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ITINERARY
Arrive in Istanbul where you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel.
This evening, enjoy a cruise along the Bosphorus. Traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. Explore the sights of the European side of the city for around 1 hour, passing historical monuments such as Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, the Ortaköy Mosque and the fortress of Rumelihisarı, built by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in the 15th century.
Continue to the second bridge to head to the Asian side of Istanbul. Visit Küçüksu Palace, built in the 19th century as a hunting lodge for the Ottoman sultans. Make your way back to the city center, following the Asian coast, and get a look at the Anatolian Fortress (Anadoluhisarı) and Turkey's oldest military school at Kuleli Military High School.
Admire the elaborate Beylerbeyi Palace, built as a summer residence for the Ottoman rulers in the 1860s, and see the Maiden’s Tower guarding the entrance to the Bosphorus Strait as you get ready to disembark.
Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for guided city tour of Istanbul. Today you will visit Topkapi Palace. The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The palace houses an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain. Robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, and the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Next on the list is the Sultan Ahmet Imperial mosque. Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles, unique with its six minarets.
Outside the Blue Mosque we find the Hippodrome. The Ancient Hippodrome was the scene of chariot races and entertainment. The Hippodrome comprises of three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine.
After a short enjoyable lunch break we head to the Grand Spice Bazaar for shopping. After the shopping tour return to your hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul
This morning, after breakfast, head out to the country side of Turkey and experience local life as you head out to Bursa – former capital of the Ottoman Empire, before Istanbul. One of the most visited tourist sites in Turkey, your journey to Bursa itself is quite interesting. Drive to the ferry port and take the ferry to Yalova, from where a short scenic drive will bring you to Bursa.
Stop for lunch, where you can taste the famous “Kebap of Alexander The Great!”. Do not fret, there are options for vegetarians too. Then proceed to Inkaya Plane tree and after a short coffee break travel to Uludage where you will board the cable car to reach Mount Olympos. (subject to weather conditions). Your beautiful day will include a visit to the Ulucami (Grand Mosque), the Green Mosque, the Green Mausoleum and the old Silk Market in the covered bazaar, which is indeed interesting as it is buzzing with local food shops, fabrics and more.
Bursa is the textile capital of Turkey and famous designers source their fabrics from Bursa. It is also a popular Ski Resort during winters.
Overnight in Istanbul
After breakfast this morning, visit the Dolmabahce Palace and later experience the unseen beauty of Istanbul from Camlica Hill.
Visit the beautiful Dolmabahce Palace, on the Bosphorus. Built during Turkish Renaissance style between 1843 and 1856, the palace has 285 rooms, 46 halls, four grand salons, six galleries and six baths, famous with great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4.5 tons chandelier.
Thereafter, drive through the Bosphorus Bridge and pass between continents, a unique chance to step from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in minutes. You’ll also get a chance to see Istanbul from Camlica Hill exposing a panoramic view of Istanbul and Bosphorus.
Rest of the day is at leisure. You can visit the Spice Market and buy some local spices such as Nane, Bul Piper, Sumac and more.
A leisurely breakfast and time to transfer you to the airport for your flight onwards home with wonderful memories of your Turkish experience with Airtours Holidays India!