, mosques, churches and synagogues, and see colourful 19th century buildings.

The highlights of the tours are:

-          Bulgarian Church, also known as The Iron Church

-          Gül Mosque, an edifice that is thought to have been built in the 10th Century, however, it was converted into a mosque after the conquest

-          The Greek orthodox Patriarchate

-          The church of St. Mary of the Mongols, in which you can see the original edict of the Mehmet the II which mandates that the church will continue to be used as church

-          Özel Fener Rum Highschool, also known as the Red School, dates back to the midst of the 16th century. Its unique architecture still fascinates visitors.

Ps. Note: Some of the buildings in the itinerary may not be visited due to renovations or be closed to visits.

Day -2   BOSPHORUS CRUISE & DOLMABAHCE PALACE DAILY PRIVATE WALKING CITY TOUR

Duration: 9 am to 5 pm               

Full day Regular City Tour of Bosphourus Cruise started from hotel at 9:00am

Full Walking Day Tour Started with an unforgettable Bosphorus Cruise Excursion starts between two continents, Europe and Asia. The cruise takes you Journey on the watercourse separating two continents, Europe and Asia, offers ravishing sceneries and an opportunity to view distinguished late Ottoman era waterfront mansions- called Yalı- and palaces like Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi. Sipping a glass of tea or coffee in the breeze of Bosphorous along with history and impressive nature will be a never-forgotten experience in your memories..

After Disembark from the Boat proceed to visit The Dolmabahce Palace Increasing westernization efforts of the Ottoman Empire in the midst of the 19th century induced the sense of art and architecture of the era, too. Correspondingly, reflects the characteristics of the epoch with its gardens, elements of different European artistic movements on the facade and exceptional interior design. Dolmabahçe Palace has the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world. The famous Crystal Staircase has the shape of a double horseshoe and is built of Baccarat crystal, brass and mahogany. Having witnessed a series of events in the late history of the Ottomans and early days of the new Republic today strikes its visitors by sumptuously decorated rooms and saloons with admirable objects like huge crystal chandeliers, famous Hereke carpets and clocks.  Thereafter Free Time will be given at Garden of Dolmabahce Palace from the best point of view Bosphourus and Istanbul. Today you will have rare chance to visit The famous Turkish Leather Outlet Store & join Light Fashion Show, here you will have rare chance for shopping with Special offered rates.

After some Free Time for Lunch by your own arrangements, in the afternoon proceed to visit unique Historical Rustem Pasa Mosque, The Mosque dating back to 1563 was named after its grantor Rüstem Pasha, who was both the grand vizier and the son in law of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, also known as Soluman the Magnificient. As it is located nearby the commercial port of that day, it has rather smaller sizes compared to imperial mosques. However, the edifice stands out for the quality of the engravings and tiles decorating both internal walls and the facade of the mosque.  Enroute will visit the Historical Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) Built in the early 17th century in order to provide funding for the maintenance expenses of Yeni Camii (Mosque), the Spice bazaar was renowned for the goods imported from İndia and Egypt. Still, Spice Bazaar enthrals people by Turkish delights with different flavours and the emanating aromas of the herbs and spices – saffron, cinnamon, linden and numerous others- sold in the complex.  

Our tour continuing with Galata Pera District by Funicular riding from Karakoy to Galata & Pera District, here sights to see the Historical Galata Tower, Known to have been made of wood in the 6th century for the first time, Galata Tower took its current form in the 14th century. While the tower was used as a part of the defence system of the district before Ottomans, following the conquest of the city it served for different purposes; a prison, an observatory house and later a fire observatory house. It is also narrated to be the high-rise where Hezarfen Çelebi accomplished the very first flight attempt with a tool resembling bird wings to the Asian Side of the city. Today, the tower grants its visitors an astonishing scenery of Golden Horn and the district.

Thereafter walkthrough to Taksim Square & Istiklal Street. As the need for more settlement areas arose in the 19th century in the capital of the Empire, Pera and Beyoğlu districts were zoned for construction. Mostly inhabited by Christian minorities in the city, newly-born neighbourhood soon became an attraction centre with the westernized life style and modern buildings. Today, Istiklal street, the main street in Beyoğlu which stretches about 1.3kms, still attracts both locals and tourists with its celebrated cafes, restaurants, hans and 24 hour vibrant atmosphere.

Finaly our Tour Accomplished at Taksim Square. transfer back to your hotel for overnight..

Day -3   PRIVATE BASES Full Day Classic Old Town of Istanbul WALKING TOUR

Duration: 9 am to 4 pm

Full Day Classic Old Town of Istanbul WALKING TOUR started from hotel at 9:00am

Our full day tour includes sightseeing outstanding Byzantine and Ottoman edifices and monuments which takes place in the ancient city centre. Our journey begins with the heartland of the archaic Constantinople, The Hippodrome dating back to early 3rd century AD, which functioned as the recreational and ceremonial hub of the city as well as hosting the chariot races. We will be taking a closer look at the picturesque antiquities such as the Egyptian Obelisk, The Serpentine Column and The Walled Obelisk, which once adorned the arena, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II symbolizing the alliance and amity between the German and the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century. Next, we step into the Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque for its adagial tiles mainly in blue and turquoise. Besides seeing the striking decorative elements, it is worth hearing the rumours about its six minarets and the construction phase of the mosque. Our next spot is the unequivocally one of the most renowned landmarks of Istanbul, The Hagia Sofia. Having been destructed twice by two insurrections in the capital of the Empire, The Hagia Sofia found another chance to resurrect in 532 AD. Justinian I commissioned two virtuosos, Isidorus of Miletos and Anthemius of Tralles, in an attempt to rebuild the revered church. The outcome of their work along with the admirable mosaics and resplendent dome was so awe-inspiring that people believed the new Hagia Sofia was by “divine intervention”. This stately edifice was converted into a mosque following the conquest of Constantinople by Mehmet II, the victorious Ottoman Sultan. Although it has been used as a mosque for centuries -except a break from 1934 to 2020-, the opulent mosaics and Christian relics can still be seen except the praying hours. Our next point in the itinerary is the Topkapı Palace which was both the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire and the residence of the Sultan until the second half of the 19th century. Consisting of four large courtyards and numerous premises, the palace both reflects the sense of art of the Ottomans in different eras and accommodates various mini museums in which objects used by Ottomans Sultans, Islamic relics and prominent pieces like The Dagger of Topkapı (Topkapı Hançeri) and Spoonmaker’s diamond (Kaşıkçı Elması) will be feast for the eyes.

After visiting the Topkapi Palace, proceed to visit which Known to have been built to replace a church which was destroyed during Nika Revolt in 532 AD., The Basilica Cistern with an estimated capacity of 100000 tons of water was aimed to supply water for the Byzantine palaces and the premises in the environs. Sunk in to oblivion in Ottoman times, the structure is now a tourist attraction with its brick walls, 336 columns, upside down Medusa heads used as pedestals and a mystical ambiance.

Today our last visit will be the Historical 500 years old Grand Bazaar, built in 1461 in order to foster trade in the city after the conquest, today lures hundreds of thousands of shoppers with handmade carpets, leather and textile and many other products and offers a stunning shopping experience with more than 4000 shops.

Private Bases Daily Walking Tour Includes:

English speaking professional guidance throughout the journey.

Entrance fees to the museums and historical places

Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)

Transportation Any Transfers arrangements Pick up & Drop Off

Basic tip to the suppliers

Local taxes and current VAT included in to the quotation.

This tour is carbon neutral

Minimum Number of Participants for this Tour :

Minimum 2 persons

Private Bases Daily Tour Excluded :

Meals as per itinerary & soft and alcoholic drinks

Tips to the local guide

Please Contact with us for Spanish Speaking Guidance Service Supplement

Private Tour Period Details :

*FOR LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS & LATE DEPARTURES, as museums and some other sites will be closed around 17:30 pm, alternative tour sites will be advised by the tour guide during the tour.

Many thanks for your kind attention in advance, to be ready at 9:00am on time.