4 Nights Accomodation at Ciragan Palace Hotel Kempinski or Four Seasons Hotel

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL

Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be met and escorted to your hotel by an Esendal representative. Orientation city tour including visit to the St. Saviour in Chora before check in your deluxe hotel CIRAGAN PALACE HOTEL KEMPINSKI or FOUR SEASONS HOTEL.

DAY 2: ISTANBUL (B)

The only city in the world was founded on two continents Europe and Asia; today we will explore some of Istanbul's highlights beginning with Blue Mosque, built in 1616. Named for the beautiful Iznik tiles which give the mosque its color, our next visit is the Roman Hippodrome where chariot races held. Just across the way we will visit the Underground Cistern a magnificent old water reservoir built by Justinian in 532 A.D. We will continue across the way to explore the more worldly treasures of Topkapi Palace, overlooking the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara, home to Ottoman Sultans and lavish seat of government for more than 400 years. Our last visit end up at the Spice Market where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme. Return to our deluxe hotel for relax and overnight.

DAY 3: ISTANBUL (B)

After breakfast, depart from hotel for a visit to the Dolmabahce Palace built in the 19th century by Sultan Abdulmecit, it has an impressive six hundred meters frontage on the Bosphorus. The most important part is the vast reception salon, with 56 columns and a huge crystal chandelier weighing 4.5 tons with 750 lights. Then enjoy the Bosphorus Trip by boat or by bus (due to the weather condition) with an opportunity to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman Architecture. Visit the Sadberk Hanim Museum in Sariyer. It is an old late 19th century Ottoman Yali bought by the richest businessman of Turkey Vehbi Koc. It's founded and opened as a museum by his wife Sadberk Koc in 1980. There are two sections: Old Villa Section, which has exhibits ranging in date from the early Islamic Era, Seljuk and Ottoman period the objects include metal work, imperial monograms in silver, jewelry, Turkish tiles and pottery from Iznik (Nicea), Kutahya and Canakkale. On the upper floor there are traditional Turkish scenes including a bridal shower, a circumcision bed, maternity room, there are also beautiful examples of Ottoman costumes and Turkish embroideries. The archeological section of the museum has some 7000 antiques arranged in chronological order from different part of Anatolia throughout different civilizations.

After visiting Sakip Sabanci Art Museum, return back to new town for walking tour through Istiklal Caddesi, was formerly the Grande Rue de Pera. It was the street with all the smart shops, several large embassies and churches, many impressive residential buildings and scattering teashops, cafes and restaurants. Renovation has restored much of its appeal. It is now a pedestrian way with many cafes, restaurants, shops and art galleries which attract many local people. As you stroll along Istiklal Street, try to imagine it during its heyday a century ago.

There are lots of suggestions for cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs and antique shops on both sides of Istiklal Street. Return to our hotel for overnight.

DAY 4: ISTANBUL (B)

Today we will continue to explore the remaining jewels of Istanbul. First we will visit the Suleymaniye Mosque was built in 1557 by the famous architect Sinan, then we will visit the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum and St. Sophia Museum which is one of the most extra ordinary building in the history of architecture. It was the cathedral of Byzantine period for a thousand years, and then for nearly five hundred years after the Turkish conquest, it was one of the most important mosques in Istanbul before was converted into a museum. When it was built in 537 A.D by Justinian was the largest building in the world. Our last visit is Grand Bazaar for shopping with its more than 3.500 tiny shops. Return to hotel for relax and overnight.

DAY 5: DEPARTURE FROM ISTANBUL

After breakfast, transfer from hotel to the airport for your flight back home.

Included Services:

• 4 Nights BB (Bed & Breakfast) accommodation at CIRAGAN PALACE HOTEL KEMPINSKI in Deluxe / Grand Deluxe (Bopshorus view) Room or FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
• All entrance fees to the museums as indicated in the itinerary
• Professional English speaking tour guide
• Airport- Hotel - Airport transfers and ground transportation by A/C Deluxe luxury Van
• Daily breakfast
• Service Charge and Local Tax

Not Included:

• International Air Fare
• Dinners, drinks and beverages
• Extras at hotel