Welcome to Athens. Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted by our airport representative, who will hold a sign with your name. You will then be transported to your hotel in a private van. Subsequently, you will have a free day to explore Athens at your leisure.

**Meeting our representative at the airport: details will be provided during the booking process.

Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast, you will be picked up for a visit to one of the world's oldest cities, where you’ll explore both ancient and modern Athens during this comprehensive tour. Our first stop will be Syntagma Square, where we’ll see the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, and the National Library. Next, we’ll proceed to the Prime Minister's Residence (Presidential Palace), guarded by the colorful Evzones, and the Zappeion (conference and exhibition hall). We’ll pass by the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch and make a brief stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first Olympic Games in 1896, before finally arriving at the Acropolis to visit the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, and Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens. Following this, we will enjoy a museum tour with a pleasant walk past Herodion and the Theatre of Dionysus to the new Acropolis Museum. Overnight in Athens.

Leisure on your own. With a recorded history spanning 3,000 years, Athens is naturally a treasure trove of historically and culturally significant ruins. You can embark on one of our daily tours on this free day, such as the Athens Food Tour or the Daily Delphi Tour. For additional options, please feel free to contact our sales office. Overnight in Athens.

Once you finish breakfast and check out, you'll be taken to Athens Airport for your flight to Istanbul. After a brief flight, you'll reach Istanbul. Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted by our airport representative, who will hold a sign with your name. You will then be transported to your hotel in a private van. After you check into your hotel, a representative from our company will meet you in the hotel lobby to provide your travel gear and share details regarding the remainder of your trip. Subsequently, you will have a free day to explore Istanbul at your leisure. You will spend the night at your Istanbul hotel.
**Meeting our representative at the airport: details will be provided during the booking process.

Your delightful, licensed guide will arrive at 09:30 a.m. to meet you at the lobby and take you to visit HIPPODROME, the center of sports activities, with its four monuments: the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Walled Obelisk.

The BLUE MOSQUE The most famous mosque of Istanbul is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its beautiful blue Iznik tiles.

GRAND-COVERED BAZAAR In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more than 4000 shops, with each trade having its area: the goldsmiths’ street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as handpainted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brassware, and trays, water ewers, onyx ware, and meerschaum pipers.

Optional :Exploring the Rich Heritage of Turkish Carpets and Kilims

Whether you’re taking a trip to Turkey or simply fantasizing about it, don’t overlook Turkish carpets and kilims. They are more than mere floor coverings; they're works of art that encompass history and culture. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Turkish carpets and kilims to discover their significance.

A Glimpse into the Past

Turkish carpets have a rich history that traces back to the Seljuks and Ottomans. Initially woven for practical reasons, such as keeping homes warm, they eventually became representations of wealth and social status. Exploring these carpets is akin to traveling through time, as every region of Turkey boasts its own distinct style and weaving technique.

(Grand Bazaar closed on Sunday, replaced with Arasta Bazaar)

This half-day program can be combined with the options below to create a full-day program.

(Visit is not possible on Friday due to Friday Prayer)

THE HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE This ancient basilica, built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, is one of the architectural marvels of all time. (Visit is not possible on Friday due to Friday Prayer)

HAGIA IRENE CHURCH was Built during the same period (4th century) as its neighbor, the Hagia Sophia. Hagia Irene Church means ‘’Godly’’ or ‘’Holy Wisdom’’ in Greek. After the conquest of Istanbul, it was incorporated into the grounds of Topkapı Palace and, like many other churches, was converted into a mosque. However, no significant changes were made to the building’s structure. (Hagia Irene Church closed on Tuesday)

TOPKAPI PALACE The grand palace of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries, housing an exquisite collection of precious gems, jewelry thrones of sultans, costumes worn by the sultans and their families; miniatures, the Holy Mantle; CHABER OF SACRED RELICS.

Overnight in İstanbul

Based on the location of your hotel, our guide will meet you in the lobby at either 08:30 or 09:00 AM. Subsequently, you will proceed to the port via public transportation to board the regularly scheduled tour boat departing from the pier adjacent to the Spice Market at 10:00 AM. The boat ride on the Bosphorus will extend approximately one hour and forty-five minutes, traversing up to the second bridge and meandering between two continents.

BOAT TRIP ON THE BOSPHORUS An unforgettable cruise between the two continents, EUROPE and ASIA, along the Bosphorus by the Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi Palaces, wooden villas and mansions up to the Rumeli Fortress.

THE RUMELI FORTRESS (FROM THE SEA) (NO INTERIOR VISIT)

İstanbul had been besieged many times before Mehmet the Conqueror took the city in 1453, but it managed to defend itself with the help of the Roman city walls.

Also visioned during the tours

ÇIRAĞAN PALACE * HOTEL KEMPINSKI* ORTAKÖY MOSQUE * MILITARY HIGH SCHOOL* BOSPHORUS BRIDGE connecting EUROPE & ASIA continents DOLAMBAHÇE PALACE from the sea.

SPICE MARKET: The Egyptian Bazaar was initially known as the "New Bazaar" and "Valide Bazaar" in the 17th century. However, it gained popularity in the mid-18th century as the"Egyptian Bazaar" because most of the spices and goods sold there came from Egypt. The name "Egyptian Bazaar" is more commonly used and can be found in travel books written by foreign travelers who visited the bazaar. In Constantinople by Edmondo de Amicis, dated 1874, the Egyptian Bazaar is described as a place where all the goods from India, Syria, Egypt, and Arabia are deposited. These goods are later converted into essences, pastilles, powders, and ointments used to color little hands and faces, perfume apartments and baths, and breaths and beards. They also reinvigorate worn-out pashas, dull the senses of unhappy married people, stupefy smokers, and spread dreams, oblivion, and insensibility throughout the vast city. After spending a short time in this bazaar, one's head begins to feel dull and heavy, and it's best to leave as soon as possible. However, the effect of the hot, close atmosphere and the penetrating odors lingers on one's clothing. It remains in memory as one of the most vivid and characteristic impressions of the East.

RUSTEM PASHA MOSQUE: The Rustem Pasha Mosque, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is an ancient mosque built by the Ottoman imperial architect Mimar Sinan. This mosque was constructed for the Grand Vizier Rustem Pasha, the son-in-law and minister of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The mosque is well-known for its beautiful tilework, which adorns the interior and exterior walls with floral and geometric patterns. The tiles are made of İznik pottery, a ceramic art that flourished in the 16th century.

BETA HAN (TURKISH COFFEE TASTING): The Han (Inn), known by different names in various historical documents, is called the Hassırdjılar Han in the Goad map and Tahmis Han in other sources. This Han has a unique story and holds significant value in Turkish history. Over the years, it has been called Emin Han, Tahmis Han, Hasırcılar Han, and Yeni Han. Despite suffering damage over time, the Han has reopened its doors as "Beta Yeni Han" after a renovation that has stayed true to its essence and spirit, carried out by Beta Gıda. Today, this magnificent Ottoman-era structure presents the architectural and visual elegance of Istanbul Eminönü to the world, thanks to the perfect renovation that blends modern dynamism with historical heritage.

**Drinks will be at your own expense.

This half-day program can be combined with the options below to create a full-day program.

Crossing from Europe to Asia via the Marmaray metro and experiencing local culture

MİHRİMAH SULTAN MOSQUE: The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, also known as Iskele Mosque, Jetty Mosque, Üsküdar Quay Mosque, is a famous Ottoman Mosque located in the historical center of Üsküdar municipality in Istanbul, Turkey. It is named after Mihrimah Sultan, the daughter of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and wife of Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha. This mosque is one of the two magnificent mosques she built. It was constructed between 1546 and 1548 under the supervision of the renowned architect Mimar Sinan. The mosque is on a raised platform with a spacious, high-vaulted basement, slender minarets, a single-domed Baldacchino, three semi-domes, and a double entrance. The mosque's architectural design reflects the hallmark of Sinan's mature style. The mosque's nickname comes from its location next to the ferry landing. The name "Mihr-î-Mah" means "Sun and Moon.”

EBRU ART EXPERIENCE: Join a small-group workshop in Istanbul and learn about the UNESCO-listed art form of 'Ebru,' also known as Turkish paper marbling. During this two-hour workshop, you will discover unique techniques dating back to Seljuk and Ottoman times. A local artist will demonstrate how color pigments, oily water, and paper can be transformed into mesmerizing artwork. With a maximum of eight participants, you can receive one-on-one tuition and practice your newly acquired skills.

Overnight in İstanbul

A complimentary day in Istanbul presents an excellent opportunity to further explore the city by navigating the vibrant Taksim district. Overnight in Istanbul.

Following breakfast, we will take you to the Airport based on your flight schedule. Our services conclude now, and we sincerely hope to welcome you as our guest again.