| (Please note that this itinerary can be customized to suit your schedule.)
Day 1 - Welcome to Istanbul!
We meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or gather your first impressions of this fascinating, exotic, old city.
Day 2 – Old City Tour
Following breakfast, we set out to explore the 'Old City' of Sultanahmet where we visit the Byzantine Hippodrome, the famous Blue Mosque, and Santa Sophia. Once a church, then a mosque, and now a museum, Santa Sophia will take your breath away with its shining mosaics and magnificent dome. Next we will visit the spectacular Topkapi Palace. Explore the mysterious Harem where women planned, plotted, and murdered their way into Ottoman history. View the extravagant Treasury, home of the world-famous Topkapi Diamond and millions of dollars of priceless gems and jewels. Following lunch, we will visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, built by master architect Sinan during the reign of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. The last stop will be Grand Bazaar, the biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops of antiques, jewelry, gold, carpets, leather and cafes - all located in ancient twisting streets and alleyways - a veritable Aladdin's cave of treasures!
Day 3 –Egyptian Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabache Palace
Our morning starts with a visit to the colourful and aromatic Egyptian Spice Bazaar, where the smells of cinnamon, cloves and thyme, rise from hundreds of colorful muslin bags at every storefront. We then board our ferryboat for a relaxing cruise along the shores of the legendary Bosphorus, the natural gateway that divides Asia and Europe. As you sit back and enjoy Turkish coffee or well-brewed tea, summer palaces and palatial homes pass by on either side. At the northern end of the Strait, we stop at our favorite restaurant for a tasty meal of local seafood. In the afternoon, we tour Dolmabache Palace.
Day 4 – The last day of the year
Traditional Turkish Bath (*We at Speed Travel realize that some are more shy than others so this activity is optional, and can be replaced with another activity or used as a free day.) Featured on several “100 things to do before you die” lists, this is one of those unique experiences you’ll be telling your friends about for years! Treat yourself to a ritual cleansing of the past year's aches and pains at the nearby Cemberlitas Hamam. Where else can you bathe in a luxurious marble bath built by Mimar Sinan, the chief Ottoman architect for sultans? In the purifying solitude of the hamam, take some time to reflect on the past and make plans for the future. This is the perfect way to indulge before your night on the town! Includes a locker for your belongings and a wash and massage.
New Year’s Eve –We understand that some prefer to glam it up for the night, while others prefer to relax and reflect. So we have prepared 2 choices, you pick the one that suits you most!
Galata Tower’s Oriental Belly Dance Show
Take in an unmatched view of our fair city from the top of Istanbul’s cherished landmark – Galata Tower. Located in an area that has been fashionable and trendy for hundreds of years, Galata Tower puts on a memorable diner and dance show. Count down the seconds in this elegant setting that captures the essence of old Istanbul. Drinks are included.
New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dancing on the Bosphorus
Count down the seconds to the new year while drifting between two continents! Fall in love with Istanbul’s beauty and charm at night. All our historic monuments and bridges will be dramatically lit for the night. On board the yacht, there will be music, diner and dancing. Drinks are included.
Day 5 - The first day of the year!
Free day in Istanbul - Your day is free for sleeping in, shopping for souvenirs, enjoying the city’s nightlife or relaxing in one of the hip cafes near the Bosphorus! Your choice!
Optional Activities
Old City Walls and The Kariye Museum - Built by Constantine the Great, the Kariye Museum (Church of the Holy Savior in Chora) has the best Byzantine mosaics in the region. If you can spare a few hours, you must see them. (Note: the museum is closed Wednesdays.)
The Princess Islands – Sandy beaches, pinewood scenery, and restored wooden houses, once the pleasure island of Byzantine princes. Tour the islands with horse-drawn carriages, (there are no cars on the island) before lunch at a local restaurant. There is also a 6th century Byzantine monastery on the island, which is open to visitors.
Day 6 – Taksim Square and Galata Walking Tour
A wonderful and enjoyable half day walk includes these places: Taksim, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Pera, Galata Tower, Tunel, Galata Bridge and the Egyptian Bazaar and the flower market. Then, save some energy for Turkish night, an evening of good food and live entertainment, featuring high-energy dances from the black sea to the mesmerizing spinning of the Whirling Dervishes.
Day 7 - Transfer to the Airport
We transfer you and your belongings to the airport in plenty of time for your flight. Good-bye and we wish you a Happy New Year and a healthy 2009 wherever you call home.
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