Activities
FamilyHistoricalExplorerIn-depth CulturalSolo TravelSightseeingMuseumDiscoverySee ItineraryTour Overview
The 6-Day Open Sightseeing Tour in Istanbul offers a perfect balance of iconic sightseeing and hands-on cultural experiences. From the architectural wonders of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace to the natural beauty of the Bosphorus Cruise and the Princess Islands, this tour will immerse you in the diverse elements of Istanbul’s history and charm.
You'll also dive deeper into Istanbul's rich artistic traditions with workshops in carpet weaving and mosaic lamp-making, allowing you to not only observe but participate in the city’s craftsmanship. This combination of sightseeing and creative experiences makes the tour an enriching and unforgettable way to experience Istanbul.
Highlights
- Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace
- Bosphorus Cruise and Spice Bazaar
- Princess Island Excursion
- Traditional Turkish Carpet Weaving
- Mosaic Lamp Crafting Workshop
Itinerary
(Dinner included)
Welcome to Turkey Istanbul
Airport. Meet with TravelShop Booking staff and transfer to your hotel,
Transfer from airport & check in to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Pick up at 09:00am from your hotel for the full
day tour of old Istanbul city.
Visit to ST. SOPHIA 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.
TOPKAPI PALACE The great palace of the Ottoman
sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of
cyrstal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their
families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy
Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed.
SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE Across from St.
Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE
MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles.
HIPPODROME Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of
chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze
Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine.
Murtis Tour will then take you to the GRAND SPICE
BAZAAR In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more then 4,000 shops with
each trade having its own 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 pipes.
After your tour, transfer back to your hotel.
Please Note: Inside the mosques,
please cover your shoulders and knees.
Hagia Sophia is open on every day, Topkapi
Palace closed on tuesdays, Grand Bazaar closed on sundays.
We hope your tour was a
memorable one and we look forward to seeing you in the future on another TravelShop
Booking Tour. Have a safe trip back home and thanks for choosing TravelShop
Booking.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Pick up at 08:30am from
the hotel and depart for the Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Shopping Tour.
BOSPHORUS BY BOAT a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating
Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble,
fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion you will see the
magnificent sights of the following attractions from your boat. See Dolmabahce
Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace.
On the coastal edge of this park, is Ciragan Palace, 300 meters of its marble
facade faces the shore. At Ortakoy a great variety of artists gather every
Sunday to display their work along the street. Ortakoy is a symbol of tolerance
with a church, a mosque and a synagogue existing side by side for centuries.
RUMELI FORTRESS Built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of
Istanbul was completed in only four months to control and protect the infamous
Bosphorus passage. It is one of the most beautiful works of military
architecture anywhere in the world. BEYLERBEYI PALAS (PALACE) The summer
residence of Ottoman sultans exists in its original renovated glory featuring
original antique furniture and magnificent gardens with the Harem on the Asian
side of Istanbul.
BOSPHORUS BRIDGE enjoy a unique chance to step from one continent (Asia) to
another (Europe)
CAMLICA HILL the highest point in Istanbul. At the top of it you can rest and
admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul and the Bosphorus from the
beautiful gardens, landscaped in traditional Turkish Ottoman style. SHOPPING
TOUR (after cruise) Experience the traditional silk weaving skills of Turkish
women at the carpet weaving courses provided by The Ministry of National
Education. You will get the opportunity to see jewellery, handcrafts centre and
a modern leatherwear show. Enjoy the experience of shopping whilst gaining the
knowledge of the ancient craftsmen, with Murti's Tour's local escort full of
knowledge about how to haggle the streets of Istanbul. The rest of the evening
is yours to explore Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Enjoy a cruise in the
Marmara Sea to Istanbul's famous Prince's Islands. This is your opportunity to
see Topkapi Palace, Leander's Tower and Uskudar from the sea. Stop at Buyukada,
the popular summer resort with sandy beaches and pinewood scenery, once the
pleasure island of Byzantine Princes. During the Summer season, enjoy the
magical atmosphere that the Island's beach resort has to offer including many
optional water sporting activities. Tour the island with horse-drawn carriages
before stopping for an exquisite lunch at a fish restaurant. After your tour,
we will transfer you back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Make Your Own Mosaic Lamp. Mosaic Art Workshops where you can create your own
lamp.
Turkish
mosaic workshops are establishments where traditional mosaic art, also known as
Turkish mosaic, is practiced and taught. These workshops are typically found in
cities with a rich cultural heritage such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Gaziantep.
Turkish mosaic art has a long history, dating back to the Byzantine era, and it
involves creating intricate designs using small, colored glass or ceramic
pieces called tesserae.
In a
Turkish mosaic workshop, students can learn various techniques for creating
mosaics, including traditional methods that have been passed down through
generations. These techniques may include cutting and arranging tesserae,
applying adhesive, and grouting to create a finished piece.
The workshops often offer classes for
people of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists. Participants
can learn the fundamentals of mosaic art, including design principles, color
theory, and technical skills. They may also have the opportunity to create
their own mosaic pieces under the guidance of skilled instructors.
Turkish mosaic workshops play an essential
role in preserving and promoting the country’s cultural heritage. They provide
a space for both locals and tourists to learn about traditional art forms and
engage in creative expression. Additionally, these workshops contribute to the
economy by attracting visitors interested in experiencing Turkish culture
firsthand and purchasing locally-made artwork.
Overall, Turkish mosaic workshops serve as
hubs of creativity, education, and cultural exchange, keeping alive a
centuries-old tradition while also inspiring contemporary artistic endeavors.
Whether you’re a beginner or a experienced
artist, Our Art Studio has something to offer for everyone who seeks to learn
and master the craft of Turkish mosaic making. The studio provides a welcoming
and supportive learning environment where you can unleash your creativity and
explore the endless possibilities of mosaic art. From creating intricate
geometric patterns to combining various colors and textures, the studio’s
workshops will help you develop the skills and techniques needed to create
stunning and timeless mosaic pieces.
In addition to its traditional handicraft
workshops, Our Art Studio also offers customized workshops and private classes
that cater to your individual needs and preferences. These workshops are
perfect for special occasions, team building events, or simply for those
looking for a unique and personalized learning experience.
In Art Studio, you’ll discover a world of creativity, passion, and innovation. Join us today and experience the joy of creating beautiful mosaic art pieces that will last a lifetime. After your tour, we will transfer you back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
(Open buffet breakfast included)
After breakfast check out from
the hotel. We hope your tour was a memorable one and we look forward to seeing
you in the future on another TravelShop Booking Tour. Have a safe trip back
home and thanks for choosing TravelShop Booking.
Trip includes
Included
5 nights hotel in
Istanbul - Central Palace Hotel
PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your
booking then we will arrange smilar other hotel for your group. If you prefer a
Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost
Professional
English-speaking tour guides
Guiding Method
Fully guided
5 open buffet
breakfasts
4 Lunch
5 Dinner
Guided Istanbul
City Tour
Guided Istanbul
Bosphorus cruise and shopping tour
Guided Prince’s Island Tour
Guided Carpet Weaving course and Mosiac Lamp Workshop
All entrance fees
mentioned in the itinerary
Excluded
International flights
Insurance: All types
Turkey entry visa
Personal expenses: Lunches, extras at hotel or additional
meals
Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
Availability
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Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.
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By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:
Personal
Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
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