ISTANBUL - ADANA - ANTAKYA (ANTIOCH) PACKAGE TOUR (7 Days-6 Nights)
Day - 1: Arrival to Istanbul
When you arrive at Istanbul airport or Istanbul harbour in Turkey. A Castle Travel Representative will meet you. Our Castle Travel representatives will be holding up a sign with your name on it. At the begining of your Istanbul Package Tour, your Istanbul guide will provide you with an Istanbul Package Tour programme, vouchers and a complimentary city map of Istanbul, (depending on the city you are staying) and on the reverse side a map of the historical attraction of the city so when you are walking around, you can have a better understanding of Istanbul, Turkey. Brief orientation followed by a free day to enjoy for your own leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day - 2: St.Sophia Museum - Hippodrome - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar
Visit the St.Sophia Museum, which is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Its decorated interior was of great artistic value with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings. The temple itself was so richly and artistically decorated that Justinian proclaimed, "Solomon, I have outdone thee" Justinian himself had overseen the completion of the greatest cathedral ever built up to that time, and it was to remain the largest cathedral for 1,000 years up until the completion of the cathedral in Seville
in Spain. Across from St.Sophia is the Blıue Mosque, recognizable from its six minarets, built 1616 for Sultan Ahmet I and decorated inside with 21,043 tiles from Iznik in a dominant blue colour; because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Hippodrome, Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments;the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. We continue to Topkapi Palace, the great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Conclude your day of touring with a short drive to the exotic Grand Bazaar, which is one of the most colourful institutions of Istanbul Overnight in Istanbul. (Breakfast)
Day - 3: Bosphorus Tour - Camlica Hill - Spice Bazaar
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other concievable herb and spice. Bedesten exhibits the traditional silk weaving courses carpet weaving courses authorised by the Ministry of National Education.Possibility to see the jewellery, handicrafts center and leatherware show. Bosphorus Tour on Boat, A traditional excursion by boat along the waterway seperating Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavillions of Yildiz Palace. Ciragan Palace, 300 meters of is marble facade faces the shore. Rumeli Fortres, Built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of Istanbul, was completed in only four months to controland protect Bosphorus. It is one of the most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the world. Beylerbeyi Palace, The summer residence of ottoman sultans with its orginal furnuture and magnificent gardens with the Harem on the Asian. Bosphorus Bridge unique change by stepping from one continent (Asia) to another (Europe) Camlica Hill the highest point in Istanbul. At the top of it you can rest and admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul and the bosphours from the beautiful gardens, landscaped in traditional style.
Day - 4: Flight to Adana - Visit the House of Saint Paul
Transfer to Istanbul airport. Flight to Adana. Arrive at Adana, meet with your guide then drive to Tarsus. Tarsus has long been an important stop for traders, a focal point of many civilisations including the Roman Empire, when Tarsus was capital of the province of Cilicia, the scene of the first meeting between Mark Antony and Cleopatra, and the birthplace of Saint Paul. Arrive at Tarsus and visit the Saint Paul’s Well, the site has for many years been a place of pilgrimage. During the times that Christians ruled in
Tarsus the well’s water was supposed to be Holy and useful for healing. The place is now of special interest for tourists who come to visit in order to see the 30 m.deep well and the partially excavated walls near the site. After lunch visit the old Tarsus and visit the church of Saint Paul, an evening drive back to Adana. Overnightin Adana. (B,L,D)
Day - 5: Antioch St.Peter Church - Mosaic Museum & Flight to Istanbul
In ancient times the city was known as Antioch and has historical significance for Christianity, being the place where the followers of Jesus Christ were called Christians for the very first time. The St.Peter Church, is composed of a cave carved into the mountain side on Mount Starius with a depth of 13 m, this cave, which has been used by the first Christians in the Antakya region, is one of Christianitys oldest churches. The Christian heritage considers Peter, the first Apostle, as the founder of the church of Antioch,
and the first priest of the Christian population that was established there; the Church of St.Peter is the spot where he first preached the Gospel in Antioch. Continue to Mosaic Museum, it is the biggest one in Turkey and 2nd best in the world. The next stop is the Harbiye Water fall at this place flows water in numerous brooks from the mountain coming down into the valley.
Day - 6: Flight to Istanbul & Freeday at Leisure
Flight to Istanbul, transfer to hotel. Freeday for your leisure in Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.(B)
Day - 7: Flight to Home Sweet Home
Transfer to Istanbul airport and flight back to home sweet home.