Destinations & Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Istanbul
Arrival to Istanbul Airport and transfer to hotel, remainder of day at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 Ottoman Byzantine Relics Tour
We will leave hotel in the morning to visit the Sultanahmet Square and the spectacular Blue Mosque decorated with beautiful 17th century Iznik tiles. Then stroll around the historical Hippodrome where chariot races were once held. Continue with the Hagia Sophia / St. Sophia and Museum. An early Christian church, later converted to a mosque under Ottoman rule, this magnificent temple now serving as a museum with all the artefacts from the Byzantine era intact, is especially famous for its mosaics. After lunch, we will visit the Topkapi Palace Museum, the residence of the legendary Ottoman Sultans, now converted into a museum. It consists of several exhibition halls, such as the Treasury, the porcelain section, Armoury and Holy Relics. We will complete this historical day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi) and return to the hotel for overnight.
Day 3 Bosphorus and Two Continents Tour
We will take you to Spice Market, still in use as one of the world’s largest spice bazaars since 1665. Next, we will board the ferries across the Bosphorus which will take us to both European and Asian sides of the city. This beautiful voyage will take you along the shores of Bosphorus and you will see the Rumeli Fortress from the 15th century as well as the seaside summer palaces and unique wooden houses of the area, as well as the natural beauty of the forests above. The last stop on the cruise is the fishing village of Sariyer, close to the Black Sea. From there on we will drive you by coach via the world’s only Intercontinental Bridge Bosphorus Bridge to take you to Camlica Hill on the Asian side. Camlica is the highest tip in Istanbul where you will enjoy breathtaking views of Istanbul. We will visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of the royal Ottoman family with original furniture and magnificent gardens. After the tour, you will be transferred your hotel.
Day 4 – Drive to Canakkale and Gallipoli Tour
Upon check-out you will be met by for an early morning transfer to Eceabat. On arriva, take a break for lunch before starting the Gallipoli Battlefields and Memorials Tour. Your guide will take you to see the Kabatepe Museum, ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston’s Jolly (Turkish & Allied trenches and tunnels), The Nek and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. You tour will continue by car ferry on route to Canakkale where you will be spending your evening. Your evening is free to explore the sites of Canakkale or, enjoy a screening of the 4 Corners Documentary ‘Fatal Shore’ and the “Gallipoli” movie starring Mel Gibson.
Day 5 – Troy Tour and drive to Istanbul
Check-out and depart in the morning for your excursion of the ruins of Troy where Greek and Trojan heroes fought for the beautiful Helen. Troy is also famous for the Trojan War’s that occurred during the sixth and seventh centuries. One of the most famous and oldest works of literature, Homers’ ‘Iliad’ was believed to have take place in Troy. Heinrich Schliemann excavated here at this own expense in the 1870s and discovered the location where a sophisticated settlement had existed for centuries. As you stand on the ancient hilltop you can look out over the plane of Troy and feel the famous cool north wind blowing from the Dardanelles. After the tour is completed you will be returned to Istanbul where you will spend the last night of your tour.
Day 6 Departure Transfer
Breakfast at hotel, check out and transfer to Istanbul International Airport.
Please take note of the following:
* The order of visiting sights, may vary slightly from time to time
* Clothing: Entrance to Mosques and Churches visited in our tours is not allowed to gentlemen and ladies with no proper outfit
* You are kindly requested to present your self at the pick up point 15 minutes prior the pre advised pick up time.
* Smoking is not permitted but all tours make frequent stops.
* Optional Dinner and Oriental Belly & Folk Dance Show
What’s Included:
* Airport Return Transfer to hotel
* 5 Nights Hotel Accommodation + 5 Hotel Breakfasts
* Fully guided tour with the services of an experienced and qualified professional tour guide
* Luxury non-smoking air-conditioned coach
* On ground support and access to True Blue Tour Istanbul offices should you require any further assistance
* All Admission Fees.
* Lunch On Tours
* V.A.T.
