For holiday makers coming from Europe a weekend in Istanbul can be quite an experience trying to cram in all there is to do in the city. The key is to arrive early enough on Friday and leave as late as you can on Sunday or even Monday morning. This would be a great plan for your weekend in Istanbul. Tourka.com are offering a super inexpensive package for those who would like a glimpse of this fascinating city, all based from a four star city centre hotel with a tour guide and air conditioned chauffeur driven car.
Day 1 : Home / Istanbul
: Arrive in Istanbul at Ataturk International Airport the only city in the world that spans two continents. You will be met with a friendly "merhaba" (hello) from your English speaking guide and driver who will escort you to your hotel for check-in. After a few hours of relaxing in your room you will have a delicious Turkish meal at your hotel. Turkish cuisine is rated as one of the three most sophisticated and refined cuisines in the world along with French and Chinese.
Day 2 : Istanbul Touring :
Morning tour of the area around town. This tour will include both Ottoman and Byzantine relics. Your first stop will be at the Roman Hippodrome area to see the famous Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpentine Column. You will go inside the Blue Mosque, a great masterpiece of Turkish architecture with the interior walls decorated by brilliant blue tiles. You will proceed to the nearby 6th century Byzantine cathedral, Hagia Sophia, one of the most architecturally important buildings in the world.
After lunch visit to the Topkapi Palace that was the residence of the Sultans, see many of the extravagant objects with which the Sultans surrounded themselves. From the palace we will proceed to Grand Bazaar. Shopaholics will be thrilled at the biggest covered bazaar which has more than 4500 shops.
Day 3 : Istanbul Touring :
Morning departure with your guide for a drive over the Galata Bridge which spans the Golden Horn that divides Old Istanbul from Pera (new Istanbul). Your drive through Pera will lead you to the Dolmabahce Palace on the banks of the Bosphorus where you will start your tour. The palace was the last residence of the Ottoman Sultans and is believed to be one of the most expensive and ostentatious palaces in the world. After the palace proceed to the Kabatas Port and board your boat for a cruise on the Bosphorus past old Ottoman palaces and well preserved castles. After you dock on the Asia part of Istanbul you will proceed to Camlica Hill to see excellent panorama of the city from the best point.
Day 4 : Free time - Istanbul / Home :
Morning is free to explore on your own. Sultanahmet (Old Istanbul) is the site on which the city was founded in 666 BC. Pera (New Istanbul) is across the Galata Bridge. Taxis and trams are plentiful. Meeting at the lobby and transfer to airport for final departure to home...
Per Person in Double Room : 245 Euro
Including:
3 Nights Accommodation at 4**** centre located hotels, tours and entrance fees, meals per itinerary, English speaking-licensed tour guide, ground transportation by air conditioned vehicle
For more information contact www.tourka.com
