Itinerary

1. Day 1: Full-Day Istanbul Tour – Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, Kaiser Wilhelm II Fountain, Ibrahim Pasha Palace

   • Meet your guide in the hotel lobby for an overview of the itinerary.

   • Visit Hagia Sophia, the 6th-century basilica commissioned by Emperor Justinian I. Explore the narthexes, nave, and gallery while learning about its historical significance.

   • Descend into the Basilica Cistern (Sunken Palace), featuring 336 columns and spanning 9,800 square meters, used historically as a water reservoir for the Greek Orthodox Patriarch.

   • Explore Hippodrome Square, observing monuments including the German Fountain, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and Walled Obelisk. Learn about imperial ceremonies and ancient public life.

   • Visit Ibrahim Pasha Palace, home to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, and admire examples of Turkish-Islamic art from the 16th century.

   • Return to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy an optional dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Turkish cuisine.

2. Day 2: Full-Day Istanbul Tour – Topkapı Palace, St. Irene’s Church, Sultanahmet Mosque, Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, Sokullu Pasha Mosque

   • Explore Topkapı Palace, the primary residence of Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Visit the first, second, and third courtyards, including the Church of St. Irene, palace kitchens, treasury, audience chamber, and chamber of holy relics.

   • Take a break at the historical restaurant within the palace complex.

   • Visit the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), known for its striking blue tiles and six minarets.

   • Explore the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Little Hagia Sophia), built by Emperor Justinian I.

   • Conclude the day with a visit to Sokullu Pasha Mosque, built in the 16th century for the grand vizier of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent.

   • Return to the hotel. Optionally, dine at a local restaurant specializing in Turkish fish dishes.

3. Day 3: Full-Day Istanbul Excursion – Bosphorus Bridge, Princes’ Islands, Büyükada, Çamlıca Hill, Üsküdar

   • Drive to the Asian side of Istanbul, crossing the Bosphorus Bridge.

   • Take a ferry to the Princes’ Islands and disembark at Büyükada. Enjoy a carriage ride, as motorized vehicles are prohibited.

   • Visit the Monastery Church of St. George and have free time to explore the island and enjoy lunch.

   • Return to the Asian side and visit Çamlıca Hill, Istanbul’s highest point.

   • Conclude with a visit to Üsküdar, historically known as Chrysopolis, and see the legendary Maiden’s Tower.

   • In winter, an alternative program includes a trip to Nicaea, site of the First and Second Ecumenical Councils.

   • Return to the hotel. Optional folklore evening dinner available locally.

4. Day 4: Full-Day Istanbul Excursion – Süleymaniye Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Bazaar, New City, Galata Quarter

   • Visit Süleymaniye Mosque, built by Sinan between 1550 and 1557 for Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent.

   • Explore the Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar for shopping and local experiences.

   • Visit the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, known for its exquisite Ottoman-era tiles.

   • Cross the Golden Horn to Istanbul’s New City. Walk along İstiklal Avenue, featuring a historic tram.

   • Explore the Galata Quarter, including the Mevlevi House Museum, and have free time to visit Galata Tower.

   Optional dinner at a local restaurant.

5. Day 5: Full-Day Istanbul Excursion – Blachernae Quarter, Chora Church, Eyüp Mosque, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate

   • Visit the Blachernae Quarter along the ancient city walls of Constantinople.

   • Explore Chora Church, famous for its mosaics.

   • Visit Eyüp Mosque, a pilgrimage site honoring the fallen standard-bearer of Prophet Muhammad.

   • Explore the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate on the Golden Horn.

   • Visit a carpet-weaving center to observe traditional craftsmanship.

   • Return to the hotel. Optional dinner featuring traditional Turkish specialties.

6. Day 6: Full-Day Istanbul Excursion – Archaeological Museum and Bosphorus Boat Tour

   • Visit the Archaeological Museum, Istanbul’s largest museum, featuring the Alexander Sarcophagus, colossal statue of Bes, Ephebe of Tralleis, head of Alexander the Great, discoveries from Troy, Hittite clay tablets, and other significant artifacts.

   • In the afternoon, enjoy a private Bosphorus boat tour toward the Black Sea, observing the beautiful wooden houses (yalı) along the coast.

   • Return to the hotel. Optionally, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant specializing in Turkish cuisine.