Turkey, officially known as the Republic of Turkey, is a nation that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, making it a unique and culturally diverse country. This transcontinental nation holds a rich history, boasts stunning landscapes, and offers a fusion of traditions, making it an intriguing subject for exploration.
Geography and Location:
Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey occupies a strategic position on the map. The country shares its borders with eight nations, including Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. The diversity in its landscapes is astounding, from the bustling metropolis of Istanbul to the otherworldly rock formations of Cappadocia, and the beautiful Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines.
Historical Significance:
Turkey’s history is a tapestry of civilizations and empires. It was once the heart of the Byzantine Empire and later became the capital of the Ottoman Empire, one of the most influential and enduring empires in history. The legacy of these empires is evident in the country’s architecture, art, and cultural heritage. The modern Turkish Republic was founded in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who introduced sweeping political and social reforms to transform Turkey into a secular and democratic nation.
Cultural Diversity:
One of Turkey’s most striking features is its cultural diversity. The country is a melting pot of various influences, from the ancient Hittite and Phrygian civilizations to the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. The result is a rich tapestry of art, music, cuisine, and traditions. Turkish cuisine is renowned for its delicious flavors, featuring dishes like kebabs, baklava, and a plethora of mezze, all of which are an essential part of the Turkish dining experience.
Historical and Architectural Marvels:
Turkey is home to a wealth of historical and architectural wonders. The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is an iconic structure that has served as a church, mosque, and museum. The Blue Mosque, another masterpiece in Istanbul, showcases stunning Ottoman architecture. Ephesus, an ancient city, offers a glimpse into Roman life with its well-preserved ruins. Cappadocia, with its unique rock formations and underground cities, feels like a journey to another world.
Natural Beauty:
Turkey’s natural beauty is equally captivating. From the unique landscapes of Pamukkale’s terraces to the pristine beaches of the Turquoise Coast, the country offers a range of outdoor experiences. Cappadocia’s hot air balloon rides provide breathtaking views of the surreal rock formations, while the Black Sea region is known for its lush greenery and vibrant traditions.
Turkey is a country that captivates the senses and the imagination. Its historical, cultural, and geographical diversity make it a destination that has something to offer every traveler. Whether exploring ancient ruins, indulging in sumptuous cuisine, or simply taking in the breathtaking landscapes, Turkey is a nation that continues to bridge the gap between continents and cultures, making it a truly remarkable place to visit and experience. Turkey’s rich past and vibrant present ensure that it remains a country of enduring fascination.
Arrive in Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul. Our Chauffeur guide will meet with you at the airport. You will be transferred to your hotel. Check-in Time is after 2 Pm. Overnight Istanbul GOLDEN CROWN HOTEL ( 3 Star) or INNOVA HOTEL (4 Star) or VOGUE SUPREME HOTEL ( 5 star)
Smart Tips: Depending on your arrival time you can join the Optional Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Entertainment if you have time. We will pick you up from the Hotel at approximately 07:45 pm and transfer you to the Istanbul Kabatas Port, where your Dinner Cruise will commence. You are in for a treat with our exciting dinner Cruise that presents you with the beauty of Istanbul at night
while cruising the Bosphorus. You will dine on a delicious assortment of authentic Turkish Cuisine, PLUS you enjoy an outstanding Turkish Night of entertainment which will feature traditional dances from the seven different regions of Turkey as well as an oriental belly-dance show. Your performance will include Ottoman dancers, Romany Gypsy Girls, belly dancers, and the Asuk Masuk comedy team, etc. This is a night you will not forget and one loved by ALL our customers who have attended previous cruises. Your dinner cruise ends at about midnight, at which time we will transfer you to the Hotel.
( prior reservation required and price up on inquiry, this cost not included in the package)
Old City Tour by Walk – Full Day Guided Tour
After breakfast, you enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents. The first visit is Hippodrome. It was the center of sports activities in Constantinople. Famous with 4 monuments; The German Fountain of Wilhelm II, Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Haghia Sophia, is the most famous museum in Turkey and one of the greatest marvels of architecture. Hagia Sophia was built as a church in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian then in 1453 renovated into a mosque by Ottoman Emperor Fatih Sultan Mehmet. It was converted into a museum in 1935 and welcomed both local and foreign visitors. Blue Mosque, as known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, this breathtaking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey. Also, it was built with unique 6 minarets. Topkapi Palace, which has been home to the Ottoman dynasty for many years, was used for educational administration and as the art center of the state. Get knowledge about the imperial treasury´s sacred Islamic relics, palace kitchens, and weapons.
Overnight Istanbul
Smart Tips: Old City is a walking Tour, please be sure that you put on casual shoes. The scarf requires ladies to visit the mosques.
Explore Istanbul Tour – Full Day Guided Tour
After you meet with your guide at the hotel, you will start the tour which is held by public transport. The first stop is the Galata Tower which is one of the oldest and most important towers in the world. The first time was built by Byzantium in 507. The first man who flew in history, in the 17th century, Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi, put wooden wings to his arms and flew from Galata Tower to Uskudar. It’s worth climbing to the top of the tower for an amazing Golden Horn view. After Galata Tower, the next stop is the heart of modern Istanbul which is Taksim Square & Istiklal Street (Independence Street). A nostalgic tram runs from the square along the street. Today Taksim & Istiklal are the most important social places in Istanbul. It’s famed for restaurants, bars, shops, street sellers ( sell chestnuts during winter and mussel all year long ) and street performers. Finally visit Ortakoy District which has one of the most beautiful views of Istanbul, right under the first Bosphorus Bridge. You can eat very nice Jacket Potatoes over there.
Jewels of Istanbul – Full Day Guided Tour
After you meet with your guide at the hotel, you will start the tour. First, you will visit Dolmabahce Palace, a blend of various European architectural styles, which was built between 1843 – 1856 by Karabet Balyan, the court architect of Sultan Abdulmecid. The three storied palace built on a symmetrical plan has 285 rooms and 43 halls. The palace has survived intact with its original decorations, furniture, and silk carpets, and curtains. It surpasses all other palaces in the world in wealth and magnificence. After Dolmabahce Palace you will have a chance to step on Galata Bridge which was built in Ottoman Period. Then your guide will take you to one of the mosques which were built by Master Architect Sinan, Rustem Pasha Mosque. The Rüstem Pasha Mosque was unique among Sinan’s many mosques for its lavishly decorated, tiled interior. Rüstem Pasha may have ordered the mosque’s characteristic İznik tiles in order to support court designer Kara Memi, who was known for elegant floral designs. After lunch, you will join a regular boat trip on the Bosphorus, an amazing cruise between the two continents, EUROPE and ASIA, along the Bosphorus by the Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi Palaces, wooden villas, and mansions. THE RUMELI FORTRESS(FROM THE SEA) (NO INTERIOR VISIT) Istanbul had been besieged many times before Mehmet the Conqueror took the city in 1453, but it managed to defend itself with the help of the Roman city walls. At the end of the tour, you will have time to do shopping in Spice Market which is one of the largest bazaars in the city. Located in the Eminönü quarter of the Fatih district, it is the most famous covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar.
Shopping Tour – Full Day Guided Tour
Today you will visit the local shops by leading your guide. First you will visit the Grand Bazaar, is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops on a total area of 30,700 m2, attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. In 2014, it was listed as No.1 among the world’s most-visited tourist attractions with 91,250,000 annual visitors. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is often regarded as one of the first shopping malls in the world. After Grand Bazaar you will have free time to visit a local shopping mall.
Departure from Turkey
Today we will transfer you to the Airport in time for the connecting flight.
