Have you long dreamed of being in the most important and largest city in Turkey? Visit places of power, filled with unique energy? Do you see architectural monuments from different historical eras? Side Istanbul Day Trip will show you all the possible colors of a modern metropolis!
Your bright and informative journey will begin with a visit to the Blue Mosque – Sultan Ahmet. You can see the only mosque in the world with six minarets. Only the most expensive stones and rarer marble were used during the construction of the Blue Mosque. It will be interesting for you to see the main ceramic motifs of the Turkish mosque, as well as sayings from the Holy Quran.
You will visit Sultan Ahmed Square. Today it is the center of Istanbul’s cultural, historical and tourist heritage. Don’t miss the opportunity to see ancient monuments such as the ” German Fountain “, the ” Egyptian Obelisk ” and many others that are no longer preserved today. The ancient hippodrome, now in Sultan Ahmet Square, was the site of chariot races during the heyday of the Byzantine Empire. You will also see this large scale architectural monument.
You will travel to the famous Topkapi Palace, known for its unparalleled luxury and centuries of history. At all times it served as a home for the great sultans and their nobles. The architecture of the palace will fascinate you as this place hides many mysteries and mysteries. Being there will transport you to ancient times when the great chronicle of the Ottoman Empire was written in the palace.
You will also visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Really Hagia Sophia is the main attraction of Istanbul. From the example of this cathedral, you can easily see how one era superimposed on another, replacing faith and religion. By the will of Sultan Mehmed II in 1453, the cathedral became a mosque. Despite this, you can see the preserved Byzantine frescoes and mosaics that were not destroyed earlier.
The famous Egyptian bazaar, full of bright colors and aromas, will not leave you indifferent to Turkish sweets and spices. You can bring a piece of Turkish country culture into your home by buying souvenirs for you and your loved ones.
You will also have an unforgettable boat ride along the evening Bosphorus. On a yacht you will take a mini tour to the most beautiful and fascinating places of Istanbul, from where you will have a view of the mighty palaces, fortresses, towers and luxurious villas. This walk will relax you, allowing you to take a break from a long, tiring day and marvel at the beauty of the area.
Side Istanbul Day Trip will take you back in time and give you the most vivid memories and warm feelings!
Side Istanbul Day Tour price is 250 Euro for adults, 250 Euro for children from 2 to 11 years old and for children under 2 years old free.
Please note that we have ‘no hidden costs’
Tour days: Wednesday – Saturday
Tour duration: 04:00 – 21:00
Side Hotels Transfer: Pick up from your hotel
At a pre-arranged time, comfortable transportation will depart to your hotel for transfer to the airport. The day before departure you will be informed of the exact opening times. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met by a car and an accompanying English speaking guide. This is where your journey through the ancient city begins.
You will visit the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, walk along the square of the same name and see historical monuments in this area. Then you will have a hearty lunch and after that you will have time for independent pastime in Sultan Ahmet Square.
Afterwards, visit Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia Mosque, and the Egyptian Bazaar, where you can shop for souvenirs and spices. You will then take a cruise on a yacht along the Bosphorus and dinner that will conclude the excursion. In the evening you will be taken to the airport. When you arrive, a comfortable bus will be waiting for you to take you back to the hotel.
You will visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque , which in its uniqueness and monumentality is not inferior to other architectural monuments. The construction of the mosque dates back to 1609. Then Sultan Ahmed I was only 19 years old. The legends say that the sultan wanted to repent before Allah for the sins committed in his youth and to appease him by building a mosque.
You can see the only mosque in the world with six minarets. A huge hall flooded with light, powerful columns on which the main dome of the Blue Mosque rests, covered with magnificent carpets of red, crimson and cherry flowers, blue and blue tiles by Turkish masters will deeply impress you!
Next, visit the sprawling Sultan Ahmed Square, located right next to the Blue Mosque. It got its name in honor of Sultan Ahmed, he played an important role in the beautification of Istanbul. During the heyday of the Byzantine Empire, part of the square was occupied by the Hippodrome. It could hold about 100,000 people. Various events and horse races were held there.
In the western part of the Hippodrome is the octagonal building of the German Fountain , which opened in 1901. The fountain is made in neo-Byzantine style and decorated with a beautiful gold mosaic on the inside. This building was donated to Turkey by Germany in 1898. You will be amazed by the preserved historical monuments with a long history and the incredible atmosphere throughout the square!
To refresh yourself before heading to other Istanbul sights, you will be sent to a Turkish restaurant where you will be warmly welcomed and deliciously fed. They are cooked with chicken with rice, meat patties and a fresh vegetable salad. After lunch you have time for a leisurely stroll around Sultan Ahmed Square.
Next, visit the most visited museum in Istanbul and one of the most unique museums in the world – Topkapi Palace. This place served as the seat of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years until Mahmud II turned the main center of the empire into the Dolmabahce Palace. In the halls of the museum you can see the collections presented here of candlesticks and golden candelabras, placemats made of gold and silver, music boxes made of ivory made by Indian craftsmen, ancient hookah instruments decorated with precious stones, as well as ceremonial robes of sultans and their nobles.
You will be particularly interested in the chambers of the harem, which are notable for their luxury and richness of decoration. The view from the panorama of Topkapi Palace will not leave you indifferent to the city of Istanbul either!
After that, go to Hagia Sophia Mosque. The opening of the Sophia Cathedral took place in 532 under Emperor Justinian. You will learn that the construction of the cathedral consumed a total of three years’ income from the Byzantine Empire. On the day of the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II ordered the cathedral to be turned into a mosque.
Then four minarets were added to the cathedral, and the destruction of all commemorative frescoes and mosaics actively began. Despite this, part of the Christian painting was not torn down. You can see it in the Cathedral. You will be particularly impressed by the image of John the Baptist, located under the arches of a huge dome.
It will be hard to believe that this was handcrafted with mosaics. Also in the Sophia Cathedral is the copper-covered “Column of Wine”. There is a legend that if you put your hand in the hole and make a wish, it will surely come true. Hagia Sophia Mosque will give you real joy and peace!
Next, visit the Egyptian Bazaar. It is known for its unique environment and wide range of oriental sweets and spices. Here you will have time to shop for souvenirs in the shops, aromatic spices for cooking, delicious Turkish sweets and various attributes of Istanbul culture.
The construction of the Egyptian bazaar began in 1579 and lasted 67 years! The bazaar got its name in honor of the historical era when all ships and vessels with spices and cotton from India were sent through Egypt for sale.
A unique and interesting journey on a yacht along the Bosphorus will take place for you. In 1.5 hours you will have time to see the evening landscapes of Istanbul and admire the local architectural culture. You will sail past a small island of Maiden’s Tower in the middle of the strait with an amazing legend and history. You will be amazed by the legendary Rumeli Hisar Fortress, which became the main assistant in the conquest of Istanbul. You will be mesmerized by the relaxed environment and the view in front of you.
After an exciting tour of Istanbul, enjoy a delicious and hearty dinner at a local restaurant. Chicken kebabs, Turkish meat chops, rice and a wide range of light snacks are prepared for you. On request you can buy drinks for an additional fee.
After the excursion, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport, from where you will fly to Antalya. The car is already waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel in Side.
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