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Old & New Istanbul

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Highlights:

• Rub shoulders with modern Turks in their stomping ground of Taksim.
• Get an insight into the history of Modern Turkey.
• Take the perfect shot of 19^th century Architecture.
• Visit Greek, Italian and Armenian Churches.
• Feast on Turkish Treats in a cozy café.
• Have a Turkish fortune teller predict your future over an authentic Turkish coffee.
• Discover a Fish Market in the middle of town.

Tour style:Walking & Orientation, Food / Cuisine & Market, Heritage & History, Local Life & Culture
Inclusion:

English speaking guide, transport as indicated, entrance fees as indicated, Turkish coffee and fortune telling.

Exclusion:

Extra drinks and food shopping, tips or gratuities for your local guide.

Group size:Maximum 12
Schedule details:

• Duration: 4 hours
• Meeting point:

  Intrepid Istanbul office. Address: Divanyolu cad. Ticarethane sok No 5. Kat 1 Sultanahmet.

• Start time: 1.00 PM
• Finish point:

  Sultanahmet. Your local guide can provide instructions on how to get back to your hotel or you are free to continue your own personal exploration.

Additional information :

• Voucher exchange details:

  Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the trip.

• Confirmation of booking:

  Please contact Istanbul Urban Adventures to confirm your trip 24 hours prior to departure.

• Dress standard:

  Please be aware that the standard of Dress through out Turkey is conservative. To respect this and for your own comfort we recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. The weather in Istanbul is highly variable depending on the time of year. Winters range from freezing cold to extremely hot and humid in Summer (June, July and August).

• Child policy:

  Children must be between 6 and 11 years of age inclusively.

• Language: English

Itinerary:

Get to know both the old and new in Modern Istanbul. Begin with a stroll through exciting Taksim, the heart of modern Istanbul. Here you will see the young and hip, artists and businessmen all rubbing shoulders. Next stop is Beyoglu. It is said if you haven’t seen Beyoglu you haven’t seen the true Istanbul.

 

This area is enjoying a cultural and architectural revival thriving with fashion, art, restaurants and night clubs. Zig-zag across the Istiklal Caddesi (the Grande Rue) a popular pedestrian boulevard affectionately known as Paris of the east.

 

This was the final destination for passengers on the Orient Express and the architecture is reminiscent of the 1800s Europe. Explore the back streets and see a variety of funky cafes before stopping to enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee and have your fortune told.

 

The coffee beans are double roasted and the actual coffee is brewed three times before being served. A local fortune teller will turn your cup over on to the saucer and tell your fortune from the murky remains. With a caffeine boost under your belt, keep exploring on foot.

 

Take in the European architecture, see 19th century cinemas, still in use, and peek in the many pasajis which lead to secret courtyards. Due to the European influence and presence there are many churches of various faiths to drop by as we explore. Visit Galatasaray Square, site of the first European inspired High School and Cicek Pasaji (Flower Passage), a shrine to the Turks love of leisurely dining. Stop by Balik Bazaar - a local market specializing in seafood and perhaps try some fresh battered and fried mussels. Finish with a ride on the Tunel funicular, enjoy a stroll through Karakoy and catch a tram back to Sultanahmet.

Your trip:

This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.

Tipping:

If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour

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