Arrive at Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
Meet AVOTUR’s local guide or representative and transfer to the city center.
Start with a visit of the Eyup Al Ansari Mosque.
Eyup Sultan is situated outside the Walls of Constantinople, near the Golden Horn. Built in 1458, it was the first mosque constructed by the Ottoman Turks following the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The Mosque and Mausoleum of Eyüp Sultan, located outside the corner where the land walls meet the walls along the Golden Horn, is considered a sacred site for Moslems. Eyüp-el-Ensari was a standard-bearer of Mohammed and he died-here during an Arabic siege of the city in the 7th century. His grave was discovered at the conquest and later the mausoleum and the first mosque in Istanbul were built on this site. The original mosque was destroyed in an earthquake and the present one was constructed in its place in 1800. On Fridays, holy days for Islam, throngs of the faithful visit the mausoleum. The old trees, flocks of pigeons, the praying believers and the visiting crowds create a mystical and colorful atmosphere around the mosque and the mausoleum. The walls of the mausoleum in the courtyard are covered with tiles from different periods. The sultans succeeding Mehmet the Conqueror completed their coronation and sword-bearing ceremonies with a visit to the Eyup Sultan Mausoleum. The vicinity of the mosque and the neighboring hills are occupied by cemeteries.
Use the short ride of the cable car up the Eyup Hill.
Visit the famous Pierre Loti Café named after the well-known poet and author who was enraptured by Istanbul. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Golden Horn and the outlying historical city. 1 glass of tea is served.
Transfer to the centrally located hotel in Laleli area and check-in.

Fullday city tour with a visit to the main historical center of Istanbul, Sultanahmet with its Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments.
The monuments to be visited are the Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome (Obelisk of Theodosius, serpent column, brick column, Kaiser Wilhelm II fountain), the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace with its Treasury and Sacred Trust sections.
Afternoon visit the Grand Covered Bazaar. Shopping for local handicrafts at reputable shops. After the visits return to the hotel.

Fullday city tour covering the Bosphorus area. The almost 30 km long Strait of Bosphorus divides Istanbul into European and Asian sides geographically and gives the city its unique peculiarity of being located on two continents.
Our tour today starts with the Spice Market located next to the New Mosque facing the Galata Bridge spanning across the Golden Horn. A totally oriental experience with local herbs, spices, Turkish delight, assortments of sweets, dried fruits and souvenirs are on sale.
Continue with the 19th century Dolmabahce Palace and visit the men’s section with its Hereke carpet covered ceremonial halls.
A private cruise on the Bosphorus will introduce us to the rich cultural heritage of the palaces, fortresses, wooden Ottoman villas and lively little fishing villages and famous nightspots of the city.
(For individuals public boat will be used.)
Intercontinental Bosphorus suspension bridge crossing to the Asian side of Istanbul.
For a wide panoramic view of the city we will visit the Camlica Hill.
At the end of the tour, return to the hotel.

Day at leisure.
(Please note check-out time at most hotels is 12:00)
Pick-up from the hotel and transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport.