At night, Istanbul is no less beautiful than during the day. Night Bosphorus is wonderful: palaces and rich mansions, beautiful seashores and magnificent parks. During an exciting night tour, enjoying views of the Bosphorus, you take a small cruise on the ship, where you will be offered dinner and musical program.
The visual highlights which the boat passes are Dolmabahche Palace, Besiktas neighborhood and Ortakoy Mosque on the European side, the first and second Bosphorus Bridges and Berleybeyi Palace on the Asian shore.
Vialand --- the largest amusement park in Turkey for both children and adults. It is located in Eyup district and covers an area of 600,000 m2. and the cost of the project---more than 640 million dollars. What will surprise visitors to the Turkish Disneyland? Of course its unique attractions. Dizzying roller coaster for those who love the adrenaline. It reaches a speed of 110 km / h in just a few seconds. The stormy mountain river on which fall on rafts 700 m, the room for fear in the dungeon, King Kong attraction at a height of 15 meters and more. The day's itinerary also includes a visit to one or two shopping centres - a chance to indulge in retail therapy.
Located in Buyukcekmece, the park is the largest of its' kind in Istanbul. Featuring both olympic and semi-olympic sized pools, the venue also has a number of waterslides, rafting and waterfall simulators as well as live music entertainment and animation. For guests' convenience, there is also a shop, lockers, showers and changing rooms.You can enjoy water sports: diving, water shows and various other water games. Aqua Marine is the largest swimming pool in Turkey. Remember to bring swimwear.
Popular with the city inhabitants of Istanbul, this beachside resort is located approximately 60 km west of the city. Ideal for those visiting Istanbul and looking for a day of relaxation including swimming, spa amenities and light games, guests can enjoy the facilities of a beachside hotel and take advantage of the nearby beach with a dip in the Marmara Sea.
The hotel in the seaside town of Kumburgaz near Istanbul is only a few minutes’ walk to the beach. It offers outdoor and indoor swimming pools, water slides, fitness center, spa, solarium, playground, billiards, table tennis, sauna, Turkish bath (massage is extra charged).
You will see an authentic belly dance of Eastern beauties, Turkish wedding staging and theatrical history of the Ottoman Empire. At dinner you will be offered delicious dishes of national Turkish cuisine and alcoholic / non--alcoholic local beverages (2 servings). This wonderful evening will end up with disco, during which the European and Turkish music will be played.
The dance being performed is that of the Whirling Dervish, which has its' roots in Sufism and is derived from the great Muslim poet and mystic, Rumi (13th century). In their distinctive costumes, the dancers represent the human being's spiritual journey, an ascent by means of intelligence and love to Perfection.
This dance theater is located in the center of the historical peninsula of Istanbul and has been converted from a 550 year old historical Turkish bath called Hodzhapasha Hamami in 2008. It was originally built by Hodja Sinan Pasha, who was a teacher and mentor of Fatih Sultan Mehmet during 1470. It was a public hamam, for both men and women. The hamam was relatively large, with a high dome, made of ashlars and its angular walls were designed as a peacock's tail.
Cooking in Turkey is proud to be Istanbul’s most popular cooking class. Located in the iconic Istanbul location, Sultanahmet, join us on a culinary adventure with our Expert Chef. Classes range for two hours catering for kitchen novices to cooking enthusiasts. Our Professional chef has unrivaled experience working in a traditional Turkish kitchen and his expert knowledge has influenced the fantastic range of cooking classes in Istanbul. Our cooking class is suitable for cooks of all abilities and have been carefully crafted to give you the know – how and confidence you need to cook in Turkish food again at home.
Here is how the tour will be operated: Our guide will pick you from your hotel (so you do not worry how to find us!) and then will drive you to Deraliye Restaurant, the venue of your cooking class. Following your class that will last about two hours, you will join a delicious lunch or dinner prepared by the Chef from Ottoman Palace recipes. So please do come and be part of this exciting food adventure that will enrich your Turkish Culinary Odyssey!
Istanbul is proud to have the most popular cooking class. Located in the iconic Istanbul location, Sultanahmet, join us on a culinary adventure with our Expert Chef. Classes range for two hours catering for kitchen novices to cooking enthusiasts. Our Professional chef has unrivalled experience working in a traditional Turkish kitchen and his expert knowledge has influenced the fantastic range of cooking classes in Istanbul. Our cooking class is suitable for cooks of all abilities and have been carefully crafted to give you the ‘know–how’ and confidence you need to cook Turkish food again at home.
Coffee is a national drink of Turkey that has a long historical tradition starting from when the Ottomans brought the first coffee beans to Istanbul in 1519. The tour begins with a “Coffee Route” – where we will have coffee tasting in historical venues passing tiny streets, historical walkways, intriguing old bazaars and Ottoman coffee storages. On route we will visit Haci Bekir, Confectioner, specialised in traditional sweets such as Turkish delight, hard candy. The Tour finishes with a Turkish coffee making course where participants will get a certificate at the end.
Visit the mesmerising ancient site of Hagia Sophia and marvel at this masterpiece of Byzantium history Take in the majestic Blue Mosque and learn about the delicate, intricate work that makes up this world-famous site Listen to colourful stories of sultans at Topkapi Palace and explore all the site’s ancient treasures. Enjoy a tasty Turkish lunch with locals in a hidden café Haggle with local vendors and get lost in the labyrinth of alleys that make up the famous Grand Bazaar integral part of Turkish history. Chariot races once took place along this strip, which was also home to the notorious Nika riots — a dramatic political protest in 532 AD that led to the massacre of tens of thousands of people.
Need a break? We’ll step back to the present and join the locals as we lunch in a hidden café. You’ll enjoy friendly conversation with members of the community and learn about daily life in Istanbul. Once you’re filled with Turkish cuisine, Topkapi Palace awaits. This opulent complex overlooking the Bosphorus is a true Istanbul treasure, with many colourful stories about the rich sultans who lived there between 1453 and 1839. Lastly, you’ll seek out treasures of a different kind in Istanbul’s famed Grand Bazaar, which offers up 3,000 shops to explore along 61 streets. Meet a few of the local characters, perfect your haggling skills, have a true Turkish coffee, and shop till you drop. Note that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, so if you choose a Sunday departure, you’ll explore the nearby vibrant Spice Market, filled with delectable and colourful Turkish spices, treats, coffees, and teas.
Either I conquer Istanbul or Istanbul conquers me. – Fatih Sultan Mehmet. Journey in the footsteps of the city’s most famous ruler and conquer Istanbul in just a day. This is the ultimate all-in-one introduction to the sites everyone must see in Istanbul, with a locals-know twist. Visit Turkey’s iconic historic spots such as the jaw-dropping Hagia Sofia, the beautiful Blue Mosque, and the pretty, tree-lined ancient Hippodrome, and learn how Istanbul has stood strong through the centuries. Eat a tasty Turkish lunch with locals at a hidden café, then listen to stories of how generations of sultans lived at the grand Topkapi Palace, overlooking the gorgeous Bosphorus Strait. Finish it all off with a backstreet tour and some good-natured haggling with local artisans in the Grand Bazaar.
Eat delicious Turkish street food just like the locals do, tasting from the best food carts, street cafés, and other secret spots. Visit a traditional tavern, known as a meyhane, and sample the Turkish alcoholic drink of choice, raki. Hang out with locals in-the-know and enjoy a Turkish coffee in a backstreet café. Stroll through hidden alleyways and learn about the unique food culture of this ancient city that borders both Europe and Asia.
A short journey from Karaköy on the world’s second oldest funicular will take you to the heart of Istanbul’s food scene on this culinary city tour, where you’ll wander through back streets and hidden laneways, feasting as you go. Your local guide will offer insight into the intricacies and traditions of Turkish food culture, and explain about the ingredients and origins of Turkey’s most popular dishes.
Start your Istanbul food tour with some borek, a delicious flaky pastry consisting of several thin layers filled with local cheeses, potato, or meat. Wash it down with a cup of ayran, a yogurt drink that’s considered by many to be the national beverage of Turkey.
Next, you’ll take part in a true local tradition; at the end of a long work day, many Istanbulites sit down for some drinks, tasty food, and good conversation with friends. We’ll pull up a seat at a traditional meyhane (tavern) and join the local scene before moving on to a hidden tea house, famous as a meeting place of the Young Turks political movement from the early 20th century. Moving on, we sample delectable treats from locals’ favourite street food carts, including içli kofte (deep-fried meat balls) and midye dolma (mussels stuffed with rice).
Next, you’ll cleanse the palate with a sample of Turkish delight in the gorgeous, historic Cicek Passage, before grabbing some of Turkey’s famed baklava and çikolata (chocolate) or ice cream from Maras. The tour finishes in the famed entertainment district of Taksim Square; here you’ll stroll the atmospheric backstreets and finish at an alfresco café and bar that’s a popular local haunt with awesome street art and graffiti.
This half day morning tour explores the magnificent buildings of the Old City, visiting Suleymaniye Mosque, the Hippodrome, The Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar.
Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent - Built by the master architect Sinan, Istanbul’s largest mosque represents the power and dignity of one of the greatest Ottoman sultans.
Hippodrome – Once the centre for sports and entertainment in old Constantinople, the Roman capital, it was also a very important centre for politics.
The Blue Mosque – Named after the delicate designs of the Ottoman tiles which decorate the walls of the shrine, the mosque is identifiable by its’ six minarets.
Haghia Sophia – Boasting the 4th largest dome in the world, this stunning building began as a Byzantine basilica built in the 6th century AD during the reign of Justinian and was an architectural innovation at the time. Converted to a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of the city, by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453, it was converted to a museum in 1935 and is a ‘must-see’ on a visit to Istanbul.
Grand Bazaar – This world-famous covered bazaar is where people have been trading diamonds, carpets, leather, copperware, food and perfumes for centuries and is steeped in mystique. A short demonstration of Turkish rugs is included in the tour.
This afternoon tour explores the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the Imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the tombs of five sultans in the graveyard of Hagia Sophia.
The Ottoman Sultans lived in Topkapi Palace from the 15th to the 19th century. Its design, initially devised by Sultan Mehmed himself and then enhanced by the architect Sinan, hides clues of the rituals of the structure of Ottoman hierarchy and the running of state affairs.
Home to the imperial treasury and the cabinet, as well as being the site of the barracks for the Janissaries, the elite of the army, every corner of the palace tells about the splendour of the Ottomans. Apart from the priceless treasury, a distinguished collection of Chinese porcelains, holy relics, sultan’s costumes and imperial weaponry are exhibited in different sections of the palace.
There are five tombs of Ottoman Sultans within the graveyard at Hagia Sophia. Each of the five tombs actually houses the sultan as well as his family. Each one is individually designed with different decorations, including works by Mimar Sinan. The ceramic panels are the most beautiful examples of the 16th century with purple, red, green and blue flower motives.
Discovering the delights of the old city such as the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, the Mosque of Suleiman, the Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar, this tour is a full day with lunch in a local restaurant included and an afternoon spent exploring the Topkapi Palace and the tombs of five sultans in the graveyard at Haghia Sophia.
Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent - Built by the master architect, Sinan, Istanbul’s largest mosque represents the power and dignity of one of the greatest Ottoman sultans.
Hippodrome – Once the centre for sports and entertainment in old Constantinople, the Roman capital, it was also a very important centre for politics.
The Blue Mosque – Named after the delicate designs of the Ottoman tiles which decorate the walls of the shrine, the mosque is identifiable by its’ six minarets.
Haghia Sophia – Boasting the 4th largest dome in the world, this stunning building began as a Byzantine basilica built in the 6th century AD during the reign of Justinian and was an architectural innovation at the time. Converted to a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of the city, by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453, it was converted to a museum in 1935 and is a ‘must-see’ on a visit to Istanbul.
Grand Bazaar – This world-famous covered bazaar is where people have been trading diamonds, carpets, leather, copperware, food and perfumes for centuries and is steeped in mystique. A short demonstration of Turkish rugs is included in the tour.
Topkapi Palace had been the Imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th century. Its design, initially devised by Sultan Mehmed himself and then enhanced by the architect Sinan, hides clues of the rituals of the structure of Ottoman hierarchy and the running of state affairs. Home to the imperial treasury and the cabinet, as well as being the site of the barracks for the Janissaries, the elite of the army, every corner of the palace tells about the splendour of the Ottomans. Apart from the priceless treasury, a distinguished collection of Chinese porcelains, holy relics, sultan’s costumes and imperial weaponry are exhibited in different sections of the palace.
There are five tombs of Ottoman Sultans within the graveyard at Hagia Sophia. Each of the five tombs actually houses the sultan as well as his family. Each one is individually designed with different decorations, including works by Mimar Sinan. The ceramic panels are the most beautiful examples of the 16th century with purple, red, green and blue flower motives.
This half day morning tour explores some of the Asian side of the city crossing the Bosphorous and visiting Camlica Hill, Beylerbeyi Palace and Baghdad street.
Beginning with the Bosphorous Bridge, which connects the European and the Asian sides of Istanbul, this was built in built in 1973 and affords a spectacular view of Istanbul’s modern and ancient sites while travelling over 60 metres above sea level.
The highest point in Istanbul is Camlica Hill and we stop here for a panoramic view over the city provided that Istanbul chooses to show its beauties and blesses the visitors with a clear day. Moving on from here we visit Beylerbeyi Palace, one of the largest, lavishly furnished 19th century summer residences of the Ottoman sultans. The rooms are kept with their original furniture and visitors can imagine being house guests to the Imperial family.
The tour culminates with a trip to Baghdad Street, once the grouping point for the merchants who were set to travel the ancient Silk Road, this popular street on the Asian side of Istanbul has elegant boutiques and shopping alternatives. This will be a perfect chance to see the urban lifestyle of modern Istanbul.
Available in the afternoon, this is a great way to capture the ‘essence’ of this amazing city. The cruise of the Bosphorous will start at Kabatas pier and while cruising along the Asian and European shores, you will be surprised to see the harmony of Ottoman and modern architecture, as well as having an opportunity to see the major highlights of the city’s fairy tale-like skyline from the sea.
A poet once described the Bosphorous as “God’s beautiful calligraphy written by an ink made of sapphires”. This strait, separating (and connecting) two continents that form the two faces of the city, takes its name from a mythological legend. Ever since those ancient times, it has marvelled people with its beauty.
Along the cruise, you will pass by the Rumeli Fortress, built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror; Ortakoy, a very famous area for handicrafts and nightlife; Bebek, a popular wealthy residential district under the Ottoman rule, and continues to be so today; Besiktas, a commercial district of the new city; Dolmabahce, the magnificent 19th century palace, which was the home to the Ottoman Sultans in the last century of the Empire; Ciragan Palace, a magnificent marble palace built by Sultan Abdulaziz and designed and constructed by the Balyan family between 1863 and 1867; today it serves as luxury suites for the five star Kempinski hotel; Kizkulesi (Maiden’s Tower), an ancient lighthouse which has inspired many legends; Yali (wooden wealthy houses) constructed by the water’s edge of the Bosphorous and usually built with an architectural concept that takes into account the characteristics of the coastal location, mostly dating from the 19th century; Beylerbeyi Palace, one of the largest, lavishly furnished 19th century summer residences of the Ottoman Sultans.
A short visit to the Spice Market is the surprise of the tour. In this oriental shopping area, where you experience the vibrant pulse of Istanbul at its best, rare spices, herbs, vegetables, fruits, live animals, flowers are sold. (Aphrodisiacs are available too!)