Overview
Istanbul, former capital of the Byzantine Empire, is great world city. Istanbul today is the cultural capital of Turkey with a population over 15 million. Istanbul is the kind of destination to explore a Package Deal including flight and accommodations. Istanbul is very popular.
Hadi gidelim!
Highlights
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Topkapi Palace
- Galata Tower
- Galata Bridge
- Bosporus Bridge
- Baklava
- Turkish Delight
- Hammam (Turkish bath)
- Kestane (chestnuts)
- Seafood
About $2500
Includes
- Accommodations
Excludes
- Flights to Istanbul
Transportation
Istanbul’s main international airport is Istanbul Atatürk Airport. Arrive in Style on Turkish Airlines. Get your Visa at the airport! In a populous and large city, stay downtown near all the sites. Airport shuttles can take you into the city which takes about 45min.
Maybe stay in the district called Old City Sultanahmet for all the sites. Istanbul also has a fine Tram system for getting around in the city. The main square is called Taksim. Taxi’s are cheap, efficient, and the drivers generally speak English. If you are staying in the Old City enjoy walking around but know Istanbul can be hilly – wear good shoes!
Itinerary
Arrive on the outskirts of this big city.
If you stay in the Old City get out and explore!
The ruins of a Roman Palace face the Sea of Mamara. The city itself has so much history.
Istanbul has many must-see sights. At the top of the list is the Hagia Sophia.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, which means “Holy Wisdom”, was dedicated in 360 AD by Justinian. Hagia Sophia is world famous and chocked full of must-see’s.
Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
But for me, right across from Hagia Sophia is simply one of the world’s most beautiful buildings.
The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque was constructed between 1609 and 1617. Outside it looks similar to the Hagia Sophia but the inside is where the building is truly exceptional.
Basilica Cistern
Very close is the Basilica Cistern. The Cistern was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532 AD. Not the Medusa’s heads.
Roman Hippodrome
The place that contains the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque is the site of the old Roman Hippodrome.
This same area contains many smaller sites including the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius.
Visit the Ottoman’s main palace to wrap up the day of site seeing.
Topkapi Palace
On this day, cross one of many famous bridges in Istanbul.
The Galata Bridge
The Galata Tower
The Galata Tower was built in 1340 originally as a fire watchtower.
Bosporus Bridge
The Bosporus Bridge is a modern bridge connecting Europe and Asia.
Bosporus Boat Tour
A boat tour is a great way to see a place. You can see many places on boat tour like the Dolmabahce Palace and where the chain crossed the Golden Horn.
Make time for the world famous Grand Bazaar and Bath (Hammam)
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar has everything and has it for a very long time. Explore the winding and sometimes confusing market.
Turkish Bath (Hammam)
The Turkish Bath like Cagaloglu Hamami is known world-wide.
FAQs
FALSE: Picture taking might be prohibited. Of course, we all know some places do not allow photos but be aware in some cultures picture-taking is frowned upon. Check first!
FALSE: Istanbul requires a Visa for Americans. The good news is a Visa to visit Istanbul can be easily acquired in the airport but check the process!
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Personal
I visited Istanbul over 10 years ago. As an American, we hear much about Ataturk’s turn to the West. But as Westerner, Istanbul looks quire foreign with minarets everywhere.