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Fullday
Daily Tour
8 people
Chinese, English
Istanbul city tour in English and Chinese with group to visit Miniatürk, Sulaymaniyah Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, Galata Tower, and Turkish Independence Street. Your private tour guide will pick you up from your lodging in the morning with a VIP van.
Brief Description of The Tour:
Istanbul (Please ignore that the order of sightseeing here is actually adjusted by the local tour guide)
Attractions:
1. Miniatürk
Miniaturk is a landscape park located on the northeastern shore of the Golden Horn. It covers an area of 60,000 square meters and is one of the largest miniature landscape parks in the world. There are 105 architectural models in the park at a scale of 1:25, 45 of which are from Istanbul, 45 from Anatolia, and 15 from the Ottoman Empire’s territories outside Turkey.
2. Sulaymaniyah Mosque
Suleymaniye Mosque is one of several large mosques in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in a very short period of time from 1550 to 1557 by order of Suleiman I. It is the most important work of the architect Kocha Mimar Sinan. Its magnificent architectural complex, including the mosque, has both urban and national significance, and is as important as the Fatih Mosque.
The entire Courier complex is built on a steep third hill, using a surprising architectural solution to integrate the hill with the surrounding streets. For example, the Third and Fourth Islamic Schools, completed in 1558 and 1559, descend in steps toward the Golden Horn. They are masterpieces in the history of architecture and are regarded as representative works of the early peak of Ottoman architecture.
3. Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahçe is the largest palace in Turkey. It was built between 1843 and 1856 on the order of Abdulmecid I, the 31st Sultan of the Empire. It covers an area of 45,000 square meters and has 285 offices, 46 halls, 6 hammams and 68 toilets. To create a new complex, eclectic elements from the Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical periods were combined with typical Ottoman architecture. The project was designed by architect Garabet Balyan, his sons Nigoayos Balyan and Evanis Kalfa, and construction was supervised by Hac Said Aga, a member of the Armenian Balyan family of Ottoman court architects.
The building cost 15,000 Ottoman gold liras. The palace was the residence of six sultans: the last member of the royal family to live here was Caliph Abdulmecid Effendi. By a decree that came into effect in September 10, 1938, the ownership of the palace was transferred to the national heritage of the nascent Turkish Republic. During the summer, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic, used the palace as the presidential palace. and produced some of his most important works. Atatürk spent his later years and died in this palace, after which the State Palace Council now manages the palace.
4. Galata Tower
Called the Tower of Christ by the Genoese in the Middle Ages, it is a medieval stone tower located in the Galata district of Istanbul, Turkey, just north of the Golden Horn. It is one of the city’s most striking landmarks, dominating Istanbul’s skyline. Galata Tower is 9 stories high and 66.9 meters high. It was the tallest building in the city when it was built. Its ground level is 35 meters above sea level. The base diameter is 16.45 meters, the inner diameter is 8.95 meters, and the wall thickness is 3.75 meters. There is a restaurant and cafe on the upper floor with spectacular views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
5. Turkish Independence Street
Independence Street, known as Istanbul’s “Champs Elysees”, starts from the medieval Genoese neighborhood near Galata Tower and ends at Taksim Meydanı. This area is the political, economic and cultural center of the entire Ottoman Empire. They all play an important role in life. Istanbul’s famous buildings are scattered on both sides of the street, including various churches, consulates of various countries, famous hotels, etc. This elegant pedestrian street is about 3 kilometers long. There are many boutiques, music stores, bookstores, art galleries, cinemas, theaters, libraries, cafes, bars, nightclubs, ancient pastry shops, chocolate shops and restaurants along the street. It attracts locals and foreign tourists and is also a good place for young people to socialize.
Your private tour guide will pick you up from your lodging in the morning with a VIP van at 09:00.
Miniatürk is a miniature park located in Istanbul, showcasing miniature replicas of famous landmarks from Turkey and around the world. Miniature Replicas: Marvel at detailed replicas of iconic Turkish and international structures, including Hagia Sophia, Mount Ararat, and the Temple of Artemis. Interactive Exhibits: Some miniaturks have interactive features, providing a more engaging experience for visitors. Historical Context: Information boards provide historical context for each miniature, offering educational insights into the featured landmarks.
Sulaymaniyah Mosque, also known as the Süleymaniye Camii, is an Ottoman imperial mosque located on the Third Hill of Istanbul. Admire the stunning Ottoman architecture and the mosque's grandeur, which reflects the craftsmanship of the period. Courtyard and Gardens: Explore the spacious courtyard and gardens surrounding the mosque, offering peaceful surroundings and beautiful views of Istanbul. Historical Significance: Learn about the mosque's history and its connection to the Ottoman Empire during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent.
Overview: Dolmabahce Palace is a lavish Ottoman palace located along the Bosphorus Strait, serving as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Highlights: Opulent Interiors: Tour the opulent rooms, halls, and chambers adorned with luxurious decorations, crystal chandeliers, and European-style furnishings. Bosphorus Views: Enjoy picturesque views of the Bosphorus from the palace, particularly from its waterfront terrace. Historical Significance: Explore the historical significance of Dolmabahce Palace as a symbol of the late Ottoman period's extravagance and transition.
Overview: Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower in the Galata/Karaköy quarter of Istanbul, providing panoramic views of the city. Highlights: 360-Degree Views: Climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul, including the historic peninsula and the Golden Horn. Photography Opportunity: Capture stunning photos of the cityscape, especially during sunrise or sunset. Historical Tower: Learn about the tower's rich history, which dates back to the medieval period and its various uses over time.
Overview: Istiklal Caddesi is a bustling pedestrian street in the heart of Istanbul, known for its vibrant atmosphere, shops, restaurants, and historical buildings. Highlights: Shopping and Dining: Explore a variety of shops, boutiques, and eateries along the lively street. Street Performances: Enjoy street performances, live music, and a lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings. Historical Landmarks: Discover historical landmarks along Istiklal Caddesi, including the nostalgic tram, the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, and the Galatasaray High School.
We will drop you back to your lodging.