|
DAY 1: ISTANBUL
Arrive Istanbul, transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Istanbul
DAY 2: ISTANBUL
Full day sightseeing of Istanbul: visit St. Sophia, the magnificent Byzantine Church, now a Museum. Continue to the Blue Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Istanbul, famous for its blue tiles and six minarets. Proceed to the Hippodrome, the former centre of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. Visit the Grand Bazaar which will tempt even non-shoppers with its collection of handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs. After lunch, visit the Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was once ruled. Today, it is a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelains and the famous treasury of the Royal Family. (St. sophia is closed on Monday and will be replaced with a visit to Chora Museum)
Overnight: Istanbul (BL)
DAY 3: ISTANBUL
A short visit to the famous Egyptian Spice Bazaar with mystical smells of different aromas of spices, and shops selling fruit, vegetables, flowers and fish. Cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe from Asia as it winds its way from the Aegean (Sea of Marmara) to the Black Sea. See modern hotels, old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses and small fishing villages. Return to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Istanbul (B)
DAY 4: ISTANBUL - BODRUM
Transfer to Istanbul Airport for flight to Bodrum. Arrive Bodrum, transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Bodrum (BD)
DAY 5 – DAY 7: BODRUM
Day at leisure. Bodrum is a picture-postcard resort town. Its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful bay backed by whitewashed houses and the magnificent Crusader Castle makes Bodrum a favourite resort town. Bodrum has a regular ferry-connection with the Greek island of Kos. Several small fishing villages dot the nearby coastline, waiting for you to explore. Take a local "dolmus" and make your own discoveries.
Overnight: Bodrum (BD)
DAY 8: BODRUM - ISTANBUL
Departure transfer to Airport for flight to Istanbul. (B)
|