Ottoman Essentials Tour in Istanbul- Ephesus Excursions

Departing from the port, you will begin with a drive over the Golden Horn towards the Old City. Your first stop will be the The Blue Mosque, known for its architectural harmony, proportion and elegance, is unique as it is the only original mosque in the world with six minarets. Breathtaking stained-glass windows and graceful arabesques decorate this mighty structure.

The highlight of the tour will be Topkapi Palace (Harem section excluded). Topkapi Palace is a great walled complex hugging the shores of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn and it was once the residence of Ottoman Sultans. Mehmet II built the palace-city, home for three centuries of Sultans, in the mid-1400s as a summer palace. Topkapi was enlarged by Suleiman the Magnificent into the Sultan's principal residence and with the successive Sultans grew into a great complex of buildings set in lovely gardens. A series of courtyards connect various buildings which now house an astonishing collection of Chinese porcelain, treasures, the celebrated Topkapi Diamond and much more.

Pass along the old city walls and under the ancient Roman aqueduct on the way to the Spice Market where you will take in the aromas of the ancient spices and watch the trading conducted in the age-old ways.

Next stop will be the Rustem Pasa Mosque, famous for its exquisite tile work. Designed by architect Mimar Sinan, the mosque was built between 1561-1563. One of the distinguishing features is the abundance of red-colored Iznik tiles. While blue, green, yellow and white tiles were considered easy to produce, red was quite difficult at the time. The interior of the Mosque also boasts some intricately carved doors and gilded trim work. What Rustem Pasa Mosque may lack in size and grandeur, it makes up for with its artistic beauty.

The Turkish Islamic Museum of Arts is located on the west side of Hippodrome, now exhibits a variety of items from antique kilims, manuscripts, calligraphy, wood, ironwork, and stone sculpture, stained glass and folk art as well as the Ethnological collection, devoted mainly to the nomads of Anatolia. The Museum also hosts the most valuable ancient Turkish carpets namely the original Usak and Selcuk Carpet collections.

Rates
Approx Duration: 6 hour(s) 45 minute(s)
Current Price: Starting from
94 Adult (USD) for minimum 4 guests
Activity Type: Historical, Sightseeing, City Tours
Activity Level: Strenuous

Sites to Visit
Blue Mosque
Topkapi Palace
Spice Market
Rustem Pasa Mosque
Turkish Islamic Museum of Arts

Shore Excursion Points of Distinction
* Professional English-speaking experts to guide you through your journey.
* Peace of mind in knowing that your excursions are monitored by our staff.
* A staff of experienced, excursion specialists expertly plans each tour and is dedicated to maximizing your time in each port.
* Travel with premier, licensed and insured, best available, climate controlled luxury transportation.
* In addition to our private departures, just like this tour, you may choose the Executive Collection - customized, private tours with highly personalized service.

Remarks
* Guests must be able to walk approximately 1-1.5 miles over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, inclines and 40 to 65 steps thus the guests must be cautious to watch their step
at all times in order to avoid injuries.
* Comfortable clothing, flat walking shoes, sun hat, sun glasses and sun screen are strongly recommended.
* Please expect dense traffic conditions in Istanbul.
* The order of the sites visited may change to avoid the crowds.
* Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water and use suitable sun protection.

Note
* The program can also be completed in 2 days according to your preference.

Book this Tour
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