Istanbul is a large and often confusing city for those new to it. Heading out on your own can often become quite a headache, with language problems and having to worry about conveyance to every new spot. To solve this dilemma, it makes more sense to hire a guide who can not only point and guide you to the must-see sights in Istanbul, but also be able to provide transport so that moving around the city becomes comfortable too.
I am a private tour guide and driver for both Istanbul and Turkey and can help organize your tours and sightseeing during your vacation here. Booking me requires just a phone call. This particular tour of Istanbul takes you through some choice structures of the Ottoman and Byzantine legacy of the city. From visiting the Hagia Sophia to a cruise down the Bosphorus, this guided tour will give you more than just a glimpse of the city's heritage. Based on your preference, the vehicle and timings of your tour can be planned out.
Guidance Service Price - 180€
All types of vehicles can be arranged
The ancient Hippodrome, scene of chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life. Of the ornaments which once existed, only three remain: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Theodosius Constantino. Obelisco is originally an Egyptian piece of art erected in 1547 BC and originally was 60m in height. The German Fountain is also within the hippodrome area; constructed in Germany during the second visit of the German Emperor Wilhelm II to Istanbul, it was imported and officially opened on January 1, 1901. The interiors of the three domes are decorated with gold mosaics.
Blue Mosque was built by Sultan Ahmet I during 1609-1616. It is the only mosque in Turkey with six minarets. Due to its magnificent hand-dyed blue, green and white tiles it has been named the "Blue Mosque" by Europeans. The central dome is 43 m in height and is 33.4 m in diameter. There are 260 windows around the mosque.
Santa Sofia was for nearly a thousand years, the largest enclosed space in the world and is still seen as one of the world's most important monuments. It is one of Turkey's most popular attractions, people are drawn by the sheer spectacle of its size, the architecture, mosaics and art. It was built in the sixth century by the Byzantine emperor Justinian. It is closed on Monday.
Only the palace is the part of the tour which has so much to see and to be said. A guided tour is a must to really understand the meaning of the most popular attractions of Istanbul. In short, the Topkapi Palace was the imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans, from Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the Conqueror, until 1856. It became a museum in 1924. Parts of the palace and the Harem, Baghdad Pavilion in Hall Revan, Sofa Pavilion, and the courtroom are distinguished by its architectural heritage, while in other sections artifacts are displayed which reflect the palace life. The museum also has collections from the imperial treasury including Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy etc. It is closed on Tuesday.
A boat cruise down the Bosphorus Cruise to the Rumeli Fortress is a great way to see Istanbul unfolding in front of you., The Bosphorus Bridge which connects Europe and Asia and Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asiatica. También can be seen during the cruise. Imperial Gardens, Yildiz Palace, Ciragan Palace and Dolmabahce Palace also lie by the Bosphorus and thus are also covered.
Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, it is full off mystical smells of different aromas of various spices and shops selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish etc.
Dolmabahce Palace was built in the 19th century. It is one of the most glamorous palaces in the world. It was the administrative center of the erstwhile Ottoman Empire when the last of the Ottoman Sultans was residing there.
The Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Monday and Thursday.
The Forteleza a monument built in the narrowest section of the Bosphorus covers 30,000 square meters. In preparation for the conquest of Istanbul, the castle was built in about four months in a relatively short period. In some historical documents, it is said that 1,000 masons and workers were employed for construction.
Beylerbeyi Palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdulaziz (1830-1876) and built between 1861 and 1865 as a summer residence and a place to entertain visiting heads of state. The palace, built on a pier by the sea is a two-story structure built on a high brick basement. The palace, the Harem (north) and Mabeyn-i Humayun (the southern part) consisted of offices, three innings, six large living rooms, 24 rooms and 1 bathroom. It is closed on Mondays and Thursdays.
After a journey of about 45 minutes in the Sea of Marmara of the coast of Istanbul, we will arrive at the Prince's Islands. We will stop at Buyukada, the summer resort with sandy beaches and a landscape of pines, with cafes and fish restaurants. One can see the Ottomans' splendid Victorian villas and summer gardens with colorful flowers, and explore the island on a horse-drawn carriage (Fayton). These islands are closed to traffic. Lunch will be in a charming waterfront restaurant. In the evening return to Istanbul by ferry and along the way you will also see the Topkapi Palace, the Tower of Leander and historic Uskudar district next to the Bosphorus from the ferry.
Hotel pick up around 20:00, show ends at midnight.
Do not miss this experience. With the price of a good meal you can also enjoy the best examples of traditional Turkish hospitality.
The menu includes main meal, appetizer dishes, two local alcoholic drinks and a fruit plate or in the desert.
The show includes belly dancing, live music in several languages, including Turkish folk music and traditional performances and Turkish folk dance groups. We highly recommend that you choose "raki" option for local drink.
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