Istanbul – a city on the border of two worlds - join us on a sightseeing tour to Istanbul – the only city in the world that spans two continents, Europe and Asia. You will embark on a fascinating journey through history, cultures, and flavors that have blended here for centuries into a unique whole. Wander the streets of ancient Constantinople, visit famous landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, or the Topkapi Palace, where the powerful sultans of the Ottoman Empire once resided. Taste authentic Turkish tea, sweet baklava, and freshly prepared kebab, and immerse yourself in the scents of the legendary Grand Bazaar. More information about the difficulty of sightseeing tours HERE
day 1
Departure from Prague to Istanbul, a fascinating metropolis spanning two continents and two seas – a city that has served for centuries as a key crossroads between Europe and Asia. Upon arrival, transfer from the airport followed by a coach tour, giving you your first impressions of this historic yet modern city. Then, embark on a boat cruise along the Bosporus, offering stunning views of Istanbul's European and Asian shores, lined with elegant mosques, palaces, and villas of the Ottoman sultans. After the cruise, transfer to the hotel, check-in, and overnight stay.
day 2
After breakfast, we will set off on a guided walking tour of Istanbul's historic center. Our destination is the Sultanahmet district, the heart of ancient Constantinople. We will visit the famous Hagia Sophia (entry fee payable locally) – the 'Church of Divine Wisdom,' built by Emperor Justinian in 532 as the largest and most magnificent building of its time. This icon of Byzantine architecture, adorned with stunning mosaics, was later converted into a mosque and today serves as a museum and a symbol of cultural connection. Next, we will head to one of Istanbul's most beautiful mosques – the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), whose interior is decorated with thousands of hand-painted blue tiles. Then comes Hippodrome Square, the former social hub of Constantinople, where we will see famous landmarks such as the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column from Delphi, and the German Fountain of Emperor Wilhelm II. Afterwards, we will visit the Topkapi Palace (entry fee payable locally) – the residence of the Ottoman sultans and one of Turkey's largest museums, housing precious treasures, weapons, jewelry, and religious relics. To end the day, we will climb the Galata Tower (entry fee payable locally) – a 70-meter-high medieval tower from 1348 offering breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosporus Strait. The program also includes a visit to a quality leather shop where you can browse traditional Turkish products. Then we return to the hotel for check-in and overnight stay.
day 3
After breakfast, we will take a guided walking tour of Istanbul. Our first stop will be the Dolmabahçe Palace, the magnificent residence of the late Ottoman sultans. This vast palace complex includes pavilions, mosques, fountains, and grand courtyards, and is considered a symbol of the Ottoman Empire's transition into the modern era. Next, we will visit the famous Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar, which offers an authentic oriental atmosphere. You can expect the scents of fresh spices, colorful blends, and stalls with traditional Turkish sweets. Afterward, we will explore the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered market complexes in the world – the perfect place for souvenirs, jewelry, carpets, and handmade crafts. There will be free time or the option to continue with the guide on another walking tour of the city. For example, you might visit the lively Besiktas Market, known for fresh local produce and a friendly atmosphere, or the Sultan Suleyman Mosque – an architectural masterpiece and the city’s former main mosque. In the evening, we will return to the hotel for accommodation and overnight stay.
day 4
After breakfast, free time for individual activities, shopping, or a final stroll through the city. Depending on the flight schedule, transfer to the airport and departure back to Prague.
Offer code: IST2080
Istanbul – a city on the border of two worlds - join us on a sightseeing tour to Istanbul – the only city in the world that spans two continents, Europe and Asia. You will embark on a fascinating journey through history, cultures, and flavors that have blended here for centuries into a unique whole. Wander the streets of ancient Constantinople, visit famous landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, or the Topkapi Palace, where the powerful sultans of the Ottoman Empire once resided. Taste authentic Turkish tea, sweet baklava, and freshly prepared kebab, and immerse yourself in the scents of the legendary Grand Bazaar. More information about the difficulty of sightseeing tours HERE
day 1
Departure from Prague to Istanbul, a fascinating metropolis spanning two continents and two seas – a city that has served for centuries as a key crossroads between Europe and Asia. Upon arrival, transfer from the airport followed by a coach tour, giving you your first impressions of this historic yet modern city. Then, embark on a boat cruise along the Bosporus, offering stunning views of Istanbul's European and Asian shores, lined with elegant mosques, palaces, and villas of the Ottoman sultans. After the cruise, transfer to the hotel, check-in, and overnight stay.
day 2
After breakfast, we will set off on a guided walking tour of Istanbul's historic center. Our destination is the Sultanahmet district, the heart of ancient Constantinople. We will visit the famous Hagia Sophia (entry fee payable locally) – the 'Church of Divine Wisdom,' built by Emperor Justinian in 532 as the largest and most magnificent building of its time. This icon of Byzantine architecture, adorned with stunning mosaics, was later converted into a mosque and today serves as a museum and a symbol of cultural connection. Next, we will head to one of Istanbul's most beautiful mosques – the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), whose interior is decorated with thousands of hand-painted blue tiles. Then comes Hippodrome Square, the former social hub of Constantinople, where we will see famous landmarks such as the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column from Delphi, and the German Fountain of Emperor Wilhelm II. Afterwards, we will visit the Topkapi Palace (entry fee payable locally) – the residence of the Ottoman sultans and one of Turkey's largest museums, housing precious treasures, weapons, jewelry, and religious relics. To end the day, we will climb the Galata Tower (entry fee payable locally) – a 70-meter-high medieval tower from 1348 offering breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosporus Strait. The program also includes a visit to a quality leather shop where you can browse traditional Turkish products. Then we return to the hotel for check-in and overnight stay.
day 3
After breakfast, we will take a guided walking tour of Istanbul. Our first stop will be the Dolmabahçe Palace, the magnificent residence of the late Ottoman sultans. This vast palace complex includes pavilions, mosques, fountains, and grand courtyards, and is considered a symbol of the Ottoman Empire's transition into the modern era. Next, we will visit the famous Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar, which offers an authentic oriental atmosphere. You can expect the scents of fresh spices, colorful blends, and stalls with traditional Turkish sweets. Afterward, we will explore the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered market complexes in the world – the perfect place for souvenirs, jewelry, carpets, and handmade crafts. There will be free time or the option to continue with the guide on another walking tour of the city. For example, you might visit the lively Besiktas Market, known for fresh local produce and a friendly atmosphere, or the Sultan Suleyman Mosque – an architectural masterpiece and the city’s former main mosque. In the evening, we will return to the hotel for accommodation and overnight stay.
day 4
After breakfast, free time for individual activities, shopping, or a final stroll through the city. Depending on the flight schedule, transfer to the airport and departure back to Prague.
Offer code: IST2080