Istanbul Tours
Introduction
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Packages of Istanbul
• Introduction
Expanding into two continents, Istanbul is the capital city Turkey. A city
of contrasts it was the hub of the so-called civilized world, for many centuries.
Istanbul therefore, has a culture that symbolises the best of oriental as
well as occidental. The conflicts between old versus new, tradition versus
modern, and occidental versus oriental are clearly visible. Today, Istanbul
is a vast metropolis, which has tried to maintain the balance between its
two extremes, rather successfully.
What to do
While in Istanbul there is so much to do and look forward to. The museums,
castles, palaces, great mosques, bazaars and sights of natural beauty seem
inexhaustible. Being a cultural and historical centre, exploring the grand
heritage of the city should be the top most priority. Shopping which can be
a pleasure in the markets of Istanbul should form another important part of
your itinerary. More than anything else a walk down the lanes and by lanes
of the many bazaars in Istanbul can be a great experience, if interested in
feeling the culture and lifestyles of the people of this amazing land.
City at a Glance:
Latitude 41°01’N
Longitude 28°96’E
Area 5,712 sq km
Population 9,061,096
Language
Turkish, Kurdish
Religion Islam
Telephone Code 0212
History
The first significant cultural settlement in the region of Istanbul is said
to haven taken place in about 5000 B.C. According to legend, during this very
period, Byzas the son of Posedion and Keroessa built the settlement of Byzantion.
However, the effective history of this new settlement begins from the 7th
century AD when colonists coming from Central Greece and Aegean City of Miletos
took control over it. In 200 BC the Roman Empire in search of a new administrative
centre captured Byzantion, renaming it as Nea Roma. The city was renamed,
as Constantinoplis after Constantine became emperor in 330 AD.
The city however, went through a destructive phase during the Latin invasions
over it. After the invasions, the city did start its reconstruction activities
in 1261 AD, yet it could not be restored to its former glory. Later on, in
about 1453 AD the army of Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II conquered the city. This
saw the beginning of the Ottoman domination of this region, which lasted for
over 630 years.
In 1923, after five years of occupation of Istanbul by the Allied Forces, a
new republican government under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was formed. This was the
beginning of a new phase in the history of Turkey and Istanbul. Many new construction
works were undertaken and much of the modern Istanbul we see today is the result
of great reconstruction that began in the 1920’s.
• When to Visit Istanbul
Weather and Best Season to Visit
Istanbul has a typical continental climate with long and hot, but pleasant summers.
Winters are cool with mild snow and rainfall. The best season to visit the city
is spring (April to June), and autumn (September to November).
• Attraction
in Istanbul
HIGHLIGHTS/ ATTRACTIONS
Palaces
Palaces are witness to the grandeur and power that Ottoman emperors used to
enjoy and are a glimpse of the times gone by. Major palaces of Istanbul include:
Topkapi Palace built in the 15th century, Dolmabahce Palace built in mid 19th
century, Beylerbeyi Palace built in the 19th century, Goksu Palace that takes
its name from the streams which empty into the Bosphorus near the tiny palace,
Aynali Kavak, and Florya Ataturk Sea Pavilion (the summer residence of Turkish
presidents).
Mosques
Istanbul is home to some of the most exquisite mosques in the world. Sultan
Ahmet Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque (most beautiful of all the mosques in Istanbul),
Rüstem
Pasa Mosque, Fatih Mosque, Yeni (New) Mosque, Sokollu Mehmet Pasa Mosque, and
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque are some of the famous religious structures in Istanbul.
Museums
Museums showcase the great heritage that Istanbul has come to acquire over
the centuries. Some of the best monuments of the city have been converted
in the museums to save them from destruction. Basilica of St. Sophia is one
of the finest structures in the world built by Constantine and reconstructed
by Justinian in the 6th century AD. Now the structure is known as Ayasofia
Museum and open every day for the tourists except on Monday.
Other important museums in Istanbul include: St. Irene Museum, Archaeological
Museums inside the Topkapi Palace, Cinili Kosk, Museum of Turkish and Islamic
Art, Ibrahim Pasha Palace, Yerebatan Sarnici, Mosaic Museu, and many more.
• Off the Beaten
Track
Monuments
Some of the better-known monuments in Istanbul include Hippodrome, Ahmet III
Fountain, Beyazit Tower, Bozdogan-Valens Aqueduct, Istanbul land walls, Galata
Tower, European Fortress, and Leander's Tower.
Important Festivals and Exhibitions
Apart
from the regular religious celebrations and festivals, the city has a tradition
of holding some of the better-known cultural festivals. International Istanbul
Jazz Festival, International Istanbul Theatre Festival, International Istanbul
Biannial, and International Istanbul Film Festival are some of the famous ones.
Unlike most of the Muslim cities around the world, Istanbul has a busy and interesting
nightlife. Options include: restaurants, gazinos, cabarets (with belly dancers
in action), bars, and dance clubs. Reasonably priced, these places are ideal
for those who are looking for some good food coupled with intoxicating excitement.
SHOPPING
Much of the contrast that Istanbul presents comes from the bazaars of the
city. Grand bazaar (or Kapali Carsis) has shops stocked with gorgeous merchandise,
which include leatherwear, carpets and jewellery. If looking for some antiques,
try out the famous Egyptian Bazaar (or Misir Carsis) walking through which
feels like walking through the pages of history. But, Istanbul is not only
about antiques or other oriental products; you can also have some of the best-known
brands in the world in the swanky new markets of Istanbul.
WHERE TO STAY
Turkey is certainly not as expensive as other places in Europe and North America,
though you will shell out a little fortune to get the best accommodation possible.
Accommodation options range from large and luxurious five star hotels to budget
hotels, youth hostels, guesthouses, and hotel apartments.
WHERE
TO EAT
Istanbul abounds with eating places of all types that offer some of the most
relishing meals. The best restaurants of Istanbul are located at Sultanahmet’s
Divan Yolu. For cheaper options you can look forward to restaurants in the
Grand Bazaar.
• Reaching Istanbul
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Air Travel Resources
Istanbul city has its own international airport, which is well connected by
regular flights, with most important destinations in Europe, Middle East,
and North America with. Besides, vast networks of flights ply between Istanbul
and various other cities of Turkey. Helicopter service is also available between
the cities.
Land and Water
Rails, buses, and maritime lines are the most common way of transportation
from Istanbul to other cities. Buses are cheap and faster and provide the
best service. Trains are not as famous as buses in Turkey, but for long distances,
the option of a sleeping car train should be considered. Many places in Western
Europe are also connected to Istanbul by regular bus and train services.
Local Transport
Istanbul has an efficient and reliable local transport set up which caters
well to the needs of the city. Options include: buses, taxis, mini buses,
shared cabs (dolums), or the tram. You can also hire a self-driven car, provided
you are carrying a valid driving licence.
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When to Visit Istanbul 
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