Wonder Transfer

HALF DAY MORNING TOUR

Hippodrome
The Hippodrome had been a center for sports and entertainment in the old Constantinople, the Eastern Roman Capital; as well as a very important center for politics, as sports and politics were closely knit ın these times. No wonder that the Hippodrome had been a starting point for revolts and political movements throughout history.
Echoes of cries by slaves riding chariots in ferocious races; and the passionate words of intellectuals and poets that lit the flame of public movements have still been reminiscent, to those with a powerful imagination.

Sultan Ahmet Mosque / Blue Mosque
It was the dying wish of Sultan Ahmet, who perished at a young age at the 17th century, due to a disease, to finish the mosque so that his name would live forever.
It is called the Blue Mosque by visitors who fell in love wıth the delicate designs of Ottoman tiles that decorate the walls of the shrine. The floral patterns of the tiles, as well as the well lighted, capacious internal spaces are testimonials of the eternity of the soul.

The St Sophia Museum / Aya Sofya Museum
The “Shrine of Holy Wisdom”, the marvelous Byzantine basilica built in the 6th century marks the true beginning of the golden age of Justinianus, the conqueror of Africa and Italy, who achieved lasting fame through the complete revision of all Roman law, resulting in what is known today as the Corpus Juris Civilis.
The domed construction of the sanctuary is an architectural innovation; and was so richly and artistically decorated that Justinian proclaimed, “Solomon, I have outdone thee!”. Mankind would have to wait for millennia before being able to build a cathedral that would surpass the gigantic size of Haghia Sophia.
Converted to a Mosque following the Ottoman conquest of the city, by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453; as the young Sultan fulfilled a divine premonition by the Holy Prophet Mohammad himself. In 1935 the building was converted to a museum, by the executive order of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.

Grand Bazaar
The largest and the most attractive covered bazaar in the world; where people have been trading diamonds, carpets, food, perfumes, and, even gossip for centuries!
Tour also includes a short demonstration of Turkish rugs.

PRICES
Per person: 40 €

FULL DAY TOUR

This is a combination of Tours 1 & 2 with a complimentary lunch at a typical Turkish restaurant.

MORNING Hippodrome
The Hippodrome has been a center for sports and entertainment in the old Constantinople, the Roman capital; as well as a very important political center for politics, as sports and politics were closely knit in these times. No wonder that the Hippodrome has been a starting point for revolts and political movements throughout history. Echoes of cries by slaves riding chariots in ferocious races; and the passionate words of intellectuals and poets that lit the flame of public movements are still reminiscent, to those with a powerful imagination.

Ayasofya / The Haghia Sophia
The “Shrine of Holy Wisdom”, the marvelous Byzantine basilica built in the 6th century Marks the true beginning of the golden age of Justinianus, the conqueror of Africa and Italy, who achieved lasting fame through the complete revision of all Roman law, resulting in what is known today as the Corpus Juris Civilis.
The domed construction of the sanctuary is an architectural innovation; and was so richly and artistically decorated that Justinian proclaimed, “Solomon, I have outdone thee!”. Mankind would have to wait millennia before being able to built a cathedral that would surpass the gigantic size of Haghia Sophia. It was converted into a Mosque following the Ottoman conquest of the city, by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453; as the young Sultan fulfilled a divine premonition by the Holy Prophet Mohammad himself.
In 1935 the building was converted into a museum, by the executive order of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.

Grand Bazaar
The largest and the most attractive covered bazaar in the world; where people have been trading diamonds, carpets, food, perfumes, and, even gossip for centuries! Tour also includes a short demonstration of Turkish rugs.

Sultan Ahmet Camii / The Blue Mosque
It was the dying wish of Sultan Ahmet, who perished at a young age ın the 17th century, due to a disease, to finish the mosque so that his name would live forever. It is called the Blue Mosque by visitors who fell in the love wıth the delicate designs of Ottoman tiles that decorate the walls of the shrine. The floral patterns of the tiles, as well as the well-lit, capacious internal spaces are a testimonial of the eternity of the soul.
Lunch will be served a at a local restaurant.

AFTERNOON

Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace had been the Imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th century. Its design, initially devised by Sultan Mehmed himself and then enhanced by Sinan, hides clues of both the rituals and the structure of Ottoman hierarchy and the running of state affairs.Home to the imperial treasury and the cabinet, as well as being the site of the barracks for the Janissaries, the elite of the army, every corner of the palace tells of the splendor of the Ottomans.
Apart from the priceless treasury, a distinguished collection of Chinese porcelains, holy relics, sultan’s costumes and imperial weaponry are exhibited in different sections of the palace.

Rustem Pasha Mosque
A 16th century Ottoman Mosque, which was built in the name of the treasurer and the son-in-law of Suleiman the Magnificient, before he fell out of the Sultan’s favor and removed from service.
It is known to host the best examples of handmade Iznik tiles, in both interior and exterior walls; and, of course, it is seated on a complex of shops, which will give you a taste of the city’s vivid local colors.

PRICES
Per person: 80 €

HALF DAY MORNING TOUR

MORNING Hippodrome

The Bosphorus Bridge
Built in 1973, the bridge connects the European and the Asian sections of Istanbul. While travelling over 60 meters above the sea level, an immaculate sight of the city’s both modern and ancient sites can be seen.

Çamlica Hill
The highest point in Istanbul, with a panoramic command over the city. Provided that Istanbul chooses to show its beauties and blesses the visitors with a clear day, one can see (and picture) forever.

Beylerbeyi Palace
One of the largest, mostlavishly furnished 19th century summer residences of the Ottoman sultans. The rooms are kept with their original furniture; and visitors feel like house guests of the Imperial family.

Baghdad Street
Once the grouping point for the merchants who were set to travel the ancient Silk Road, this popular street on the Asian side of Istanbul has elegant boutiques and shopping alternatives. This will be a perfect chance to see the urban lifestyle of modern Istanbul.

PRICES
Per person: 40 €
Prices do not include 18 % V.A.T.

INCLUDES
• Transportation by air conditioned vehicles.
• Fully escorted by an English speaking tour guide.
• Admission fees.

EXCLUDES
• Drinks and all personal expenses.

PLEASE NOTE
Please note that the Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays; and that it is replaced by early 20th century (1907) Hidiv Pavilion.

FULL DAY TOUR with LUNCH

This is a combination of Tours 4 & 5; with a complimentary lunch at a typical Turkish restaurant.

MORNING

The Bosphorus Bridge
Built in 1973, the bridge connects the European and the Asian sections of Istanbul. While travelling over 60 meters above the sea level, an immaculate sight of the city’s both modern and ancient sites can be seen.

Çamlica Hill
The highest point in Istanbul, with a panoramic command over the city. Provided that Istanbul chooses to show its beauties and blesses the visitors with a clear day, one can see (and picture) forever.

Beylerbeyi Palace
One of the largest, mostlavishly furnished 19th century summer residences of the Ottoman sultans. The rooms are kept with their original furniture; and visitors feel like house guests of the Imperial family.

Baghdad Street
Once the grouping point for the merchants who were set to travel the ancient Silk Road, this popular street on the Asian side of Istanbul has elegant boutiques and shopping alternatives. This will be a perfect chance to see the urban lifestyle of modern Istanbul. AFTERNOON
A poet once described the Bosphorus as “God’s beautiful calligraphy written by an ink made of sapphires”.
This straıt, separating (and connecting) two continents that form the two faces of the city, takes its name from a mythological legend. Ever since those ancient times, it has marveled people with its beauty.
The cruise of the Bosphorus will start at Kabataş pier and while cruising along the Asian and European shores, you will be surprised to see the harmony of Ottoman and modern architecture; as well as having an opportunity to see the major highlights of the city’s fairy tale-like skyline from the sea.
Along the cruise, you will pass by;
The Rumeli Fortress; Built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.
Ortaköy; A very famous area for handicrafts and nightlife.
Bebek; It was a popular wealthy residential district under the Ottoman rule, and continues to be so today.
Beşiktaş; Commercial district of the new city.
Dolmabahçe; Magnificent 19th century palace, which had been the home of the Ottoman Sultans in the last century of the Empire.
Çıragan Palace; This magnificient marble palace, built by Sultan Abdulaziz, was designed and constructed by the Balyan family between 1863 and 1867. Today, it serves as luxury suites for the five star Kempinski hotel.
Kızkulesi (Maiden’s Tower); An ancient lighthouse, which has inspired many legends.
Yalı / Wooden Houses of the Wealthy: Houses constructed immediately waterside in Istanbul and usually built with an architectural concept that takes into account the characteristics of the coastal location, mostly dating from 19th century.
Beylerbeyi Palace; One of the largest, most lavishly furnished 19th century summer residences of the Ottoman Sultans.
A short visit to the Spice Market is the surprise of the tour. In this oriental shopping area, where you experience the vibrant pulse of Istanbul at its best, rare spices, herbs, vegetables, fruits, live animals, flowers are sold. (Aphrodisiacs are available too!)

PRICES
Per person: 80 €
Prices do not include 18 % V.A.T.

INCLUDES
• Transportation by air conditioned vehicles.
• Fully escorted by an English speaking tour guide.
• Admission fees, Lunch.

EXCLUDES
• Drinks and all personal expenses.

PLEASE NOTE
Please note that the Spice Market is closed on Sundays and Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays; and that it is replaced by 18th century Hidiv Pavilion.

FULL DAY TOUR Including LUNCH

It is hardly believable that one would ever be willing to escape from Istanbul. But the queen of all cities of the world is not a jealous lady, and she enables her lovers to take a short time off. One of the best places to spend this time is the Princes’ Islands, once a solitary place for monks, and now a vivid summer attraction.
The cruise to Büyük Ada, the largest and most famous amongst the Princes’ Islands, has short stop over in all the inhabited ones; so the travelers have a chance to see the unique composition of each island.
Upon arrival at the Island, you will enjoy a tour around the island on a phaeton, a comfortable carriage pulled by two horses, which is the only transportation vehicle on the islands; motor vehicles are not permitted except for public service, in order to preserve the quiet.
After the phaeton ride, lunch is served at a first class fish restaurant, with an awesome head-on view of Istanbul’s shores (opportunity to watch yacht races on summer weekends).
You will have some free time for leisure and shopping as well.

PRICES
Per person: 80 €
Prices do not include 18 % V.A.T.

INCLUDES
• Transportation by air conditioned vehicles.
• Fully escorted by an English speaking tour guide.
• Admission fees, Lunch.
• Phaeton Ride.

EXCLUDES
• Drinks and all personal expenses.

FULL DAY TOUR including LUNCH

Spend a full day around the old city, visit spectacular Byzantine Churches including Patriarch, Blacharnae, St. Savour-in-Chora, Pammarictos, Pege, St.Sargius and Pantacrator Churches.

The PATRIARCHATE at Fener, by the Golden Horn, is the heart of the global Orthodox Christian community. After Constantine the Great’ s declaration of Christianity as a freely practiced religion in the Roman Empire, the capital was moved from Rome to Byzantium.

Though the city was conquered by Muslim Ottomans in 1453, Sultan Mehmet’s wisdom, vision of coexistence among civilizations and policies of tolerance have encouraged the seat of Patriarch to remain in the city.

CHURCH OF PANAGIA BLACHERNAE, the best known and most celebrated shrine of the Holy Virgin located near the Golden Horn. Famed with the hagiasma (fountain of holywater), good to cure health problems, and the Hagion Lousma (Sacred bath) good to clean the soul, where even emperor sought the grace of God to purify themselves.

ST. SAVIOR IN CHORA (Kariye), originally a Byzantine monastery, dedicated to Jesus Christ Savior and Pantocrator, survived with fantastic mosaics and frescoes, portraying scenes from the Holy Bible, the life and miracles of Jesus.

Church of ST. MARY PAMMACARISTOS (Fethiye), built in XI. Century by the Emperor John Comnenus, displaying the aesthetic refinement attained to the age of Paleologanage; and originally belonged to a convent of nuns. The abbey housed the Patriarchate for a while after the conquest.

ZOODOCHOS PEGE AT BALIKLI, dedicated to the Mother of God at Pege, with an underground cistern, full of goldfish related to a well-known miracle and the fountain of holywater, believed to cure many diseases, is one of the most celebrated shrines.

The monastic complex of Christ PANTOCRATOR (Zeyrek) was one of the largest and best organized of the Byzantine period, comprising two churches and a funerary chapel, baths, a hospice for the aged, a hospital and a medical school, a hostel for travellers and a library. –can only be seen from outside-

ST. SERGIUS & BACCHUS, a landmark in Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture. Today it is known as the “Little Hagia Sophia” because its general plan as a precursor of Hagia Sophia. -Can only be seen from outside-