ITINERARY:

5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS ISTANBUL TOUR - SUMMER

Day 1 – Istanbul (Lunch, Dinner)

Arrival to Istanbul Ataturk Airport.  Welcome to Istanbul, the magic city gateway to Aegean and Mediterranean Coast, land of fascinating history and beauty. It is a metropolis of exquisite palace, magnificent mosques and museum of great interests, as well as the leading city of modem Turkey! Upon arrival we will pass across Bosphorus Bridge and visit Camlica Hill , the panoramic point of Istanbul. Then visit Taksim Square; situated in the European part of Istanbul, is a major shopping, tourist and leisure district famed for its restaurants, shops and hotels. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul. Continue to Beyoglu; is a district located on the European side of Istanbul, separated from the old city (historic peninsula of Constantinople) by the Golden Horn. It was known as Pera (meaning The Other Side in Greek) during the Middle Ages, and this name remained in common use until the early 20th century and the establishment of the Turkish Republic.And Istiklal Street, Istiklal Avenue; is one of the most famous avenues in Istanbul, visited by nearly 3 million people in a single day over the course of weekends. Visit Ortakoy is probably a district envied by other districts in the Bosphorus. It is located in such a beautiful spot. The history of Ortakoy is as old as sultans' using here as their summer residence... If you pass by the area, come to Ortakoy, one of the places where you can best view the Bosphorus, and enjoy it with your tea cup on your hand. After dinner transfer to hotel.

Day 2 - Istanbul (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, Lets embark on an exciting tour, visiting the various landmark of Istanbul Visit Roman Hippodrome where horse chariot aces and events were held. Then, visit the Blue Mosque-Sultan Ahmet I set out to build a mosque that would rival and even surpass St. Sophia (Aya Sofya). The layout of the Blue Mosque is classic Ottoman design. The forecourt has an ablutions fountain in its center. The portico around three sides could be used for prayer, meditation or study during warm weather. After lunch visit continue to visit Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)-was the residence of Ottoman sultans for almost four centuries and is Istanbul's premier must-see attraction. Unlike European-style palaces, Topkapi is not one large building with outlying garden Its form-inspired and informed by Islamic architectural sensibilities-consists of series of pavilions, kitchens, audience chambers and kiosks built around a series of garden count yards. After dinner transfer to hotel.

Day 3 – Istanbul (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, we visit Dolmabahce Palace. Dolmabahce was built between 1843 and 1856 by Armenian architect Garabet Balyan and commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid I, the 31st Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The palace design and décor reflects the increasing influence of European cultural standards on Ottoman culture. Neo-Classic, Baroque, Rococo and Ottoman styles all blend together into glittering opulence and grandeur. The 45,000 square metre palace cost a mere five million Ottoman gold pounds, the equivalent of 35 tonnes of gold— 14 tonnes of which went into the decoration alone. Then we will board Bosphorus Cruise; Along the shores of the legendary Bosphorus, the natural gateway that divides Asia and Europe. Numerous summer palaces and palatial homes will pass by on either side. After lunch, visit famous Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar (or Covered Bazaar, Turkish: Kapalıçarşı) in Istanbul is one of the largest covered markets in the world with more than 58 streets and 4,000 shops, and has between 250,000. After dinner transfer to hotel.

Day 4 –Istanbul (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast , visit Basilica Cistern; this subterranean structure's name derives from a large public square on the First Hill of Constantinople, the Stoa Basilica, beneath which it was constructed. According to ancient historians, Emperor Constantine constructed a structure which was later rebuilt and enlarged by Emperor Justinian after the Nika riots of 532. Then visit St Sophia Museum ( Hagia Sophia ) is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Of great artistic value was its decorated interior with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings. After lunch, visit Spice Bazaar. There are several documents suggesting the name of the bazaar was first "New Bazaar". However, due to the fact that many spices were imported via Egypt in the Ottoman period, the name "Misir Carsisi" was favoured by the public. The word misir has a double meaning in Turkish: "Egypt" and "maize". Transfer to hotel.

Day 5 Istanbul (Breakfast)

After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to homebound…

END OF TOURS

PRICE PER PERSON IN USD (GROUND ARRANGEMENT ONLY)

Hotel used or similar

INCLUDED:

1. 02/09 PAX = 16 SEATER AIR CONDITIONED COACH FOR SIGHTSEEING & TRANSFERS
2. 10/24 PAX = 30 SEATER AIR CONDITIONED COACH FOR SIGHTSEEING & TRANSFERS
3. 25/44 PAX = 48 SEATER AIR CONDITIONED COACH FOR SIGHTSEEING & TRANSFERS
4. 25/44 PAX = 48 SEATER AIR CONDITIONED COACH FOR SIGHTSEEING & TRANSFERS
5. LICENSED ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE
6. ENTRANCE FEES FOR MUSEUMS & SIGHTSEEING
7. PORTERAGE AT HOTELS
8. MEALS INDICATED AS ABOVE
9. WATER DURING LUNCHES & DINNERS
10. DAILY 2 SMALL BOTTLES OF WATER ON THE COACH
11. FREE WIFI IN THE COACH

NOT INCLUDED:

1. TIPPING TO GUIDE & DRIVER: 5 US$ FOR GUIDE 3 US$ FOR DRIVER PER PERSON PER DAY ( 2-10 PAX )
2. TIPPING TO GUIDE & DRIVER: 3 US$ FOR GUIDE 2 US$ FOR DRIVER PER PERSON PER DAY ( 11-44 PAX )
3. ITEMS NOT SPECIALLY MENTIONED ABOVE AND/OR IN THE ITINERARY
4. INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC FLIGHT / TAX

REMARKS:

1. Quotation based on normal contract rate, if travel fall on trade fair / congress /expo, GoTravel Holiday reserves the right to accommodate the group near or outside from the City or surcharge will apply we necessary