Day 01
Istiklal Avenue, Süleymaniye Mosque, Grand Bazaar and Bosphorus
- We begin our day at Galatasaray High School, located on the famous Istiklal Avenue, around 9 am. After meeting the group and a brief introduction, we walk through one of the most historic streets of modern Istanbul.
- Our first stop is the elegant Çiçek Pasajı, a charming 19th-century passage once known for its theaters and later famous for traditional restaurants and taverns.
- Continuing along Istiklal Avenue, we visit St. Anthony of Padua Church, the largest Catholic church in Istanbul and an important symbol of the city's multicultural past.
- The tour then continues to the historic courtyard of Narmanlı Han, once home to artists, writers, and intellectuals.
- Nearby, we reach Tünel, one of the oldest underground railway systems in the world.
- From there, we walk toward the area around Galata Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul.
- From this area, we enjoy beautiful views of the Golden Horn and the historic peninsula before continuing our journey toward the Old City.
- After a short metro ride, we arrive near Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the greatest masterpieces of Ottoman architecture, designed by the famous architect Mimar Sinan. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the mosque and its impressive courtyard while learning about the history of the Ottoman Empire.
- Following the mosque visit, we take a break for a light local lunch in the surrounding historic neighborhood.
- Our journey then continues to the famous Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Here, guests can experience traditional handicrafts, local products, and the lively atmosphere of Istanbul's historic trade center.
- To end the day, we travel to the waterfront for a relaxing public cruise along the Bosphorus, the natural waterway that separates Europe and Asia. During the cruise, guests can enjoy scenic views of the city's skyline, historic palaces, and waterfront mansions.
- After the cruise, the tour concludes near Galata Bridge, where we say goodbye and wish our guests a pleasant stay in Istanbul.
