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Istanbul embraces two continents, one arm reaching out to Asia, the other to Europe. Through the city's heart, the Bosphorus strait, courses the waters of the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. The former capital of three successive empires - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman - today Istanbul honors and preserves the legacy of its past while looking forward to its modern future. Indeed, it is Istanbul's variety that fascinates its visitors. The museums, churches, palaces, great mosques, bazaars and sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible. As you recline on the shores of the Bosphorus at sunset, contemplating the red twilight reflected in the windows on the opposite shore, you understand, suddenly and profoundly, why so many centuries ago settlers chose to build on this remarkable site. At times such as these, you feel that Istanbul is truly one of the most glorious cities in the world.

General Note = If your group has a particular area of interest (such as Cultural, Historical, Religious or Archaeological) then please let us know and we will do all we can to tailor your tour and guide to this interest.

Lunch Break Note = Our private tours do not include lunch but if you would like to and up to the availability of your time in Port and your chosen tour we are happy to stop for a lunch break. There are many options for lunch and you can discuss on the day with your guide as the type of food you would like to try and your budget and you can pay for lunch and drinks directly once you are there. You will need to add on at least 30 mins to the duration of our tours as indicated to include a lunch break.

P01 |  ISTANBUL HAGIA (St.) SOPHIA + BLUE MOSQUE + HIPPODROME
You will be met by your guide at the Port of Istanbul where you will begin your Private Istanbul Tour. First we will visit "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Hagia (St.) Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. Hippodrome, center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of heodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome. Grand Covered Bazaar, Most attractive shopping center and biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenirs. Once the tour has finished you will be returned to the Port of Istanbul.

INCLUDES = Pick up & drop-off at Port of Istanbul, A/C private transportation, Professional guide, Entrance fees.
CLOSED = Grand Covered Bazaar on Sunday, Hagia Sophia on Monday.
DURATION = approx 4-5 Hours
  

P02 |  ISTANBUL BLUE MOSQUE + TOPKAPI PALACE + UNDERGRAUND CISTERN
You will be met by your guide at the Port of Istanbul where you will begin your Private Istanbul Tour. First we will visit the "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. Topkapı Palace The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of cyrstal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. UnderGround Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı) In this historical place one discovers the grandiose nature of the past when touring through Istanbul's largest and most magnificent underground Cistern. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century to supply water to the near-by palace complex, the cistern has a total of 336 decorated columns. Grand Covered Bazaar, Most attractive shopping center and biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenirs. Once the tour has finished you will be returned to the Port of Istanbul.

INCLUDES = Pick up & drop-off at Port of Istanbul, A/C private transportation, Professional guide, Entrance fees.
CLOSED = Topkapi Palace on Tuesday, Grand Covered Bazaar on Sunday
DURATION = approx 4 - 5 Hours

P03 |  ISTANBUL UNDERGRAUND CISTERN + TURKISH ISLAMIC ART MUSEUM + HIPPODROMME
You will be met by your guide at the Port of Istanbul where you will begin your Private Istanbul Tour. First we will visit UnderGround Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı) In this historical place one discovers the grandiose nature of the past when touring through Istanbul's largest and most magnificent underground Cistern. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century to supply water to the near-by palace complex, the cistern has a total of 336 decorated columns. Then visit Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum and Hippodrome, center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of heodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome. Grand Covered Bazaar, Most attractive shopping center and biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenirs. Once the tour has finished you will be returned to the Port of Istanbul.

INCLUDES = Pick up & drop-off at Port of Istanbul, A/C private transportation, Professional guide, Entrance fees.
CLOSED = Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum on Monday, Grand Covered Bazaar on Sunday
DURATION = approx 4-5 Hours

P04 |  ISTANBUL KARIYE MUSEUM + SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE + TOPKAPI PALACE
You will be met by your guide at the Port of Istanbul where you will begin your Private Istanbul Tour. First we will visit Kariye Museum (Church of St. Saviour) and the Walls then drive old city center and visit Suleymaniye Mosque The mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent was built between 1550 and 1557 by the famous architect Sinan whose wish was to surpass the builders of St. Sophia which is conspicuous from its great size, emphasized by the four minarets rising one from each corner of the courtyard. Topkapı Palace The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of cyrstal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Grand Covered Bazaar, Most attractive shopping center and biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenirs. Once the tour has finished you will be returned to the Port of Istanbul.

INCLUDES = Pick up & drop-off at Port of Istanbul, A/C private transportation, Professional guide, Entrance fees.
CLOSED = Kariye Museum Wednesday, Topkapi Palace on Tuesday, Grand Covered Bazaar on Sunday
DURATION = approx 4 - 5 Hours

P05 |  ISTANBUL DOLMABAHCE PALACE + CAMLICA HILL
You will be met by your guide at the Port of Istanbul where you will begin your Private Istanbul Tour. First we will visit DOLMABAHCE PALACE the last residence for Ottoman Sultans with 365 rooms and 22 saloons. Famous with the great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4.5 tons chandelier. BOSPHORUS BRIDGE unique chance to step from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in 2 minutes. Caffe - Tea break at CAMLICA HILL exposing a panoramic view of Istanbul and Bosphorus from the best point of view. Once the tour has finished you will be returned to the Port of Istanbul.

INCLUDES = Pick up & drop-off at Port of Istanbul, A/C private transportation, Professional guide, Entrance fees.
CLOSED = Dolmabahce Palace on Monday, Thursday
DURATION = approx 4 - 5 Hours

P06 |  ISTANBUL HAGIA (St.) SOPHIA + BLUE MOSQUE + HIPPODROME + TOPKAPI PALACE
You will be met by your guide at the Port of Istanbul where you will begin your Private Istanbul Tour. First we will visit the "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Hagia (St.) Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Then we will visit Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. Hippodrome, center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of heodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome. Topkapı Palace The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of cyrstal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Grand Covered Bazaar, Most attractive shopping center and biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenirs. Once the tour has finished you will be returned to the Port of Istanbul.

INCLUDES = Pick up & drop-off at Port of Istanbul, A/C private transportation, Professional guide, Entrance fees.
CLOSED = Topkapi Palace on Tuesday, Hagia Sophia on Monday, Grand Covered Bazaar on Sunday
DURATION = approx 7 - 8 Hours

For other alternative Istanbul Tour itineraries please e-mail your requirements to info@easyistanbultours.com