Istanbul

Istanbul, a mesmerizing bridge between East and West, pulsates with a rich history and vibrant contemporary life. At its heart lies Sultanahmet, a district echoing with the footsteps of empires, inviting travelers to explore its timeless wonders.

Sultanahmet: Echoes of Empires

This historical peninsula, once the core of Byzantine Constantinople, bears witness to centuries of transformation. Emperor Constantine the Great's vision in 330 AD laid the foundation for a city that would become a beacon of Christianity and power. The majestic Hagia Sophia, a testament to Byzantine architectural genius, stands as a poignant reminder of this era.

The Ottoman conquest in 1453 ushered in a new chapter, with Sultan Mehmed II reshaping the city into the heart of his vast empire. Sultanahmet became a canvas for Ottoman grandeur, adorned with architectural masterpieces like the Blue Mosque, its intricate blue tiles reflecting a legacy of artistic brilliance. Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, unveils the opulent lifestyle of a bygone era, while the ancient Hippodrome's remnants whisper tales of chariot races and public gatherings. The Basilica Cistern, an underground marvel of engineering, and the bustling Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of treasures, further enrich the tapestry of Sultanahmet's history.

Key Historical Sites

Hagia Sophia

A symbol of Istanbul's complex history, having served as a church, mosque, and museum.

Its architectural magnificence and historical significance are unparalleled.

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Known for its striking blue Iznik tiles and six minarets.

A functioning mosque that also attracts visitors from around the world.

Topkapi Palace

The former residence of Ottoman sultans, offering insights into their opulent lifestyle.

Its vast collections of artifacts and treasures are remarkable.

Hippodrome of Constantinople

This was a large ancient sporting and social center. Today the remainders of this once huge structure can still be seen.

Basilica Cistern

An amazing underground water storage facility, that is a must see.

Navigating Istanbul with Turkey Tour Organizer

To truly immerse yourself in Istanbul's magic, consider the expertise of Turkey Tour Organizer. We understand that traveling through a city with such a deep historical narrative can be complex, and we strive to make your experience seamless and enriching.

Tailored Experiences: Recognizing that each traveler has unique interests, we craft personalized itineraries, whether you're drawn to ancient ruins, culinary delights, or vibrant cultural experiences.

Safety and Comfort: Your safety and comfort are paramount. We ensure a smooth journey, handling logistics and navigating local customs with expertise.

Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable guides illuminate the historical significance of each site, providing insights that bring the past to life. We can also help navigate the bustling markets, and help visitors understand the local traditions.

Comprehensive Support: From transportation and accommodation to guided tours, we handle every detail, allowing you to focus on the wonder of your journey.

Beyond Sultanahmet: Exploring Istanbul's Treasures

Istanbul extends beyond Sultanahmet, offering a diverse array of attractions:

The Galata Tower, rising above the cityscape, provides panoramic views.

Istiklal Street, a vibrant pedestrian avenue, pulsates with life.

Dolmabahce Palace, a lavish 19th-century residence, reflects Ottoman grandeur.

A Bosphorus cruise offers a unique perspective on the city's skyline.

The Chora Church, with its Byzantine mosaics, and the Maiden's Tower, standing sentinel in the Bosphorus, are also must sees.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Embrace the local culture by enjoying Turkish tea and coffee.

Respect mosque etiquette by dressing modestly and removing shoes.

Use the Istanbulkart for convenient and affordable public transportation.

Be prepared to bargain in markets like the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.

With its blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy, Istanbul offers an unforgettable travel experience. And with the help of Turkey Tour Organizer, your journey through this captivating city will be both enriching and seamless.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures.

Summer (June-August) can be hot and crowded.

Winter (December-February) can be cold, but less crowded.

Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are widely accepted.

Language: Turkish is the official language. English is spoken in tourist areas.

Getting Around

Istanbul has an excellent public transportation system:

Trams: Efficient for navigating the historical peninsula. Metro: Connects major districts. Ferries: Essential for crossing the Bosphorus. Buses: Extensive network, but can be crowded. Istanbulkart: purchase this card for easy access to all public transportation.

Food and Drink

Turkish Cuisine

Enjoy traditional dishes like kebabs, meze (appetizers), baklava, and Turkish delight.

Try street food like simit (sesame bread rings) and balik ekmek (fish sandwiches).

Turkish Tea (çay) and Coffee (kahve)

Essential parts of Turkish culture.

Visit traditional tea houses and coffee shops.

Tips for Tourists

Safety

Istanbul is generally safe city, but it's crucial to take standard precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and avoiding poorly lit or isolated areas at night. Like any popular tourist destination, Istanbul experience issues with scams, particularly in crowded areas. Data from sources that compare crime statistics, often show that Istanbul has lower crime rates than London.

Stay vigilant and take standard safety precautions.

Taxis are safe but ensure the meter is running.

Bargaining is common in markets like the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.

Local Experiences

Attend a Whirling Dervish ceremony.

Relax in a traditional Turkish bath (hammam).

Explore local neighborhoods like Balat and Fener.

Tags: istanbul, sultanahmet

Frequently Asked Questions

You can reach us by; E-Mail: info@turkeytourorganizer.com We respond to your mails within 12 hours Office Phone: +90 384 3414740 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM, Mon - Sat, GMT + 3:00
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Purchase all your needs Turkey Tour Organizer can handle every aspect of your trip from airline tickets, accommodation, guided tours, car hire, activities such as hot air balloon flight & whirling dervish ceremony, local experiences and many more 24 Hours Accessibility If you have a problem during your trip, you can easily contact us from our cell phones which are 24 hours available and we will be happy to sort out the situations for you.Builds Personalized Itineraries We are experts in helping our guests where they need to go and in helping to create possibilities most people never would have dreamed were possible.Time Saver Don’t be confused by calling or sending mails to each of the hotels or suppliers you would need during your trip in Turkey. Let us handle all these work and meanwhile you save lots of time since we will be the only people responsible for your package. Options Tours in Turkey can be arranged in many ways. We offer you an array of options and price quotes from a variety of travel suppliers, giving you an upper hand while making your travel planning. Less Stress Planning a trip can be stressful. There are so many options and details to worry about. Turkey Tour Organizer do the work, resulting in less stress for you. Updated Information Turkey Tour Organizer is constantly communicating with the travel community, thus giving you the most up to date info on airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and other travel services to consider as you plan your trip. Personal Touch It is always easy to give what a traveler wants. However; we, as Turkey Tour Organizer also do our personal recommendations and touches to make your trip more enjoyable. Where to Go With Kids We are always happy to help our guests to find great locations that are kid- friendly. Trip Cancellation Something has come up and you need to cancel your trip? The only thing you need to do is to call us and we will do the transaction by considering the Cancellation Policy of your trip
When we receive your enquiry, we start designing your dream Turkish holiday itinerary. Building on our excellent network of local and national vendors, we select the very best for your specific style of travel and interests. Being freelance also gives us the opportunity to work with a variety of travel suppliers and select only the best for your customized program.Whether your travel style is 'see everything and pack each day full', 'relax and enjoy more time in fewer places' or anything in-between, we can arrange just about any program that you can imagine. We offer unique travel opportunities, home visits, and off-the-beaten-path adventures to give you a taste of the real Turkey. If you have any special interests, hobbies or passions - just let us know and we can design your itinerary to let you experience what you're interested in seeing and doing here. From hiking, culinary adventures, history, photography, sports, architecture, etc - Turkey offers something for every traveler. We are constantly researching new opportunities for our guests and always eager to hear feedback from past guests - this allows us to know who to recommend in the future and what people truly enjoy doing here. To further guarantee the quality, we only make suggestions based on companies and vendors that we have already established a successful relationship with. We are driven by the knowledge that my guests enjoy Turkey as much as we enjoy sharing my insight, history, traditions and the real Turkey. In Turkey, the tourism industry is set up to give small kick-backs to travel consultants - this doesn't mean that you're overcharged - in fact, you'll often receive a better rate as we are able to establish a discount due to frequent visits to the vendors who supply various services. If unable to secure the best rate for you, we will advise you if a better deal is more achievable by booking directly on line. Usually better rates are available to guides & agencies but if you're interested in self-booking your entire itinerary, we can also help you with the details via email/Skype/IM, etc for a small consulting fee. So, let's get started! Click on the 'contact us' text bubble at the top right and away we go. We look forward to creating the best Turkish holiday just for you.Please kindly be advised that all those services in www.turkeytourorganizer.com are operated by AND Travel Consulting CO.

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