Istanbul Tour with Gulet

Departure from Italy with Pegasus flights. Upon arrival in Istanbul, meeting with the assistant and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation in reserved rooms, free dinner, and overnight stay.

Culture

70%

History

50%

Adventure

20%

Food

30%

Breakfast. Departure for the "Classic" tour: we will start by visiting the Hagia Sophia Basilica (now a mosque) "Divine Wisdom", undoubtedly one of the most fabulous buildings of all time. Built by Constantine the Great and rebuilt by Justinian in the 6th century, its immense dome rises 55 meters from the ground, with a diameter of 31 meters. During the Ottoman Empire, it was transformed into a mosque, and minarets were eventually added.

We continue with a visit to the ancient Byzantine Hippodrome, which was the center of the country's civil activity, where not only horse races and gladiator fights were held, but also celebrations in honor of the emperor. Today it preserves the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Fountain of Emperor Wilhelm. The Blue Mosque was built in 1609 by Sultan Ahmet, who wanted to surpass the Hagia Sophia Basilica with his mosque and built it with 6 minarets. Free lunch and rest of the afternoon at leisure.

There is the possibility to take an excursion (optional, at an additional cost) to the Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern of Yerebatan, and the Grand Bazaar. Free return to the hotel, free dinner, and overnight stay.

Culture

80%

History

70%

Adventure

10%

Food

30%

Breakfast and then departure for the so-called "Byzantine" tour. We will start by visiting the Suleymaniye Mosque - The Magnificent, considered the most beautiful of Istanbul's imperial mosques, built between 1550 and 1557 by Sinan, the famous architect of the Ottoman Golden Age.

We will then head towards the ancient walls of Constantinople, near the current Mevlana Gate, built by Emperor Theodosius II in 413. These sturdy walls, several stories high and thick between three and six meters, protected the city from continuous attacks by Huns, Bulgarians, Russians, Arabs, Goths, and Turks. The walls were breached only twice, by the Crusaders in 1204 and by Mehmed "the Conqueror" in 1453.

Afterwards, we will visit the Monastery of the Virgin of the Fountain; according to historians Procopius and Cedrenus, the church was originally built by Emperor Justinian in the last years of his reign, near a water source formerly known as the "Fountain of Miracles", originating from a sacred well located outside the walls of Theodosius II near the present-day Silivri Gate.

Free time for lunch in the Eminönü district, the main entrance to the city in Byzantine and Ottoman times, now a popular area where the "Egyptian Market" or "Spice Bazaar" is located. Afternoon at leisure. Opportunity for an optional, paid Bosporus Cruise excursion. Free return to the hotel, free dinner, and overnight stay.

Nature

80%

Relax

50%

Adventure

50%

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Sabina Gokcen airport, arrival at Bodrum airport. Transfer to Orak Bay and meeting with the crew assisted by the briefing of the captain of the Gulet. Dinner and overnight on board.

PLEASE NOTE: The gulets are equipped with a small bar and internal lounge, kitchen, tender (for the exclusive use of the crew), with or without engine. The dimensions of the cabins may not all be the same, as they are handcrafted boats, and do not exceed 6-8 square meters. They are equipped with a queen-size bed or two single beds, sink, shower box and pump toilet with drain valve. Linen change is not provided, one towel per person is provided and changed once a week. Guests must bring their own beach towels. The air conditioning can be activated for a maximum of 4 hours a day only when sailing, it is not activated in ports as per regulations in order to respect silence and nature. The crew is made up of a Turkish captain, cook and sailor who speak English fairly well. Breakfast is rich and varied (tea, coffee, bread, butter, milk, eggs, jams, honey, cheeses, olives and tomatoes). Lunch includes salad, rice or pasta, a second course with side dish and fruit. During the afternoon only tea is served with biscuits as per Turkish culture. Dinner includes appetizers, a main course of meat or fish with side dishes, fruit and dessert. Water and a soft drink are included with meals. The on-board bar is stocked with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at reasonable prices. The captain at his sole discretion can change the route due to unfavorable weather conditions or crowding of the bays.

Nature

100%

Relax

100%

Adventure

80%

Wellness

100%

Before breakfast, guests can choose to participate in a snorkelling trip at Orak Island, an enchanting place that seems to be perched on a cliff. After breakfast, we set sail for Pabuc Bay, which features breathtaking views and crystal-clear waters. Afterwards, we will sail to Kargicak Bay, a true corner of paradise, an ideal refuge for nature and tranquility lovers. Dinner and overnight stay will take place in Kargicak Bay.

Nature

100%

Relax

100%

Adventure

50%

Food

50%

Wellness

100%

Breakfast on board and departure towards the enchanting bays of Dangirdi and Teker where you can dive into crystal clear waters and enjoy the peace of the surrounding nature. Lunch on board and in the afternoon departure for the bay of Seytan Yalisi, famous for its golden beaches, enchanting atmosphere and magical panorama. Dinner and overnight stay in this fantastic location.

Culture

30%

Nature

80%

Relax

70%

Adventure

20%

Food

50%

Wellness

90%

Breakfast on board and departure to Mazi Bay, a fishing village dating back to 400 BC. Here you will have free time to relax and explore the place. After lunch we will head to Molla Ibrahim Bay, a quiet place with crystal clear waters. In the afternoon we will return to Oren, the port of departure. Dinner on board and overnight stay

Relax

80%

Party

40%

Food

30%

Breakfast on board and disembarkation by 10:30 AM. Transfer to Bodrum airport for the return flight to Italy, via Istanbul.