If you are planning to visit Istanbul, you have a few options when it comes to taking tours. You can opt for a hop on, hop off tour, or you can even arrange to be driven around. No matter what type of tour you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable experience while in the city.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is one of the top tourist attractions in Istanbul. It was built by Mehmet the Conqueror and serves as the home of the sultans. The palace is located in the Fatih district, and is easy to reach by tram or train.
The palace is divided into four courtyards. You can explore these by yourself or with a tour.
The Fourth Courtyard, known as Mecidiye, has views of the Golden Horn. The Pavilion of the Conqueror is located in the innermost courtyard. There are also terraced gardens. You can also visit the Yerevan Pavilion, which offers a beautiful view of the city.
The Chamber of the Chief Physician is the former physician’s treatment room for the royal family. Today, it houses an exhibition of pharmaceutical instruments. You can also visit the Chamber of Holy Relics, where you will find a collection of items that were used during the time of the Prophet Mohammad.
The Third Courtyard is also worth visiting. It is the innermost courtyard of the Topkapi Palace complex. The courtyard is dotted with various exhibits. You can also visit the Circumcision Chamber and the Baghdad Pavilion.
During the Ottoman Period, the courtyards of the palace were open to the public. In fact, you can still enter the First Courtyard without a ticket. However, you should expect bottlenecks in the exhibition halls.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey is one of the most visited tourist sites in the city. This magnificent structure is a historic mosque that opened for worship in 1616 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I.
The Blue Mosque is a functioning mosque that is open to visitors for free. It is a popular site for tourists and locals alike. It is located in the old city heart of Istanbul. The mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A guided tour is highly recommended if you want to get the most out of your visit to the Blue Mosque. These tours include exclusive access to certain areas of the mosque. These tours are a great way to learn more about the history of the mosque and about the ages of Istanbul.
Aside from a guided tour, the Blue Mosque is also free to visit. However, you may want to bring along some money to make a donation to the upkeep of the building.
As you would expect from a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Blue Mosque is a well-preserved landmark. The mosque has six minarets, a central dome and a grand courtyard.
There are many exciting features to see at the Blue Mosque. The interior has over 260 stained glass windows, as well as a cluster of smaller semi-domes. The interior is also adorned with hand-painted blue tiles.
Hagia Sophia
If you are planning a trip to Istanbul, you will definitely want to check out the Hagia Sophia tours. This historic building is a landmark that has a unique and fascinating history. Its interiors are adorned with intricate mosaics. It also contains icons from both Islam and Christianity.
There are a number of different tours you can choose from. You can opt to book a guided tour that covers the history of the building, the art and the culture of Istanbul. There are also self-guided tours that allow you to explore the museum at your own pace.
It is recommended to do a guided tour because you will not miss out on all the details. You will also get to hear about the stories behind the decorative minarets and the mosaics.
Aside from Hagia Sophia’s architectural beauty, its interiors are adorned with Islamic and Christian icons. There are also many shimmied inscriptions on the walls.
If you are traveling with children, you can take advantage of Hagia Sophia’s free entrance. You will need to remove your shoes. You should dress appropriately as the building is a mosque.
If you would like to see the interior, it is recommended to go during prayer times. You can also visit the mosque during non-praying hours.
Termal
Turkey has world famous thermal springs that are ideal for relaxing, rejuvenation, and healing. These springs have been a source of health for thousands of years. Since ancient times, they have been used to treat people for a number of ailments. These thermal springs are characterized by several minerals and vitamins.
Known as the “thermal capital” of Turkey, Afyonkarahisar is a center for thermal medicine. Afyon’s waters rank among the top seven most healing in the world. The city’s natural hot water is believed to help with liver and kidney diseases.
Ayder is a mountain town on the Black Sea coast of Turkey. The town has a lovely setting with mountains and rivers. Most of the tourists who visit here were interested in the mountains.
This thermal resort is situated near the sea and is close to Istanbul. The town is a favorite with travelers who are interested in wellness. The hotels offer massage treatments, acupuncture, and other thermal therapies.
Balcova is a popular thermal resort in northern Turkey. It is particularly popular in the winter months. Aside from swimming, visitors can enjoy hydrotherapy. A number of different treatments are offered at the thermal resort, including kinezi therapy.
Mevlevi Sema
Mevlevi Sema tours in Istanbul are a great way to see a traditional Sufi performance. This mystical art form reflects elements of Turkish culture and history. The Sema is a seven-part ritual that unifies the body, mind, and soul. It focuses on unity and turning towards divine unity.
The Sema ceremony takes place in a 550-year-old Ottoman Turkish bath called Sultanahmet-Sirkeci. The ceremony is accompanied by melodic hymns performed by a live band. Guests may also witness the whirling dervishes spinning in circles. This is one of the most popular things to do in Istanbul.
The Mevlevi Order is a mystical Sufi order. It originated in the Ottoman Empire. It has a mystical dance ritual that includes musical instruments, dervish accessories, and clothing. The whirling dervishes represent the birth of humankind. They are a symbol of religious life in Turkey.
The Hodjapasha Whirling Dervish Show is the most popular in Istanbul. It takes place every Wednesday night. The show is about an hour long and consists of a 10-minute concert of Sufi music, an introduction video about the Mevlevi order, and a 4-salam “sema ceremony” with live musicians.
Tickets for Mevlevi Sema shows in Istanbul cost about 100 Turkish Lira. You can purchase tickets from travel agents or hotels. The show usually begins at 7:30pm. Children under the age of 7 are not allowed.
Hop On Hop Off Bosphorus Bridges
One of the best ways to see Istanbul is to take a hop on hop off tour on the Bosphorus. It’s a spectacular waterway that connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. During the day, you’ll have the opportunity to take in both the European and Asian sides of the city. You can also see a number of beautiful mosques, as well as fishing villages along the way.
The most popular way to enjoy the view of the Bosphorus is to take a ferry from the city center. The journey is free of charge and offers passengers a stunning coastal view. The ferry rides are available in two options: a round-trip trip or an all-day cruise. The first option, the ferry ride, takes about 75 minutes. The all-day cruise, on the other hand, lasts about six hours and stops at several points on the way.
Another good idea is to take the tour on a bus. There are several companies that offer such tours in Istanbul. Make sure to research each company carefully before you buy your ticket. Choose a route that is right for you and your itinerary.
To get the most out of a tour, you should book it in advance. This saves you time and avoids the hassle of waiting in line for tickets. You can also cancel a tour at no charge up to 24 hours before it begins.
Princes’ Islands
The Princes’ Islands are located near Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara. The group of islands are a popular day trip destination, and offer a glimpse into the past. These islands were once the residence of members of the Ottoman royal family.
The Princes’ Islands are situated 20 km from the Bosphorus, and are home to around 15 thousand inhabitants. They are a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The area is a haven for those looking for peace and tranquility. They are also a good way to break up the monotony of the city.
During the Byzantine and Christian periods, these islands were a monastic settlement. They were also used as a place of exile for Byzantine princes. The current inhabitants are trying to make the islands more sustainable.
To get to the islands, you can hire a horse or ride on the ferry. There are also electric taxis available to visitors. There is a small museum on the islands where you can find exhibits about the history of the island.
The princes’ islands are popular with tourists and residents for their beaches and fresh air. However, they are a little crowded during summer months. If you’re traveling in this season, you might want to book a private tour.
