Social Activities

 Daily Excursions in Istanbul

Designed for accompanying persons, the city tours will provide the opportunity to visit some of the most famous historic and cultural sites in Istanbul. A professional English-speaking guide, transport, museum entrance fees and lunch is included. Departure times will be posted in the hotel lobby and from the registration desk in your hotel.

CITY TOUR No. 1:

Full day city tour on Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Saint Sophia, today Ayasofya Museum, reconstructed by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the Vıth century, famous for its marvellous mosaics;

Hippodrome, utilised for political, cultural and sports activities during the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods;

Blue Mosque, recognizable with its six minarets, constructed between 1609 and 1616 by the famous architect Sinan, decorated with the splendid tiles from İznik in blue and white colors;

The Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts;

Egyptian Bazaar with its exotic spices and aromas.

CITY TOUR No. 2:

Full day city tour on Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Topkapı Palace, residence of the Ottoman sultans between XV and XIX. centuries, famous with its Imperial Treasure; (Harem excluded)

Underground Cistern (Basilica Cistern), an enormous water reservoir whose vaults are supported by 336 coloumns.

Grand Bazaar, historical covered bazaar with its numerous shops.

CITY TOUR No. 3:

Half day city tour on Thursday, September 23, 2010

Golden Horn (Haliç), divides the European part of Istanbul in two and considered to be one of the best natural ports of the world, which was the base for the marine and the mercantile fleet of the Byzantines and Ottomans;

Eyüp quarter, famous with its mosque constructed after the conquest of the city, a pilgrimage place visited by numerous believers;

The Café of Pierre Loti, in Eyüp quarter, at the top of the hill which took its name from the French poet Pierre Loti (original name Julien Viaud), a wonderful place to enjoy the tranquility of the place overlooking the Golden Horn;

St. Savior in Chora (Kariye Museum), from XI century, famous for its magnificent frescoes and mosaics dating back to XIV century depicting the life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, this is the most important monument of Istanbul after the Saint Sophia.