TRAVEL ISTANBUL

HAGIA SOPHIA

It was the biggest Cathedral in the world at the time being of its construction in the 6th century and finally took its place as the forth biggest church in the world. The Mosaics are the best preserved ones in Turkey.

BOSPHORUS

Symbol of Istanbul, Bosphorus is a strait between Black sea and Marmara Sea. It was mentioned in many stories of Greek  mythology such as in ''Argonauts''.

SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE

It was and is the biggest ottoman mosque in Istanbul but within time it became more important because of the precisely calculated balance of proportions and air circulations. It was   progressive according to the Blue mosque.

TOPKAPI PALACE

It is a complex of buildings which where added within different periods and for more than 300 years Ottoman Sultans ruled the country from here. Today you can visit all sections and see the treasures including a 86 carats diamond.

UNDERGROUND CISTERN (YEREBATAN)

Water reservoir from the 6th century, capacity of 900.000 m3 water and consists of 336 columns combined each other with brick vaults. It is the best preserved Byzantine cistern example in the world.

CHORA CHURCH/KARIYE MUSEUM

Best Byzantine building in the city with dapper facade and high drum little domes. But it is well-know as hosting the best 14th century Byzantine frescoes and mosaics.

DOLMABAHCE PALACE

This palace was built by Balyan’s, an Armenian Family worked as the main architects of the Ottoman Empire and their buildings reflect the glory of the Ottoman Empire throughout with their own signature of decoration and style.

GRAND BAZAAR AND SPICE MARKET

Bazaars are the centre of  daily living and Grand Bazaar mainly used for gold, textile and leather and the Spice market mainly for more common things like spices or foods.

IMPERIAL NEIGHBORHOOD

Istanbul, served as a capital city respectively administrative centre for the Empire of Byzantium (4th-15th centuries) and for Ottoman Empire as well(16th-20th centuries) and therefore as a consequence, is the old city nowadays adorned with magnificent monuments. We start with the Hagia Sophia, built in the 6th century with its huge dome. It was the biggest cathedral for decades where you can see the best “Deisis” from the 12th century. Then we will continue with the marvelous Topkapi Palace that served as the palace of the Ottoman Sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries. We will have the opportunity to see the Treasury, where the extensive exhibits include priceless world-class collections of jewelry, porcelain, textiles and costumes of the Sultans. After lunch break, Blue Mosque will be our next stop. It is still serving as a mosque having a vibrant atmosphere. Underground or Basilica Cistern is the “sine qua non” for this part with its 336 columns. The Grand Bazaar will be our last stop which dates back to Byzantine period. You will get lost while checking the shops and items in Grand Bazaar area, a cluster with more than 3ooo shops will amaze you.

*Hagia Sophia is closed in Mondays.

*Topkapi Palace is closed in Tuesdays.

LIVING COLORS

Smells of the spices will welcome us before entering the famous Egyptian Market or Spice Market located in the busy part of the city. Outside of the market is it as interesting as it is inside. While we are wandering around, we will reach the Rustem Pasa Mosque where you can see well preserved antique tiles on the walls. While we are getting amazed with those decoration materials, it is better to visit the most interesting Byzantine churches in the city the Church of the Holy Savior of Chora, called in Turkish, Museum. The mosaics and frescoes are by far the most important and extensive series of Byzantine paintings in the city and among the best and most beautiful in the world. So we will have a chance to compare them. We start our day with good smells and finish our days with another attracting scent, smell of the salt and moss from the sea. After a drive to Ortakoy, we will relax there. Before getting a little boat, have some Turkish tea with a view of the Bosphorus strait. These little public boats will make 45 minutes trip that allows us to see the best parts of the Bosphorus.

*Chora Museum is closed in Wednesdays.

EUROPEAN INFLUENCE

Since the old times, every civilization lived in peace,mixed up together and created new cultures. In this concept, fascinating Dolmabahce Palace will be the best option to see the European Influence in Ottoman times. This magnificent imperial palace built between 1843 and 1856 that represents the westernization of the Ottoman Empire. Crystal Staircases,. Baccarat Crystal Chandeliers and Candleholders, Limoges Fireplaces are worth to see. Then we will visit the Galata Tower built by the Genoese in 1348. The Old Pera district was given to them by the Ottoman Empire because of their help in defeating a Crusade. After a short gentle walk we take the oldest functioning subway of the world. The “Tunel”, completed in 1873, it is the shortest subway ever built. It connects Karakoy to Beyoglu, followed by a window-shopping pedestrian street called ''Istiklal'' street. This is the heart of Istanbul with its various options for everyone. While walking on this street keep your eyes upwards to see the upper parts of the  buildings because the architecture is different than other sights and you can see the best examples of  Art-Nouveau.

*Dolmabahce Palace is closed in Mondays and Thursdays.  

SPECIAL ISTANBUL TOURS

Backyard of the Old City: Off the beaten track in Old-city. If you like the details and less-touristy places, you will stun with the fascinating facades of the Old Byzantine churches or the faces of the fountains. From Zeyrek Mosque (Pantokrator Church) to Yedikule, you will be able to see different buildings from different centuries.

Walk among the Hidden Treasures: Old city is famous about its narrow streets and it will be pity if you miss this little adventure. We are offering you a little surprising tour with professional tourist guides. While you are visiting the old building, you will also witness Lifestyle in Istanbul of today.

Respect the Mimar Sinan: This special tour is dedicated to Mimar Sinan, the greatest Imperial main –architecture from the 16th. century. Founder of the Classical Ottoman Mosques plans. You will be able to see his most important monuments in chronologic order which will help you to understand his development.

*Please do not hesitate to contact us for specially designed tour programs by considering your needs and interests in Istanbul.

CIRAGAN PALACE KEMPINSKI

Hotel consist of 2 sections, Palace consists of  presidential suits and the hotel building. Hotel rooms have 45 degree angles which allows them to have a great view of the Bosphorus or the Old city.

LES OTTOMANS

It was an original Ottoman Mansion which converted into a boutique Hotel with great luxury and feelings of high-selection. They are providing “private to guest” services.

THE MARMARA TAXIM

If you want to be in a vibrant part of the city, no other hotels can compare with The Marmara. They have a perfect location and view. Their “Flying Carpets” suites are the highlights.

FOUR SEASONS SULTANAHMET

King of the Sultanahmet, four seasons most beloved hotel in Istanbul because of its character. Their Hagia Sophia view suites are just perfect as well as their restaurant.

RADISSON BLU

If you want to stay in a contemporary hotel with Bosphorus view, Radisson Blu will provide all the comfort. It is located where you can reach Ortakoy, a picturesque corner of  Istanbulin about a minute.

OTTOMAN IMPERIAL HOTEL

Standing between Hagia Sophia and Caferaga Madrasah, hotel already has great feelings of Istanbul. Especially Junior Suites with Hagia Sophia view are just amazing.

RESTAURANTS, WE "LOVE" TO TASTE

Please do not hesitate to contact with Matiana Travel Concierges for the best table reservations and suggesting for other restaurant alternatives.

SUNSET GRILL & BAR

Since it opened 15 years ago, Sunset Grill & Bar has lost none of its appeal or popularity. It offers exceptional, highquality service and serves international cuisine by a stunning view of the Bosphorus.

LACIVERT RESTAURANT & BAR

This is the perfect location to admire the beauty of Bosphorus as well as its fresh fishes. In this restaurant you can enjoy with your fresh fish along with small appetizers with stunning view of Bosphorus.

ULUS 29 RESTAURANT CLUB BAR

It has one of the best Bosphorus views and service quality in Istanbul. They serve the best samples of international cuisine, but their classical Stone oven tastes are so unique.

REINA RESTAURANT

Queen of the Bosphorus is always attractive with its five different restaurants with differnet taste and ambiance. You can enjoy your delicous meal with great view and late eveining continue with club in the same place.

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