Ottoman Relics
Itinerary
Day 1
Topkapı Palace: Topkapı Palace was for more than four centuries the imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans and the administrative heart of the empire. In addition to its historical and architectural interest, it houses important collections of porcelain, armour, costumes and jewellery, as well as many precious objects and works of art. It also has in its safe-keeping a number of sacred relics of the Prophet Mohammed.
Harem: The Harem apartment, where the Sultans lived with their families in private, was the dwelling of the members of the Ottoman Dynasty and the upper-class women of the Harem for centuries. It also functioned as a school with its own rules and hierarchy. The Imperial Harem of Topkapi Palace is extremely important in terms of architecture and its representation of the styles belonging to the period from the 16th century to 19th century.
It was a forbidden section where no one was allowed to enter except for Sultans, Sultan’s mother, wives and children, the Qadi, the Chief Consort, concubines and the harem guards (eunuchs).
Süleymaniye Mosque: The Süleymaniye, the great mosque complex of Süleyman the Magnificent, is the finest of Istanbul’s imperial mosque complexes. It is a fitting monument to its founder, the great sultan who did so much to extend the Ottoman Empire, and is a master work of Sinan, the greatest of all Ottoman architects.
Construction began in 1550 and the mosque itself was completed in 1557. It stands in the centre of a large rectangular precinct surrounded on three sides by a wall, with the other buildings of the külliye arranged outside it. From the north side, where the land slopes down to the Golden Horn, there is a superb view of the water.
The lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
Bosphorus Cruise: For many Istanbulites, the Bosphorus is simply the most beautiful place in the world, and there’s no better way to see it, than by boat. This important waterway is such a defining feature of Istanbul and a cruise along it gives visitors a chance to delve into the city’s history. Lined with extravagant palaces, crumbling wooden mansions, lush gardens, tiny fishing villages and an unparalleled array of spots to watch the boats go by, the Bosphorus offers something for everyone. This tour offers the perfect blend of history, nature, culture and luxury.
Rüstem Paşa Cami: The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is among the city’s architectural gems. This is the first example of the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan building a mosque to an octagonal plan. Although small, it is beautifully proportioned and the interior is covered in some of the most exquisite İznik faience(colored tiles) ever produced.
The tiles, made at the height of Iznik’s supremacy, have a good deal of the famous red color that was the envy of other tilemakers.
Mısır Çarşısı: Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar is colourful and authentic bazaar where various spices, dried fruits, basketry, jewelry, souvenirs and haberdashery is sold. The smells and tastes of Turkey are awaiting to be tried in this covered bazaar.
Photo Gallery
Other Information
Price Includes
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Taksim and Sultanahmet area pick up and drop off.
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Fully guided tour with the services of an experienced and licensed English speaking guide
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Luxury non smoking air conditioned transportation
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Lunch (drinks not included)
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All entrance fees
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V.A.T.
Price Excludes
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Drinks
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Gratitudes
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Travel insurance
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Note that items marked as ’optional’ are suggestions; not yet included in the price of the tour
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Any expenses not noted in the above list of inclusions.
Extra Notes
Please make note of the following:
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There is a 10% discount for children under the age of 7 and children aged 2 and younger are free.
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Tour is based on group tour with a maximum of 14 people.
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Timing specified in the daily itinerary is only for reference, therefore may be subject to change.
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Please note that the order in which sights are visited may vary.
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Topkapı Palace and Harem are closed on Tuesday, it will be replaced with Istanbul Archaeology Museums.
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There are no shopping stops made during our tour but if our guests would like to do some shopping following the conclusion of the tour we can be of assistance
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It is advised to wear conservative clothing when visiting mosques and churches.
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Please wear comfortable shoes which are also easy to take off since this tour is a walking tour and includes mosque visits.
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You are kindly requested to present yourself at the pick-up point 15 minutes prior to the advised pick up time
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Smoking is not permitted in transportation vehicles nor in museums
Booking Conditions:
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100% fee of tour is required upon reservation together with photocopies of passports.
Cancellation Policy:
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The following cancellation charges will apply:
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- Until 7 days before departure – 50% of the package price
- Less than 7 days before departure – 100% of the package price
