Istanbul

Istanbul tour- 2 days

Day 1

Morning

Taksim square- Taksim means division. It is the most touristic area of Istanbul.  Almost all the important celebrations such as New year and national celebrations occur in this square. It is located in the European part of Istanbl in beyoghlu area. 

Most of the hotels are around Taksim square, therefore, start your trip by wandering in this area and explore different shops and cafes. You can have your lunch in restaurants such as Burger king, Mc Donald or kichenete. You can easily access Taksim square by Istanbul railing system. 

Afternoon

Blue Mosque- this is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Another name is Sultan Ahmed mosque.  It was constructed between 1609 and 1617 during the rule of Ahmed I. This mosque was so important that Sultan Ahmed was personally present during its construction.

The interior architecture of the mosque has a high ceiling, which is decorated with 20,000 blue tiles with flower, tree and motifs belonging to that period, which are Iranian tiles. In addition, the interior of the mosque is decorated with lanterns, colored glass for the 260 windows of the mosque, which currently do not have colored glass, and calligraphy of Quranic verses written by famous calligraphers.

In order to access this beautiful mosque you need to take tram line T1 to Bağcılar. Then get to Sultan Ahmed station. From there you have to walk 250 meters to reach the Blue Mosque.

Evening

Galata tower- It is one of the oldest symbols of Istanbul. The tower was made during the Byzantine period and is almost 67 meters which was so high in that time. It is conical shaped and it provides you views of the Bosphorus Bridge, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque can be seen well.

In addition, the Galata Tower is decorated with special lighting at night, which we thought that it will be stunning for you to visit.

Galata Tower consists of three parts: entrance, restaurant and observation. You can use the two elevators to reach the upper floors, but you must use the stairs to reach the upper two floors. This tower has facilities such as coffee shop, restaurant, restroom, free Wi-Fi, elevator and a shop for buying souvenirs.

In order to access Galata tower you need to use metro station line 1, which is located near Taksim Square and Sultan Ahmed neighborhood. Then get off at Karakoy station and walk for 5 to 10 minutes to reach the tower.

Day 2

Morning

Dolmabahçe Palace- located in Beshiktash the European part of Istanbul, it is one of the most beautiful attractions of Istanbul without a doubt. The name is formed from two Turkish words "dolma" which means filled or filled and the word "baghche" which means garden, the reason for naming this palace is rooted in the history of the city of Istanbul.

Dolmabahçe Palace was ordered by the Empire's 31st Sultan, Abdulmejid I during Ottaman empire between the years 1843 and 1856. The luxurious Dolma Baghche Palace was the residence of 6 Ottoman kings and Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, died in one of the rooms of this palace. It has managed to preserve its original decor, furniture, carpets and silk curtains, this fact has turned this building to one of the most fascinating historical places in the world.

Dolma Baghche has three floors, 285 rooms, 44 halls, Turkish bath and 68 toilets. It has designed with a combination of baroque, neoclassical and rococo architecture with traditional Ottoman architecture.

Dolmabahce Palace is easily accessible by public transport options including bus, metro, and taxi. 

Afternoon

Grand Bazaar- This market, also known as Kapali Charshi, is one of the oldest and largest markets in the world. It is also one of the most cultural attractions of Istanbul.

Although the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul has mostly an authentic and traditional structure, you can still come across shops where tradition is mixed with modernity. This bazaar has also a popular place for antique lovers which is located on the old Bedesten section. There are also Shops selling jewelry, carpets, and vintage watches are also here.

If you are into silk textiles, traditional handwoven textiles, hand painted fabrics and linen bedding you have to go by Eğin Tekstil which is a 145-year-old shop at the entrance of Örücüler Gate. Istanbul Grand Bazaar is the largest jewelry market in the world. You will need at least 3 days to explore it completely. There are many restaurants around Istanbul's Grand Bazaar which has a very rich variety in providing Turkish and other international foods.

Evening

Bosphorus dinner cruise- The Bosphorus Strait, also known as the Istanbul Strait, is a narrow and natural strait and is one of the important international waterways in northwestern Türkiye. It separates the two continents of Asia and Europe and connects the Black Sea and Marmara Sea.

In such an attractive geographical and cultural area, every tourist cannot resist the temptation of the Bosphorus Strait cruise. From these ships, you can enjoy a wonderful view of Istanbul and travel between the two continents of Europe and Asia. Many cruise lines have comfortable, well-equipped cruise ships that are close enough to the beach to take great photos.