EXCURSÕES EM TERRA

The Ottomans and Byzantines ruled this city for centuries, and testament to these great empires stand the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, opposite each other in Sultanahmet Square. You’ll visit these two impressive landmarks of Istanbul as well as the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar. Start with a visit to one of the most recognized landmarks in the world, the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, better known as the Blue Mosque because of the over 21,000 blue-green Iznik tiles used for its interior decoration.

Continue to the Hippodrome, to see the remains of what was once the scene for political struggles in the capital city of the Byzantine Empire. Visit the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. It served as a church for hundreds of years during the Byzantine Empire and was converted to a Mosque when the city was conquered by the Ottomans in 1453. Here, you’ll find evidence of both. Continue to the great Byzantine Basilica Cistern, located across from Hagia Sophia. You might think that having so many breathtaking sites to visit above ground leaves no need to go under. But you’ll soon discover why this visit is worth every minute.

Next stop is the Grand Bazaar. You’ll have a short time to experience the exotic atmosphere of the covered part. Then visit the open and modern section, where you’ll enjoy local snacks and a presentation of carpets, leather or jewelry, followed by time for shopping. You’ll also have free time for lunch at your own expense during the tour and you’ll find many choices nearby.

Lavish palaces, Byzantine art, beautiful mosques, bustling bazaars, Turkish food... all things that come to mind when you think of Istanbul. This tour is designed to cover the major highlights of Istanbul and maximize your time in this classical city. Visit the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and considered as the 8th wonder of the world by most art historians. Another highlight of your tour is Beylerbeyi Palace. Other stops in your itinerary are a historical mosque and the Grand Bazaar. You’ll have a chance to explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered part for a brief period of time. You’ll also visit the open, modern section where you’ll enjoy local snacks and a presentation of carpets, leather or jewelry, followed by time for shopping. A Turkish lunch is also part of your classical Istanbul experience.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a panoramic and immensely scenic drive through Istanbul and stop along the way at attractions on both its European and Asian sides. One of the most revered ancient landmarks is the site of the Hippodrome of Constantinople, a sporting arena for chariot races, parades and even public executions throughout the Byzantine period. Although little remains, the arena could once hold 100,000 spectators. The Blue Mosque is a showstopper that still dominates the skyline more than 700 years after its construction. The mosque’s six fluted minarets, ascending domes and classic Ottoman architecture are truly iconic. More wonders await you on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Strait, which you will cross via its namesake bridge. Although eastern Istanbul has its share of icons such as the ancient Maiden’s Tower lighthouse, much of it is residential. While passing through neighborhoods of old wooden homes, you will observe daily life, which will be noticeably unpretentious.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a panoramic drive through both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
• Pass the site of the 3rd-century hippodrome, once an enormous arena for sporting events.
• Behold the Blue Mosque, an early 17th-century architectural treasure that still inspires awe.
• Cross the Bosphorus Strait and explore the atmospheric Asian side of Istanbul.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover the highlights of this fascinating city in the company of a small group. On this exclusive tour, you’ll experience the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Beylerbeyi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and Turkish food - all musts when you visit Istanbul. Start with a visit to one of the most recognized landmarks in the world, the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, better known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue-green Iznik tiles used for its interior decoration. The six minarets and the layout of the domes and semi-domes create a unique exterior. From here, continue to the Hippodrome, to see the remains of what was once the center of Byzantine Constantinople’s political and sporting life. Walk and visit Hagia Sophia, now the St. Sophia Museum, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, considered as the most important Byzantine monument in the world. Also visit Beylerbeyi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. You’ll have the chance to explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered part for a brief period of time. You’ll also visit the open and modern section of the Grand Bazaar with many modern stores and reliable shopping. During your time around the Grand Bazaar, you’ll stop at the modern section where you’ll enjoy local snacks and a presentation of carpets, leather or jewelry, followed by time for shopping. A lunch of typical Turkish specialties is yours to enjoy during the tour.

Drive to the Old City where you’ll find the Hippodrome, a reminder of what was the center of Byzantium’s political scene. Take in the breathtaking views of the Blue Mosque with its unique exterior defined by its six minarets, domes and semi-domes. You’ll admire its interior, covered with beautifully hand painted blue tiles which give the mosque its most popular name. Enjoy a boat ride along the shoreline of the Bosphorus and take in the views of the Dolmabahce Palace, the Beylerbeyi Palace and the few remaining towers of the Anadolu Hisar, where you’ll see the city’s connection to the Black Sea.

Next visit one of the most colorful sites in Istanbul – the Grand Bazaar. You’ll have a chance to explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered part briefly. Then visit the open and modern section, where you’ll enjoy local snacks and a presentation of carpets, leather or jewelry, followed by time for shopping.

Don’t miss the sites of the city and spend time at the Grand Bazaar. A scenic orientation drive takes you to the old city where you’ll have a glimpse of the Old City’s Sea Walls, Golden Horn, Bulgarian Orthodox Church, several gates on the Land Walls and the Sea of Marmara with a photo stop en route. You’ll pass by the heart of Old City, where from the comfort of your coach, you'll see the magnificence of the Blue Mosque, the German Fountain and Obelisk in the Byzantine Hippodrome and St. Sophia.

Continue to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with thousands of stalls that sell items such as carpets, jewelry, leather goods, silver, brass and copperware, ceramics, alabaster, textiles and a variety of souvenirs. You’ll have time to wander this giant labyrinth and take in the atmosphere. As you walk in deeper in to the bazaar, keep in mind that it is easy to get lost in it if you don’t pay attention to where you started. During your time around the Grand Bazaar, you’ll stop at the modern section where you’ll enjoy local snacks and a presentation of carpets, leather or jewelry, followed by time for shopping.

OVERVIEW

Delight in a meal that is as innovative and imaginative as the Sultanahmet district where you will dine. Although this historical neighborhood is quite historical, it has taken on new life as one of Istanbul’s hippest and trendiest areas. The restaurant Deraliye is an ideal fit as its chefs are equally progressive. You will enjoy an immersive, multi-sensory dining experience that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Head chef Necati Yilmaz created the inspiring menu of classic dishes with a modern twist. Although the exact dishes will depend on what ingredients are freshest and most readily available. Even the art and music have been carefully chosen to enhance the dining experience. Few meals will be quite so memorable, creative and indulgent as this one at Deraliye.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy traditional dishes that have been creatively prepared with an unconventional twist.
• Savor a multi-sensory dining experience that goes far beyond the meal alone.
• Recognize how Deraliye restaurant perfectly reflects the hip and creative Sultanahmet district.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Start your day with a visit to Topkapi Palace. The palace was built with a series of pavilions, kitchens, barracks, audience chambers, sleeping quarters and courtyards. The treasury section houses an invaluable collection of richly decorated items made with gold, silver, precious stones, pearls and diamonds.

You'll continue to the Harem section and provided a ticket for entry. Strictly closed to outsiders, its been a subject of many stories over the centuries. It is up to the imagination of the visitor to recreate the colorful and lively old days in the now empty rooms. Visit Hagia Sophia, a true artistic and architectural treasure; the intricate mosaics that cover its walls and ceilings are of incredible historic value. It dates back to the 6th century and is the only Byzantine structure that still stands in this excellent state of preservation.

You’ll stop at the Grand Bazaar, for an opportunity to experience its unique and lively atmosphere. Thousands of stalls fill its lanes with everyday household items as well as souvenirs, antiques, jewelry and more. You’ll also visit the open section of the Grand Bazaar, here you’ll find the best stores offering reliable shopping and you can get almost anything including ceramics, leather, jewelry, handmade carpets and more. You’ll attend a presentation on the unique art of Turkish carpets with additional time to shop while enjoying complimentary refreshments. You'll be provided free time to enjoy lunch on your own.

OVERVIEW

Discover architectural treasures in Istanbul that were particularly significant when the city was known as Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. While walking through Old Town, an area first settled nearly 3,000 years ago, you will pass the remains of the 3rd-century hippodrome on the way to the Hagia Sophia museum. As you browse the artwork within the former cathedral, which was once the world’s largest building, be sure to notice the Byzantine elements on the inside of its famed dome. Nearby, you will view a cavernous underground cistern from the Byzantine period that once provided water to the Great Palace. Built in the 6th century, it features 336 intricately carved columns that are illuminated for dramatic effect. Free time follows at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered marketplaces. It contains thousands of shops selling everything imaginable so you are sure to find something of great interest.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through Istanbul’s atmospheric Old Town, known as Byzantium when founded.
• Pass the site of the 3rd-century hippodrome, which could hold 100,000 spectators.
• Browse the extraordinary art in the Hagia Sophia, a cathedral that is now a museum.
• Behold a massive 6th-century underground cistern that is dramatically illuminated.
• Spend free time in the Grand Bazaar, a collection of thousands of shops.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Start your day with the highlight of the tour, the Dolmabahce Palace through the Imperial Gate. Built in 1856, the palace sits on 62 acres and consists of 285 rooms and 46 halls. The most notable sites include the staircase made of Baccarat crystal and the ceremonial hall which was designed to hold 2,500 people.

Visit Taksim Square, a city that is alive and bustling 24 hours a day. Some free time will be given to you for your own exploration where you’ll have time for shopping or lunch on your own. You’ll be given the option to visit an authentic jewelry center where you can find the latest artistic works of jewelry and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Istanbul, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie expert guide will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Selfie sticks are available and complemented by a convenient photo frame, enabling you to capture the best pictures at each selfie stop.

As you walk and ride through Istanbul, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:

• Hippodrome
• Hagia Sophia museum
• Blue Mosque
• Spice Bazaar
• Galata Bridge

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Istanbul.
• Follow tips from your selfie expert guide to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Behold the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia museum and 3rd-century Hippodrome.
• Visit Galata Bridge, which spans the Golden Horn, an inlet of the Bosphurus Strait.
• Sample a selection of local turkey delicacy.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

OVERVIEW

Explore three vastly different landmarks and come away with a broad understanding of Istanbul’s rich history and culture. The Rustem Pasha Mosque is a glorious example of classic Ottoman architecture as celebrated 16th-century architect Mimar Sinan designed it. The Iznik tiles inside are at eye level unlike the tiles in most other mosques, allowing you to really appreciate the details and bold colors. The covered Spice Bazaar is also enticing for its brilliant colors, as well as its vibrant atmosphere and the fragrant aroma of freshly ground spices. As you meander about, the merchants will likely offer samples of local delicacies such as dried dates and nut-soaked baklava. The next stop will be Beylerbeyi Palace.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit an exquisite 16th-century mosque that features classic Ottoman architecture.
• Wander through one of Istanbul’s largest bazaars, especially for spices and local foods.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.