Home | Tours | Gallery | News | Resources |  Special Services | Special Interest Tours | About Us | Contact Us

2010 Tours

Treasures of Istanbul Journey

Imagine a city having been the capital of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires for more than 2,000 years; a bridge between Asia and Europe, once part of Silk Road where it ended. Istanbul is a pivotal point of three great religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam that still coexist next to each other in harmony; and finally chosen by the European Community as the 2010 cultural capital of Europe. This journey carries you from the ancient history of Istanbul including the Neolithic time, then leads, enriches, enlightens you through layers of civilizations on top of one another and finally connects you to the present city. You will learn in depth about its natural splendid beauties, history, culture, culinary cuisine. There is no other city that is this unique in connecting your heart and soul, an unforgettable journey for life time!

You experience the throbbing labyrinthine bazaars; some of the oldest buildings in the world still being used daily; the richly colored tiled walls covering many mosques with techniques based on Chinese porcelains traded during the early Silk Road era. Some frescos of Christian churches pre 500 AD are only parts of the allure of such an exotic city. Take the opportunity to experience a Turkish bath (hamam) always discretely enrobed and partake of the little restaurants where a small group can fit in (without too much notice) giving the opportunity to choose from the menu the local people have for daily consumption and relish watching the preparation of your selection. A ride on the Bosporus by ferry is a must viewing the shorelines separating Europe and Asia.

7 Days

2010 Tour Dates:

  • Year Round

Tour Price: Based on 10 Guests

Please contact us for prices and reservations.

info@treasuresoftravel.com

Phone:  800-572-0526
Phone:  425-775-2250
Fax:  425-771-6723

Price Includes:

  • 5 nights accommodation at selected 4 star hotels, and/or restored Ottoman mansions and special boutique hotels
  • Breakfast daily
  • Daily private sightseeing by comfortable air-conditioned car or van
    Including professional driver and his expenses
  • English speaking and knowledgeable guide and his expenses
  • Entrance fees to sites indicated in bold on the itinerary
  • Two arrival and departure transfers
  • Bosporus cruise in Istanbul
  • Complete information packet with itineraries, travel and visa information, and luggage tags

Day 1 ~

Depart USA. Overnight flight to Istanbul.

Day 2 ~ Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul, after custom formalities we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for overnight.

Day 3 ~ Istanbul

This morning we will walk to the Hippodrome, arena for political, cultural, and sports activities during Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times. We will also visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its Iznik blue tiles; and Topkapi Palace, home of Ottoman Sultans for 400 years.

Day 4 ~ Istanbul

Today we will start with St. Sophia, the largest Christian church in the world for more than 1,000 years. Nearby is the Underground Palace, or Basilica Cistern, with its mystical atmosphere and marble columns surrounded by water. Finally, we will visit the most famous archaeological museum in Turkey, Istanbul Archaeological Museum including Ancient Orient Museum and tile museum (kiosk).

Day 5 ~ Istanbul

We will follow the ancient city walls of Istanbul to the Chora Museum, which has the most beautiful Byzantine mosaics in Turkey. Afterward we will have a Bosphorus cruise between continents, seeing the fabulous palaces and villas that hug the shoreline. Later we will have a tour of the old and new city, including the Galata and Pera regions with a visit of Jewish Museum.

Day 6 ~ Istanbul

This morning we will start our visit with Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar following with a visit to Fener know as the Greek suburb where the Patriarch of Greek Orthodox Church lives and his church located, then we will visit Balat nearby known as Jewish suburb where one of the oldest Synagogue is located called Ahrida.

In the afternoon we will visit Kumkapi known as the Armenian suburb where the residence and church of Armenian Patriarch located. Nearby is the little Saint Sofia which was build before Saint Sofia Church in 532 AD and today in use as mosque surrounded with art galleries, and small wok shops.

Day 7

Depart for the USA.

This morning we will transfer you to Istanbul Ataturk airport for your flight to home.



We recommend travel insurance.


Travelex Insurance