DAY 1 - ISTANBUL: ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL & TRANSFER TO HOTEL

Welcome to Istanbul, the magic city gateway to Aegean and Mediterranean Coast, land of fascinating history and beauty. Warm welcome at Istanbul International Airport by ALM Global Connect Travel team. You will be transferred to your hotel. Check in to hotel and you will have free afternoon and evening for relaxing after flight journey or you can go out and check around. Time at leisure, stay overnight in Istanbul. BREAKFAST: INCLUDED     LUNCH: EXTRA   DINNER: EXTRA

DAY 2 - ISTANBUL: BOSPHORUS TOUR

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Tour with lunch; ‘BOSPHORUS TOUR”: Visit the Spice Bazaar, built in 1660 and remains an essential destination for lovers of international cuisine. After that, we embark on a fascinating journey through the waters of the Bosphorus, the strait that separates the European and Asian part of the city and where you can contemplate the beautiful Ottoman villas, palaces and fortresses. We continue to see the Taksim Square with its famous Istiklal Street. Many people have a love relationship with it. (Istiklal Street or Istiklal Avenue – Istiklal Caddesi in Turkish) that runs from Taksim Square nearly all the way to the landmark Galata Tower. Although it is the beating heart of the city, the three million people that pass it every day, can make it rather challenging to traverse. Yet it serves as a microcosm of Istanbul itself and although chains and fast food joints are starting to edge out the more old-fashioned shops, there’s still traces of old Istanbul here. After the visits, transfer to the hotel. BREAKFAST: INCLUDED   LUNCH: INCLUDED   DINNER: EXTRA

DAY 3 - ISTANBUL: CLASSIC ISTANBUL TOUR

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. “FULL DAY CLASSIC ISTANBUL TOUR” with lunch in a typical food restaurant: Roman Hippodrome, The Roman Emperor Seventh Severus, built this place, located west of the Blue Mosque, in 203, and was later expanded by Constantine the Great. During the Byzantine era, the Hippodrome was the center of civil activities. Not only the car races and the gladiatorial fights took place here, acts were also held in honor of the Emperor. The Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), one of the most impressive mosques in Istanbul. It is located east of the Hippodrome, in front of Santa Sofia. Sultan Ahmet had it built, when he was 20, as he replies to the Church of Santa Sofia. The architect Mehmet Aga, one of Sinan's disciples, directed his works. It is also known as ‘’ Blue Mosque ’’ for its green-blue tiles. The German Fountain, a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm 2, and will listen to the stories of its link with the East. Saint Sofia, until the Turks conquered Istanbul, this was the religious center of the Byzantine Empire. After the conquest, it was used as a mosque for 500 years. In 1935 it became one of the most popular museums in the world. Grand Bazaar, in 1461, the Sultan Mehmet II, had the first timber market built, now known as ’’ Eski Bedesten ’. After many fires, it was rebuilt in 1894. At present, the building is closed by walls and vaulted, occupying an area of approximately 200,000 m2. It contains around 4000 stores that make up a gigantic maze of streets and passages. After the visits, free time. Then, transfer to the hotel. BREAKFAST: INCLUDED   LUNCH: INCLUDED   DINNER: EXTRA

DAY 4 - ISTANBUL: PANORAMIC CITY TOUR

A panoramic city tour specifically focused on the Balat neighborhood in Istanbul would offer a unique and more localized experience. Balat is a historic neighborhood known for its colorful houses, narrow streets, and authentic atmosphere. Here's what you might expect from a panoramic city tour in Balat: Colorful Houses: Balat is famous for its vibrant and colorful houses, which create a picturesque and charming backdrop for your tour. Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate: This is one of the most significant religious sites for the Greek Orthodox Church. The area around the Patriarchate is filled with historical buildings and narrow streets that offer a glimpse into the neighborhood's history. Chora Church (Kariye Museum): While not located directly in Balat, the Chora Church is nearby and features stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. It's worth a visit to admire its artistic and historical significance. Golden Horn: The panoramic tour might take you along the Golden Horn waterfront, providing views of the water and the historic districts that line its shores. St. Savior in Chora (Kariye Camii): This former church turned mosque is renowned for its intricate mosaics and frescoes that depict religious scenes. Walking Tour: Given Balat's narrow streets and local charm, a walking tour might be the best way to explore the area. This allows you to soak in the atmosphere, interact with locals, and discover hidden gems. Street Art and Murals: Balat is known for its street art scene, with colorful murals adorning many walls. A tour might take you to some of the most impressive pieces. Coffee Shops and Cafes: Enjoy a break at one of Balat's cozy coffee shops or cafes, where you can savor Turkish coffee or tea while taking in the surroundings. Interaction with Locals: Balat has a tight-knit community, and you might have the opportunity to interact with locals and learn about their daily lives and stories. Keep in mind that Balat is a relatively small neighborhood compared to the entirety of Istanbul, so a panoramic tour here might be more focused and leisurely compared to a broader citywide tour. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the unique character and history of this charming neighborhood. BREAKFAST: INCLUDED   LUNCH: INCLUDED   DINNER: EXTRA

DAY 5 - ISTANBUL: PRINCES ISLAND TOUR:

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Tour with lunch; ‘PRİNCESS ISLAND TOUR”: Full day Princess Island Tour. Discover an exciting tour with our friendly guides. We leave the hotel between 07.30 and 08:00 hours to board the ship that will take us to the famous Prince Islands of Istanbul. As we move away from the port you can feel the sea breeze and enjoy unique views of Istanbul from the high seas. Our stop will be Buyukada (Big Island): the largest and most impressive island. After seeing the island with a guide, we will have lunch in a restaurant. Then you will have free time to enjoy the beauty of the island as you wish. After a day discovering the Prince Islands, we will return on the ship to the starting point. Dinner and transfer to hotel. BREAKFAST: INCLUDED   LUNCH: INCLUDED DINNER: EXTRA

DAY 6 & 7 - ISTANBUL

Day at leisure/free day BREAKFAST: INCLUDED   LUNCH: EXTRA   DINNER: EXTRA

DAY 8 - ISTANBUL RETURN

Buffet at Hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport. Kindly remind you check-out time is 12.00. You can keep your luggage at reserved place. We will assist you at the airport on the way back to your home. We wish you a safe return home with lots of memories and souvenirs. BREAKFAST: INCLUDED   LUNCH: EXTRA   DINNER: EXTRA NOTE * If the group remains below 20 Pax, ALM Global Connect has the right to cancel the tour. Child Policy: Ramada Merter Hotel 0-6 age is free 6-11 age has discount 11+ adult price