Highlights:
-This is a customized day tour to Istanbul from/to Kusadasi by plane
-Walk on the ancient streets of historical Peninsula and see Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace
-Learn history about Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Modern Turks from expert local guide
-Enjoy shopping with locals in Grand Bazaar
-Tasty typical turkish foods at tours
Overview:
Explore Istanbul; where Asia meets to Europe and was capital for 3 different empires. Walk on the ancient street of historical peninsula and witness monuments bearing the traces of 3 different empires such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome. Learn history about Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Modern Turks from your expert local guide. Take a photos from the best photoshoot points, experience shopping with locals in Grand Bazaar.
Day 1: Flight to Istanbul / Treasures of Istanbul / Flight to Izmir
Upon early pick up from the hotel transfer to Izmir AP for your 1,5h domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival greeted and drive to Sultanahmet where you meet your other group participents and start your full-day tour. Explore Hagia Sophia; Meaning Divine Wisdom, Hagia Sophia was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. Today's Hagia Sophia was built by the Emperor Justinian in 537AD. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period.
Next; Topkapı Palace; As well as being the imperial residence of the Sultan, the palace was also the seat of government for the ottoman empire. It housed the ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years until the Dolmabahçe palace was built. In 1924 it was converted into a museum. Today it is famous with harem, royal treasury, and holy relics sections
Continue with Hippodrome; , during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet surrounded by Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi palace, today it is home to The Egyptian Obelisk (Dikilitaş), The Serpentine Column (Burma sütun), The Constantine Column and German Fountain. Next, Blue Mosque; Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, it is located opposite the Hagia Sophia. Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome. Although it is officially called Sultanahmet Mosque, the name Blue Mosque was given to it by the visitors because of the amazing blue tiles decorating the interior walls. Next, Grand Bazaar; With 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops it is one of the greatest bazaars in the world. It was built between 1455-1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. Today, shops selling the same kind of merchandise tend to be congregated in their own streets or inns as it was the original Ottoman system At the end of the tour drive you to Airport for your 1,5h domestic flight to Izmir. Upon arrival you wıll be greeted by your driver who wıll drıve you safely to your hotel. End of our service.
(Lunch)