Istanbul with Alex Veit
Rosh Hashana
1 October ( Wednesday
morning)- 4th October ( Saturday night) 2008
Wednesday - TEL-AVIV-
ISTANBUL - BLUE MOSQUE - ST. SOPHIA - Walking tour.
Depart from Ben Gurion
Airport to Istanbul.
Start our visit of
exciting Istanbul with the Blue Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmet - 1609-1616
- which is an architectural mastery. Next, the ancient Hippodrome, the
scene of chariot races and center of Byzantine civic life. Visit the Ayasofia
Museum - St. Sophia, which is unquestionably one of the finest buildings of
all times. Originally built by Constantine the Great and rebuilt by Justinian in
the 6th century. Explore the amazing Byzantine cistern Yerebatan Saray
built by Justinian the Great - 527- 65.
Thursday - TOPKAPI PALACE
- MUSEUMS - GRAND BAZAAR - Walking tour.
After breakfast, visit the
Topkapi palace, which was the residence of the Sultans for almost three
centuries, see the exhibition of the imperial costumes worn by the sultan and
their families and the priceless collection of jewels, miniatures and medieval
manuscripts. Visit the Archaeological Museum. The neoclassical building
houses an extensive collection of Hellenic and Roman statuary and sarcophagi.
See the so-called famous marble Alexander sarcophagus with its very impressive
high relief. Continue to the Mosaic Museum, which is built over an
uncovered mosaic pavement dating from the early Byzantine times, filled with
wonderful hunting and mythological scenes. Time for shopping at the Grand
bazaar, most crowded shopping center in the world, selling mostly gold,
silver and carpets.
Friday - DOLMABAHCE PALACE
- BEYOGLU - GALATA TOWER
After breakfast, visit the
Dolmabahce Palace, built in the mid 19th century by Sultan Abdulmecit the
First. The vast reception hall with 56 columns and huge crystal chandelier
weighing four and half tons and lit by 750 lights never fails to astonish
visitors. Drive up to Beyoglu the "European" quarter of Istanbul. Climb the
Galata Tower, built by the Genoese in 1348, rises 62 meters high over the
Golden horn. From the top we will see the marvelous panorama of the Golden Horn
and the Bosphorus. Walking tour along the Istiklal Caddesi- Independence Ave.,
with its impressive residential buildings, embassies, teashops and restaurants.
Saturday - SULEYMANIYE
MOSQUE - SPICE MARKET - BOSPHORUS CRUISE
After breakfast, visit the
off beaten track Chora Church - Kariye famous for its Byzantine mosaics.
Visit Suleymaniye mosque, which dominates
the skyline of the Golden Horn's west bank. Considered the most beautiful all
Imperial mosques in Istanbul. We shall walk to the Egyptian Spice market,
constructed in the 1660's. Still many of the shops sell spices - baharat, dried
and candied fruits and of course Turkish delight- lokum. We take the
unforgettable excursion by boat along the Istanbul Bogazi - Bosphorus Cruise,
the winding strait separating Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old
wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses and small fishing villages. We will
end our tour at Pierre Loti Cafe, to enjoy the tranquility of the view.
Depart for airport.
Based on per person in double room
group of 20 -28 pax :
-
Land
arrangements: €570 or €500 .
and
Group Air Fare: $317 USD
(12-08-08)
Single supplement: €90
Extra charge for small group 16-19 pax: €40
Euro.
Land
arrangements include:
- Hotels: Special
category: -
The great thing about these hotels is the fact that they are located in a
Ottoman styled buildings, centrally located
behind Blue Mosque, which is a great advantage for touring the old city and the
bazaar by foot. Rooms are air-conditioned, with private bath room. The group
will be divided between three hotels.
- 3
breakfasts - Buffet style. – Tips to local staff: €20.
- Luxury air
conditioned coach transportation as per itinerary
- Guided tours
by specially chosen English speaking Turkish guide.
- All entrance
fees as mentioned in the itinerary.
- "Alex
Surprises" - Escort
Alex Veit*
* Please
note: Tour is planned to cater both Israeli and English speaking clientele.
Tours are guided in English by specially chosen local guides (Alex does not
translate what is said in to Hebrew). How ever Alex will be bilingual, when it
comes to his explanations which deal mainly with administrative aspects of the
tour.
See past tour's photographs
press here:
Istanbul
For all
correspondence, requests for full detailed programs including terms, cancellation policy,
prices and registrations, please
contact: also please look at: Terms & Conditions
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