TOURS TO ISTANBUL FROM TOUR OPERATOR ALF
Istanbul is the only city in the world on two continents and two seas. In different historical periods, it was the capital of four empires - Byzantine, Roman, Latin and Ottoman. Today, Istanbul is ancient temples, narrow streets and noisy oriental bazaars, where everything in the world and even more is sold. It is "the rose of all roads leading from east to west and from north to south." And at the same time, it is one of the business centers of the Eastern world, where 15 million people live!
If you decide to spend a weekend in Istanbul, then visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the famous Topkapi Palace. Watch the dance of representatives of the ancient religion - Sufis, buy spices and jewelry at the local market, take a sea walk and don't forget to go to a restaurant. Just be careful: you won't see the microportions that are usually served in expensive restaurants here. Turks are fed from the bottom of their hearts! Pita, baklava, Turkish delight, lahmajun, gezleme with various fillings, kebab ... The main thing is to stop on time.
WARNING! You can come to Istanbul at any time of the year, but the best time here is spring and autumn. It is very hot in Turkey in summer and relatively cool in winter. However, in summer you can buy hot tours to Istanbul.
SIGHTS OF ISTANBUL
If you are planning a vacation in Istanbul, plan your route in advance and use our tips.
Sophia Cathedral. In 1453, this Christian shrine became a mosque. Panels with Arabic calico, mosaics and minarets of this place amaze the imagination!
Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Light enters the room through many windows. Against the background of the blue vault, whimsical patterns of rays look simply fabulous.
Topkapi Palace. The main residence of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire is a complex of magnificent buildings.
Dolmbahçe Palace stretches along the Bosphorus for 600 meters. After the death of Atatürk, who made this place his residence, Dolmbahce became a museum.
Galata Bridge, leading from Europe to Asia.
Basilica Cistern. This place was once a water reservoir. The liquid was brought here from the Belgrade Forest via the aqueduct system. The ceiling of the structure is supported by rows of columns that were once part of ancient temples.
Pay attention! There are many hotels and hostels in the city. If you plan to spend the weekend in Istanbul, then when choosing housing, focus on the area. For example, in the Sultanahmet district you can see many ancient monuments, and in Beyoglu - many benches.
BEACH VACATION IN ISTANBUL
Here you can swim in both the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. The latter, by the way, is the deepest and smallest sea in the world. The most famous of the local beaches is Floria. There is everything for recreation - from sports equipment to beach bars.
If you dream of peace and relaxation, go to the Black Sea beach of Shile, and if you want to do sea sports, go to Agva beach. Don't forget to visit the picturesque Princes Islands, where the water is always crystal clear.
SHOPPING IN ISTANBUL
If you plan to return from Istanbul with shopping, take a look at the local markets. Remember that traders always quote a greatly inflated price. If you do not start trading, then, firstly, you will overpay, and secondly, you will offend the trader. In no case do not go into stores where you definitely do not plan to buy anything, otherwise you will not get out of there without the goods :). So, where to go shopping in Istanbul?
Egyptian bazaar - flowers, spices and oriental sweets are sought here.
Grand Bazaar is a city within a city that lives by its own laws. There are 66 streets and 4 thousand benches ... As well as mosques, cafes, baths and much more. Many people buy tours to Istanbul just to see this famous market.
In the carpet rows, both cheap carpets and handmade products are presented.
Book market - here you will find modern, as well as rare and ancient books.
Spice market - the freshest spices are sold here at a nice price.
The shopping center in Laleli is a Euroshopping center.
