Places to visit
GRAND COVERED BAZAAR
Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and biggest “souk” in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewelry, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenirs. Kapalı Çarşı (Grand Bazaar) has evolved into its present form over a period of 250 years, and its original function, which was determined by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, was to generate income for the upkeep of Hagia Sophia
BLUE MOSQUE
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii in Turkish ) is definitely one of the places you have to see, regardless of how much time you have in the city. With its six minarets dominating the İstanbul skyline, this is one iconic structure that’s hard to miss. The inside of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque covered with Iznik tiles reveals why it is also called the “Blue Mosque”! Make sure to spend enough time to really take in the beauty and immensity of the place – and all those intricate blue tiles adorning the interior.
HAGIA SOPHIA
Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, was transformed to a mosque in the year 1453 under Sultan Mehmed II. Just a stone’s throw from the Blue Mosque, it pairs nicely with the latter to dominate the skyline of old İstanbul. The multicolored marble and mosaics of Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque ‘s walls extend right up to the towering main vault, which, when first constructed, was the biggest, tallest, and most impressive dome in the Byzantine Empire.
ANCIENT HIPPODROME
Ancient Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome
BOSPHORUS CRUISE
Bosphorus cruise, through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials and luxurious apartments.
TOPKAPI PALACE
Topkapı Palace was the residence of Ottoman sultans for 400 years and now a UNESCO world heritage site as the best example of palaces. Sacred Islamic relic of prophet Mohammed, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts and murals, large collections of porcelains, robes, weapons, armors, shields, Ottoman miniatures, imperial treasures and jewelry are exhibited at the palace.
Activities
WHIRLING DERVISH SHOW
Watch the mystical ritual of the Mevlevi Order, whose whirling dance has been declared a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity. The Sema ceremony is a journey through man’s spiritual ascent to “perfection” through mind and love—a truly unmissable and astonishing experience of music and moves.
TURKISH BATH EXPERIENCE
The Turkish Bath is a traditional type of public bathing which is essentially based on the ancient Roman bathing culture and the principles of the steam bath. Combining this with the traditional Turkish bath massage (“Turkish scrub”), it became an integral part of Turkish culture as well as an important part of social life.
HELICOPTER TOUR
Istanbul helicopter tour is a very unique experience. Discover the massive metropolis set on two different continents – Europe and Asia – Bosphorus Strait cutting the city like a knife and the horn shaped Haliç bay. (Golden Horn in English)
Unlike aerial photography or helicopter simulator, flying above a city is the best way to get to know it. And since Istanbul can sometimes be very complicated from the ground, helicopter tour is a great opportunity to travel Istanbul and see the city from above.
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