TRAVEL ISTANBUL

travel agency istanbul “If the whole world was a state, Istanbul would be the capital of it.” Napoleon BONEPART

Ezan voice melt in the morning screams of Seagulls and they start to chasing the public ferries sailing from Asian side to European side and the students, workers or young lovers waiting for disembarking and on the way, ferries salutes each other with their horn while Bosphorus Ferry starts its journey to the legendry shores of the Bosphorus, adorned with old wooden houses or with palaces. This ferry might take a place on picture of Bosphorus taken from the balcony of Galata Tower, then next picture will be the Huge dome of the Hagia Sophia but at the same time tens of people would be take the picture of the Dome from inside next to the other enchanted people. Some of them thrilled with the courage of the architecture of Hagia Sophia and get more curious about another architect lived in 16th century, Mimar Sinan the Great. While watching the balanced portions of the Suleymaniye mosque, some people start to thinking about which mosque tiles are the best, Blue Mosque or Rustempasa Mosque or Sokollu Mosque. Maybe the tiles in circumcision room of Topkapi Palace. On the other hand, some start thinking about the different variation of tiles, mosaics and can’t decide if the mosaics or the frescoes are the most interesting and fascinating in Chora Museum. Seagulls stop chasing the public ferries and the ezan voice start dancing with the last lights of the sun while seagulls start flying around the minarets.

DID YOU KNOW ABOUT ISTANBUL?

» UNESCO declares Istanbul as a World Heritage Site.

» Hagia Sophia was the biggest cathedral on the world for thousands years and still it is the 4th biggest one.

» The four bronze horses of San Marco Cathedral welcoming the guest today in Venice, were taken from Istanbul.

» In the Middle Ages, Istanbul had more than 1400 public toilets in the city meanwhile there weren't any in European cities.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ISTANBUL

	HAGIA SOPHIA It was the biggest Cathedral on the world when they built in 6th century. For thousands years it kept that reputation and still it is the forth biggest one. Deisis Scene Mosaic is count as the best in Turkey.			BOSPHORUS Symbol of Istanbul, Bosphorus is the passage between Black sea to Marmara Sea and in the mythology it was subjected in many stories such as Argonauts.

	SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE It is the biggest Ottoman mosque in Istanbul but importance of the building is its mathematics. Balance of the portions, system of air circulations are incredible for those who can see. With workmanship, it is further then Blue Mosque.			TOPKAPI PALACE It is a complex of buildings added in different periods and for more then 300 years Ottoman Sultans ruled the country from here. Today you can visit all sections and see the treasures including 86 carats diamond.

	UNDERGROUND CISTERN (YEREBATAN) Water reservoir from 6th century, capacity of 900.000 m3 water and consist of 336 columns combined each other with brick vaults. It is the best Byzantine cistern example in the world.			CHORA CHURCH/KARIYE MUSEUM Best byzantine building in the city with dapper façade and high drum little domes. But it is well-know as hosting the best 14th century Byzantine frescoes and mosaics.

	DOLMABAHCE PALACE This palace was built by Balyan’s, an Armenian Family worked as a main architecture of Ottoman Empire and building reflects the glory of Ottoman Empire with decorations and style.			GRAND BAZAAR AND SPICE MARKET Bazaars are the part of the daily life and Grand Bazaar mainly used for gold, textile and leather and Spice market mainly for more common things like spices or foods.

FAVORITE ISTANBUL TOUR PROGRAMS

	IMPERIAL NEIGHBORHOOD Istanbul, served as a capital city for Empire of Byzantium (4th-15th centuries) and Ottoman (16th-20th centuries) and as a consequence, old city adorned with magnificent monuments. We start with Hagia Sophia, built in 6th century with huge dome. It was the biggest cathedral for decades where you can see the best “Deisis” from 12th century. Then we will continue with the marvelous Topkapi Palace that served as the palace of the Ottoman Sultans between the 16th and 19th centuries. We will have opportunity to see the Treasury, where the extensive exhibits include priceless world-class collections of jewelry, porcelain, textiles and costumes of the Sultans. After lunch break, Blue Mosque will be our next stop. It I still serving as a mosque and keep it alive with vibrant atmosphere. Underground or Basilica Cistern is the “sine qua non” for this part with its 336 columns. Grand Bazaar will be our last stop which dates back to Byzantine period. You will get lost while checking the shops and items in Grand Bazaar where more than 3ooo shops in. Hagia Sophia is closed in Mondays. Topkapi Palace is closed in Tuesdays.
	LIVING COLORS Smells of the spices will welcome us before entering the famous Egyptian Market or Spice Market located in the busy part of the city. Outside of the market is as interesting as inside. While we are wandering around, we will reach the Rustem Pasa Mosque where you can see the best tiles in Istanbul. While we are getting amazed with those decoration materials, it is better to visit the most interesting Byzantine churches in the city the Church of the Holy Savior of Chora, called in Turkish, Museum. The mosaics and frescoes are by far the most important and extensive series of Byzantine paintings in the city and among the best and most beautiful in the world. So we will have chance to compare them. We start our day with good smells and lets finish our days with another attracting scent, smell of the salt and moss from sea. After drive to Ortakoy, we start relaxing with this smell. Before getting a little boat, have some Turkish tea with view of Bosphorus. These little public boats will make 45 minutes trip that allows us to see the best parts of the Bosphorus. *Chora Museum is closed in Wednesdays.
	EUROPEAN INFLUENCE Since the old times, every civilization lived in peace and melts together and creates new cultures. In this concept, fascinating Dolmabahce Palace will be the best option to see the European Influence in Ottoman times. This magnificent imperial palace built between 1843 and 1856 that represents the westernization of the Ottoman Empire. Crystal Staircases,. Baccarat Crystal Chandeliers and Candleholders, Limoges Fireplaces are worth to see. Then we will visit the Galata Tower built by the Genoese in 1348. The Old Pera was given to them by the Ottoman Empire because of their help in defeating a Crusade. After a short gentle walk we take the oldest functioning subway in the world. The “Tunel”, Completed in 1873, it is the shortest subway ever built. It connects Karakoy to Beyoglu, followed by window-shopping pedestrian street called Istiklal. Street. This is the heart of Istanbul with its various options for everyone. While walking on this street keep your eyes up to buildings because architecture is different then other sights and you can see the best examples of the Art-Nouveau. *Dolmabahce Palace is closed in Mondays and Thursdays.
*Please do not hesitate to contact us for specially designed tour programs by considering your needs and interests in Istanbul.

HOTELS, WE "LOVE" TO USE

Please do not hesitate to contact with Matiana Travel Planners and Concierges for the best room suggestions, other hotel alternatives and upgrade possibilities.

CIRAGAN PALACE KEMPINSKI

Hotel consist of 2 sections, Palace where the presidential suits in and hotel building. Hotel rooms has 45 degree angles which allows them to have great view of Bosphorus or Old city.

LES OTTOMANS

It was an original Ottoman Mansion which converted into a boutique Hotel with great luxury and feelings of high-selection. They are providing “private to guest” services.

THE MARMARA TAXIM

If you want to be in a vibrant part of the city, no other hotels can compare with The Marmara. They have perfect location and view. Their “Flying Carpets” suites are the highlights.

FOUR SEASONS SULTANAHMET

King of the Sultanahmet, four seasons most loved hotel in Istanbul because of its character. Their Hagia Sophia view suites are just perfect as well as their restaurant.

Please fill out our "Customize Your Own Trip Questionnaire" or e-mail us, to get the unique experience that fits your interests and needs in Turkey.

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Asmali Mescit mh. Mesrutiyet cd. 7/2 Beyoglu 34430 Istanbul, Turkey Phone: +90 (212) 245 9559 Fax: +90 (212) 245 9564 Toll-Free: 001-866-978-636