ISTANBUL ” bridge between East and West” ✈️

With a morning flight from Antalya or Dalaman to Istanbul
You will be welcomed by our English-speaking guide and our driver.
Transfer to the old city center for your hotel check in and lunch.

All transport during your stay is with public transport or walking.
Visiting the archeological museum of Istanbul:
İstanbul Archaeological Museums (İstanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri) are a compound of museums which consist three major sections; The Archaeology Museum, The Museum of the Ancient Orient, The Tiled Kiosk Museum. These three separate main units are located in the same garden and house the palace collections formed during the late 19th century by museum director, master painter (“The Tortoise Trainer” / Pera Museum) and archaeologist Osman Hamdi Bey . İstanbul Archaeological Museum, which is first regular museum appearing in the history of Ottoman Empire and in Türkiye, has about a million artifacts from a variety of cultures, brought from the imperial lands.
Bosphorus boat trip:
During a Bosphorus cruise, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Istanbul’s famous attractions, such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Galata Tower, Maiden’s Tower, and the picturesque waterfront neighborhoods like Ortakoy and Bebek. The cruise also provides an opportunity to witness the unique blend of European and Asian architecture along the shores.
Optional in the evening: Experience the Mevlevi Sema ritual at the Kizlaragasi Medrese in the heart of Istanbul. Marvel at the musical performance and hypnotic whirling dervishes during your Turkish vacation. (one hour)

4* Hotel in the old city center of Istanbul incl. Breakfast

It will be an early morning and a busy day today:

Basilica Cistern:
Basilica Cistern was built by an order from Empire Justinian in 532 as a project of rebuilding the city after constantinople was destroyed by Nika riots, and historical fact say that it is the largest surviving cistern in Istanbul with 138 m in length and 65 m in width covering an area of almost one thousands meters and has the ability to store up to 80 thousands cubic meters of water which is considered a huge number at that time.
Hippodrome:
After the empire, Constantine conquered Byzantium and declared the city as the Roman Empire’s capital; he decided to renovate the existing small hippodrome into a grander one. Construction started in 203, and the resulting structure in Constantinople became the second-largest track in the ancient world.
The city of Constantinople had a population of 500,000, and the hippodrome served as their primary entertainment center. Here, crowds watched and cheered on as chariots drawn by four horses racing to the death, but the structure’s importance extended farther than that; Since the empire also watched on from his lodge (Kathisma), the hippodrome allowed him to interact with the people.
Blue Mosque:
The Sultan Ahmet Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque, was completed in 1617 just prior to the untimely death of its then 27-year-old eponymous patron, Sultan Ahmet I. The mosque dominates Istanbul’s majestic skyline with its elegant composition of ascending domes and six slender soaring minarets. Although considered one of the last classical Ottoman structures, the incorporation of new architectural and decorative elements in the mosque’s building program and its symbolic placement at the imperial center of the city point to a departure from the classical tradition innovated under the famous 16th-century master architect, Mimar Sinan.
Hagia Sophia:
Dating back to the year 537 AD, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is a true masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, that has survived the test of time. It is known for its Grand Central Dome, intricate mosaics, and delicate stonework. Hagia Sophia’s history spans 1500 years. Once a church, then a museum, and now a mosque, the monument has witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties. It is a symbol of the diverse blending of Eastern and Western cultures in Istanbul.
Topkapı Palace:
Set on top of the most visible hill of Istanbul, Topkapi Palace, is the symbol of the city. Opulent, decadent, and steeped in history, it offers visitors a chance to get to know the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire rather more intimately.
It was built in 1461 by Mehmet the Conqueror and remained both the symbolic and political home of the Ottoman Empire until Sultan Abdülmecid I moved the imperial retinue to Dolmabahçe Palace in 1853. During the four centuries in between, it hosted 22 different Sultans and their families.

4* Hotel in the old center of Istanbul

Covered Bazaar:
The history of the Grand Bazaargoes back to the period of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, in the middle of the 15th century. According to the foundation system, which is one of the most important practices that kept the Ottoman institutions alive, another income-generating structure was created in order to meet the various needs of mosques such as repair and maintenance costs. The most important of these income generating structures are the bazaars, and the foundation of the Grand Bazaar was laid in 1461 with the structures built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet to bring income to Hagia Sophia and it has grown gradually with the additions made over the years. The Grand Bazaar, which has become the most important commercial center of the entire region, hosts the richest tradesmen of Istanbul, and where jewelery and precious jewelry from all over the world are traded, also served as a bank and financial center in these years.
Egyptian Spice Bazaar:
Spice Bazaar, also known as Egyptian Spice Bazaar located in Istanbul Eminönü, has been in service since 1660. It has a popular place among the oldest bazaars of Istanbul. This historical building is one of the first destinations of tourists coming to Turkey. Besides colorful spices, local clothes, nuts , flowers, seeds and coffee.
Balat district:
If you are ready to discover Istanbul, let’s explore Balat! Located on the southern shore of Golden Horn, Balat is one of the oldest and most spectacular districts of İstanbul. Famous for its historical heritage, colorful streets, various churches, and synagogue, Balat has become one of the most known tourist zones of İstanbul in recent years. Once you set foot in Balat, it surrounds you with a unique atmosphere.
Pierre Loti Hill:
By cable car you will go up to Pierre Loti Hill: it offers an unrivaled panoramic view of the Golden Horn, best enjoyed from the quaint café that shares its name with the renowned French novelist and traveler who immortalized his love for Istanbul. Mesmerizing journey to one of Istanbul’s most captivating destinations, where history, spirituality, and breathtaking scenery converge. Discover the unique blend of history and legend that surrounds Pierre Loti Hill, including the fascinating story of the novelist’s connection to Istanbul and the girl he met at the top this hill. Learn about the convenient cable car (extra) service that offers a scenic route to the summit, providing an effortless and memorable ascent.

4* Hotel in the old city center of Istanbul

Without a doubt, the Princes’ Islands, formerly known as the Prinkipos Islands, is the most beautiful place in Istanbul (especially during the spring). Well, it’s located off Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara only about an hour ferry ride away. And the ride is worth it. The islands that make up Princes’ Islands are dotted with historic villas nestled among the pine trees. You’ll visit the largest island “Büyük Ada” and experience the island culture – all within a short ferry ride from the center of Istanbul!
Kadıköy:
Kadıköy district is the center of the Anatolian (Asian) side of the city, it’s also the pride and joy of Istanbul.
One of Istanbul’s oldest settlements, its history, along with the root of its name, date back to around 675 BC when the Phoenicians inhabited the area and called it ‘Carhadon’. Today Kadikoy is a lively living hub with many historical buildings, unique Street market, Street cafe’s, restaurants and famous patisserie shops. There’s movement and activity 24 hours of the day in Kadıköy, and its restaurants, cafés, galleries, bookstores and antique shops are some of the best in the city.
Marmaray tunnel:
The Marmaray is an underground, undersea and above ground train connecting the Asian and European sides of Istanbul. You will go by train from Kadıköy (Asian side) under the Bosphorus to Sultan Ahmet (European side).
4* Hotel in the old city center of Istanbul

Istıklal boulevard:
Istanbul’s most famous street, pedestrianized Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), throbs day and night and offers a fantastic array of architectural sights, shops, treats, and throngs upon teeming throngs of people. At the avenue’s northeastern end is expansive Taksim Square, thought by many to be the very heart of the city, with many of Turkey’s most renowned restaurants and some of Europe’s most happening nightlife in close proximity.
ETD-TRAVEL wishes you a good flight and a safe journey back home.
See you again on one of our other exclusive boutique tours.