Arrive in Istanbul New Airport (flight details to be advised) you will meet with English speaking tour guide holding a name sign outside the luggage claim area at the airport, transfer to hotel by a private vehicle. Check-in in the hotel and rest of the day is at own leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Istanbul.
After your breakfast, get ready for your Istanbul Old City tour. First you will visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace. The Topkapı Palace was the imperial residence of the sultans for almost three centuries. The palace is now a museum dedicated to Turkish history. The scared leavings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and other artefacts can also be found in the Holy Mantle chamber.
Visit the Hippodrome, which was one of the largest chariot race grounds of the Byzantine Empire. See the Egyptian Obelisk brought from Egypt by Emperor Theodosius and the Serpentine Column at Delphi. Visit the Tiled (Walled) Column erected by Constantine Porphyrogenitus at 10th century AD. Then you’ll go to the calm Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most important landmarks. Viewing the vivid blue Iznik tiles that cover the inside will show you how the mosque gained its name.
After lunch, you will go to the church of the Divine Wisdom, St. Sophia, the greatest architectural achievement of all time. It was established during the reign of Emperor Justinian (AD537) and remained the grandest cathedral in Christendom until the invasion of Constantinople in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet II, who ordered the Hagia Sophia to be converted into a Mosque. Following St. Sophia, you will visit the Grand Bazaar, Turkey’s largest and oldest covered bazaar, with over 4,000 shops. Explore the hidden courtyards or hans, and keep an eye out for marble fountains and beautiful kiosks. Streets are named after trades, and the bazaar has the most oriental atmosphere in Istanbul.
At the end of your tour, back to your hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight at hotel in Istanbul..
Today spent the day on Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands, preferred by locals to escape Istanbul’s stressful city life and feel a different atmosphere. Upon arrival to the island, you will see lavish Ottoman mansions and other beautiful Victorian summer villas. A Horse-drawn carriage is the only transport as the motor vehicles are strictly prohibited. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch in a cosy seaside fish restaurant. Return by ferry and drop off to your hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to explore the magnificent views and hidden alleyways of Istanbul. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
After your breakfast, free time until your Check out from the hotel (1200hrs). Then proceed to Istanbul Airport for your international departure flight.
