DAY 1 ARRIVAL
Upon arrival in Istanbul you will be met by our representative and get transferred to the The Peak hotel for overnight. The hotel is located within
Pera ,the most in district of the 19th century and only walking distance of bustling Taksim Square with its many cafes and restaurants.
Once you have settled in, there will be an afternoon tea break in the Pera Museum while a lecture titled ‘ Byzantine Culture and Constantinople ‘ will be organized for you. Afterwards we’ll have leisurely time to visit this beautiful and compact museum..Tonight dine like a local with your guide in Beyoglu Fish Market district and get introduced to the favourite Turkish metzes.
DAY 2 ISTANBUL
After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel and start your full day tour.
Visit the legendary Hippodrome where chariot races were held. Continue to St. Sophia, originally a Christian Basilica built by Justinian in the 6th century, then converted to a mosque during the Ottoman Empire and known as one of Istanbul’s highly visited museums today.
Then you will have the chance to stroll around the Byzantine Palace ruins, at the moment being prepared to become an open air Archeological Museum, while you are walking to the Mozaic Museum which displays the best preserved floor and wall mozaics of the mentioned palace.
Today we will have lunch on the Marmara Sea cost of the old city in the Kalyon Restaurant.
Church of the Saviour; Chora, a jewelhouse of late Byzantine mosaics and frescoes, all very well preserved will be our afternoon stop today. Following this visit we will drive along the Old City walls of Constantinople and finish the day with some free time to enjoy the offerings and the mind blowing spicy smells of the famous Spice Market.
Dinner on your own tonight.DAY 4 CAPPADOCIA (B, L, D)
DAY 3 ISTANBUL
Visit the Topkapi Palace, the legendary residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Here after your guided tour and specially arranged visit to the Harem Quarters, you’ll enjoy leisurely time to wonder through numberless exhibitions lead by your own interest and likes.
For our second visit depart to the Underground Cistern, the best preserved of the vital water sources of once upon a times Constantinople, breath taking with its more than 300 columns all brought from the pasts great cities.
Lunch in the Old City
Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore the exhilarating Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, after being introduced to its crafts and arts. Meet with your guide if you wish to pay a visit to the world known Blue Mosque or make your own way back to the hotel with the local tram.
Your coach will arrange a shuttle back to the hotel for you to relax.Dinner on your own.
DAY 4 ISTANBUL - NICEA - ISTANBUL
Following breakfast you will drive to the Asian side of Istanbul to catch the ferry for your cruise down to the south of the Marmara Sea. From our disembarkation point we’ll have an 1 and a half ours drive to Iznık ( ancient Nicea ) via the beautiful Iznik lake road. Two Ecumenical Councils were held here. 1st of 325 and the 7th of 787. Visit the ruins of the Hagia Sophia Church where the later was held.
After lunch have a walk through the town having the best opportunity to photograph the fortification walls of this once great cultural and religious center.
Late afternoon start our journey back to Istanbul.Arrive to the hotel. Dinner on own.
DAY 5 DEPARTURE
Following breakfast transfers regarding your return flights will be individually arranged.
|
