Have you got only a short period of time to visit this beautiful city? No need to worry – there are choices of “tasting Istanbul” even in a short period of time. Daily excursions available throughout the year will give you the chance to visit the most important historical sites, museums, famous Grand Bazaar and surroundings. Excursions departing from hotels of the port present to you the monuments in the historical peninsula in half-day tours.
You get a chance to visit Ayasofya Museum, the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet (also known as Blue Mosque), Hippodrome and Topkapı Palace Museum. You may also participate in tours taking you on the Bosphorus or to the Asian side. Then, you will go back home with unforgettable and beautiful memories. The Roman fortifications, Chora (Kariye) Museum renowned for its late Byzantine period frescoes and mosaics, the Galata Tower for a splendid panorama of the city, Dolmabahçe Palace on the Bosphorus – the richest palace museum in the world, Archaeological Museums, Turkish-Islamic Arts Museum, the Spice Bazaar and others require 3 to 4 days’ time.
And cruising Bosphorus… A ferry ride on the Bosphorus will be amongst the most unforgettable. You may be carried away with the unparalleled beauty of the yalı mansions lining along the coasts and from which many ancient love stories reflect on the water, luxurious modern villas of the 20th century, the palaces of Dolmabahçe, Beylerbeyi and Göksu, Rumeli and Anadolu Fortresses, remnants of the fishing villages, restaurants, tea gardens, and night clubs. In the same day you can cool off in the waters of the Black Sea and then relax with a cup of coffee at a tea garden on the quiet coasts of the Sea of Marmara enjoying the beauty of the Istanbul Straits.
Istanbul is a place where the ancient meets the modern. For shopping there is a great variety of choices. The Grand Bazaar and the big reputable shops by it, the shopping malls of Ak Merkez, Galleria, Capitol and many more, the boutiques at Nisantaşı and Beyoglu and in the Baghdad Street are at your service all through the year. The Grand Bazaar still retains the dreamlike atmosphere of the “good old days,” yet, it presents you with the newest choices of the modern world: eye-catching jewelry, copperwork, rugs, leatherwear, suede wear, and many more…
Once caught by it, you may lose track of time strolling in the Grand Bazaar. Besides its historical importance and cultural heritage, the city is furbished with modern hotels, elegant restaurants, nightclubs, bars, historical bazaars and shops as well. Once you step in this city, you will be able to experience by yourself this historical and natural beauty beyond words can describe. Our greetings and love from the beautiful Istanbul, home of many civilizations.