Istanbul Tours
Istanbul or Constantinople, as it was called in the past, is approximately 2.600 years old and was the capital of two empires, Byzantine and Ottoman. Istanbul, a glorious metropolis of golden domes and minarets, is a fascinating blend of east and west, of spectacular palaces and water front cafes, a constant contrast between ancient and modern. Istanbul is a city that offers abundant choices for visitors. Explore one of the most exotic cities in the world and the only city on two continents, Europe and Asia.
Our Istanbul tours will be operated with minimum 1 person and rates will be given upon your request. Please e-mail and inform us which tour would you like to have, how many people you are and what dates would you like to travel. It will be great pleasure for us to cooperate with you and offer you the best service and value.
CLASSICAL ISTANBUL (FULL DAY): Visit the Hippodrome, where chariot races took place during the roman period; the Blue Mosque, famous for its tiles; Haghia Sophia, the masterpiece of the byzantine architecture, including the gallery section; the eerie Underground Cistern, built in the 6th century. In the afternoon, visit the Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years, including the Harem section and the Treasury sections, then to the Grand Bazar.
BOAT TOUR ON THE BOSPHORUS AND ASIA (FULL DAY): Visit the Spice Market and then take the boat along the Bosphorus, the winding strait that separates Europe and Asia, leave the boat close to the Black Sea, then drive to the Asian Side of Istanbul via the Bosphorus Bridge. After a sightseeing on the Asian side of the city, drive back to the European side and visit the famous Galata Tower for the panoramic view over the old city and the Golden Horn.
DOLMABAHCE PALACE AND THE GOLDEN HORN (FULL DAY): Visit the Dolmabahce Palace, the new palace of the Ottoman Sultans, built in 1850; the 16th century Mosque of Soliman the Magnificent. In the afternoon, drive through the 5th century roman City Walls and visit Eyup along the Golden Horn, one of the oldest districts in Istanbul, interesting site with its old cemeteries and the Tomb of Eyup Sultan, visited by many moslems everyday. Our last visit will be Rustem Pascha Mosque with its exquisite 16th Century tiles.
ISTANBUL THROUGH THE AGES (FULL DAY): Visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, which contains an important collection of prehistoric, Greek, Roman, Byzantine antiquities; Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, with both sacred and secular works of art. In the afternoon, visit the Kariye Museum, originally a byzantine church which is world-famous for its mosaics and frescoes from 13th-14th century. Visit to Beyoglu wich was a social meeting place in the old days including the famous Hotel Pera Palas that was once the hotel of the famous “Orient Express” passengers.
JEWISH HERITAGE IN ISTANBUL (HALF DAY): Turkey is the only country in the world where Jews expelled from Spain have lived for over five centuries peacefully and continously, indistinguishable from non-Jewish Turks. Visit the Neve Shalom Synagogue then drive to Balat, old jewish district of Istanbul where the star of David appears on the facades of some buildings. Visit the 600 years old Ahrida Synagogue then a sightseeing in the new part of the city.