Istanbul is the only city in the world connecting two continents; One arm reaching out to Asia, the other to Europe. It stands on the shores of the uniquely beautiful “Bosphorus” where the waters of the Black Sea combine with those of the Marmara Sea and the Golden Horn. Istanbul is a province designed to be the capital and has been the capital of three empires, which used to dominate the world. Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. The historical city walls, runs about 16km in length surrounding Istanbul, protect not only the city but the memories of Theodosius II and Fatih Sultan Mehmet – the conqueror – as well. Today Istanbul honors and preserves the legacy of its past while looking forward to its modern future. Istanbul has so much to show; The museums, palaces, churches with arched domes, great mosques with tall minarets, oriental bazaars, American style shopping malls and natural beauties and many other wonderful sites worth seeing. Here are some samples of excursions, which may give you a brief idea about this magical and mysterious city.

Hippodrome: Built in the 4th century A.D. by Romans for sports activities such as horse races, chariot races, gladiator fights etc. And features the Obelisk of Theodosius, The Serpentine Column and the Brick Obelisk are decorating it next to the
St.Sophia-Hagia Sophia: (closed on mondays) This ancient basilica built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century A.D. It is one of the architectural marvels of all times with immense-largest dome on Earth and beautiful Byzantine mosaics. Used, as a mosque for about 500 years and now it is a museum. On Mondays when St.Sophia is closed guests may visit;
St.Chora Church Museum: (closed on tuesdays)Built in the 1321 and it has the best preserved mosaics and frescoes from the Byzantine times.
Basilica cistern: (closed on tuesdays) Built in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian as a water supply to the palace. Best preserved cistern in the world from Roman times with its 336 columns.

Sultanahmet Mosque: Built in the 17th century, facing St.Sophia. Also known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles.
Topkapı Palace: (closed on tuesdays) the great palace was built in 1478, a maze of buildings at the center of the Ottoman Empire where Sultans and their court lived ruled and governed the lands from here for nearly 400 years.
Grand Bazaar: It was built during the reign of Sultan Mehmet the conqueror in 1461, which includes old “Bedesten”. It has 18 gates, 65 streets about 4.000 shops, 5 mosques, 6 fountains etc. Nobody should think leave Istanbul without seeing the Grand Bazaar.

This is a nice combination of the tours, TM-1 & TM-2. Including lunch in a local restaurant.

This very special tour of Armenians will start with a visit to Armenian Patriarchate and Mayr Yegeghetzi in Kumkapi. With a pre-reservation could be possible to visit the patriarchate museum with its precious items. After having blessed by the priest we will continue to Yedikule Cemetery. This is greatest opportunity for the ones who have never (or at least for a long years) visit their grand parents and roots cemetery and to pray for the peace of their soul. Also put a small bunch of flowers for “Armenian Martyrs monument / Hayotz Nahadagatz shirim”. Then we will go to Azkayin Hivantanotz / Armenian Hospital and visit for Hospital’s small museum and have lunch with elderly people (Dzeranotz) living in hospital’s rest home. Then after visit to one of our schools Getronagan, Esayan, Sahakyan or any one else. Having chat with kids! Tour will continue on board of coach with seeing the master monuments of the city made by Armenian Architects. Finally, we will have a cup of tea (chay) in the garden of Dolmabahce Palace (built by BALYAN families) and remember our brilliant good old days.

A stay in Istanbul is not complete without an unforgettable boat excursion along the shores of Bosphorus- the winding waterway separating Europe and Asia. Lined with modern and old style wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses and small fishing villages.

Its shores offer delightfully surprising mixtures of past and present, splendor and simple beauty.

The best way of seeing Istanbul Straight is to board one of the special sightseeing ferry and having a full day tour of Bosphorus.

After disembarking at the North end, you may have a delightful lunch in one of the famous fish restaurants on the shore. Then after drive to the Asian side of Bosphorus by car (or coach), enjoying the dramatic views from Asia’s third-largest suspension bridge.

Visit the “Camlica Hill”-Istanbul highest point offer a panoramic views over the city and Marmara Sea. Late in the afternoon return to hotel.

(closed on mondays and thursdays) Built in the mid 19th century by Sultan Abdulmecit, it has an impressive 600m frontage along the shores of Bosphorus. The Palace contains 285 rooms, plus 43 major saloons, 6 large balconies and 6 Turkish baths, all richly and heavily decorated. A large collection of paintings, fantastic crystal chandeliers and imperial treasury add to the grandeur.
Yildiz Park: Laid out in the 19th century by Sultan Abdulhamit II, with a series of pavilions and residence in landscape grounds.

Tour begins with a visit to
St.Chora Church Museum: (closed on tuesdays) Built in the 1321 and it has the best-preserved mosaics and frescoes from the Byzantine times. Followed by a drive along the shores of Golden Horn to visit the
Mosque of Eyup Sultan: By the tradition each Ottoman sultan was girded here with the sword of Osman on his accession to the throne. Then a cup of Turkish coffee or tea at
Pierre Loti’s House: The 19th century French novelist who sat at a table in this teahouse when he was writing his sweetly sad romance of Istanbul. On the way back, a quick visit to the
Egyptian Bazaar-Spice Market: is the second biggest covered market which contains a number of shops selling spices and herbs, caviar, in addition to those selling jewelry, embroidery, and Turkish delight.

Between May – Oct. Transfer by car (or coach) to the pier and board a ferry to Büyükada (Prinkipo) the largest one of the 9 Islands in the Sea of Marmara. The cruise will pass within sight of Leander’s Tower, Kinali (Proti) Island, Burgaz (Antigone) Island and Heybeli (Chalki) Island. Upon disembarking lunch is provided at a fish restaurant right on the seashore. Then after a panoramic tour of the island by horse carriage. Return to the Asian site from where your car will return you to the hotel via the Bosporus Bridge with an excellent view of the city.

A four-hour informative and popular sightseeing tour to orient the guests to Istanbul or provide easy assistance for their shopping needs, such as; typical Turkish handicrafts, carpets, kilims, gold, jewelry, souvenirs, icons, leather, porcelain, crystal chandeliers, copper, watches, textiles, elegant fashion and internationally renowned labels.

A night tour and entertainment of Istanbul featuring the performances of famous Turkish belly dancers, folkloric musicians and cabaret stars while having a nice Turkish or European style dinner and drinks at one of the finest nightclubs in Istanbul.

The emphasis in these restaurants is on the show, not on the food, which consists of a fairly unspectacular typical tourist menu.

Be sure you will live an unforgettable Bosphorus night and have a dinner in one of the best fish restaurant of the city where you can find a selected menu of international or Turkish cuisines (an excellent view is free of charge) and outdoor seating possibility during summer.