7-Day Istanbul Exploration Tour

• Breakfast: Start your day with a rich Turkish breakfast at the hotel.
• Hagia Sophia Museum: Explore the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture adorned with stunning mosaics and towering domes.
• Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque): Visit the iconic mosque known for its six minarets and interior lined with over 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles.
• Hippodrome of Constantinople: Walk through the ancient sporting and social center, viewing historical monuments like the Serpent Column, Obelisk of Theodosius, and German Fountain.
• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant featuring kebabs, mezes, and regional specialties.
• Topkapi Palace: Explore the sprawling palace that was the administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years.
• Grand Bazaar: Immerse yourself in one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets with over 4,000 shops.
• Return to Hotel: Late afternoon transfer back to your hotel.
• Evening at Leisure: Optional: Attend a Whirling Dervishes show to experience Sufi spiritualism (additional cost).

• Breakfast: At the hotel.
• Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): Explore this vibrant market filled with exotic spices, dried fruits, nuts, and sweets like Turkish delight.
• Rustem Pasha Mosque: Visit this hidden gem known for its exquisite Iznik tilework.
• Bosphorus Cruise: Board a comfortable boat for a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, seeing landmarks like the Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Ortakoy Mosque, and the Rumeli Fortress.
• Afternoon Return: Disembark and transfer back to the hotel.
• Leisure Time: Afternoon free for personal exploration, shopping, or relaxation.
• Evening Suggestion: Experience a traditional Turkish bath (Hamam) for relaxation (optional, additional cost).

• Breakfast: At the hotel.
• Dolmabahce Palace: Tour the opulent palace featuring a blend of Ottoman and European architectural styles.
• Cross to Asian Side: Drive over the Bosphorus Bridge, offering panoramic views as you transition between continents.
• Camlica Hill: Ascend to the highest point in Istanbul for sweeping views of the city skyline.
• Lunch: Optional lunch at a local restaurant serving Anatolian cuisine (not included).
• Visit to Kadikoy District: Explore this lively neighborhood known for its markets, boutiques, and waterfront promenade.
• Return to European Side: Late afternoon transfer back to the hotel.
• Evening at Leisure: Suggestion: Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with Bosphorus views.

• Highlights: Suleymaniye Mosque, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Galata Tower
• Itinerary:
  • Breakfast: At the hotel.
  • Suleymaniye Mosque: Visit this architectural masterpiece by Mimar Sinan.
  • Pierre Loti Hill: Take a cable car up to this scenic hill named after the French novelist.
  • Lunch: Optional lunch at a local eatery (not included).
  • Taksim Square & Istiklal Street: Explore the heart of modern Istanbul, bustling with shops, cafes, art galleries, and historic passages.
  • Galata Tower: Optional visit to this medieval stone tower (entrance fee not included).
  • Evening Entertainment: Experience live music, street performances, or dine at one of the many international restaurants.
  • Return to Hotel: Late evening transfer back or enjoy the nightlife at your leisure.

Day 6: Basilica Cistern, Chora Church & Free Afternoon

• Highlights: Basilica Cistern, Chora Church (Kariye Museum), Free time
• Itinerary:
  • Breakfast: At the hotel.
  • Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici): Descend into the largest ancient underground water cistern in Istanbul.
  • Chora Church (Kariye Museum): Visit this Byzantine church renowned for its exquisite mosaics and frescoes.
  • Lunch: Optional lunch at a nearby café (not included).
  • Afternoon Free: Options include shopping at Nisantasi, visiting the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, relaxing in Gulhane Park, or additional optional tours.
  • Farewell Dinner (Optional): Enjoy an optional Bosphorus dinner cruise with entertainment (additional cost).

• Breakfast: At the hotel.
• Check-out: Hotel check-out by noon.
• Last-minute Shopping/Sightseeing: Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time.
• Transfer to Airport: Private transfer to Istanbul Airport scheduled according to your flight.
• Departure: Assistance with luggage and boarding procedures.
• End of Tour: Wishing you a safe journey and hoping to see you again!