Tour 1: Ottoman Relics (Half Day)

First visit of Topkapi Palace. The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from 15th to 19th century, was the private residence of Sultan and home of the Divan (the seat of the supreme executive and judicial control of great empire) and today a spectacular museum with one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain and housing the famous treasures of the Royal Family, among them some of the most spectacular gemstones* in the world.

Then the Blue Mosque will be visited. Built in the 16th century during the reign of Sultan Ahmet I, is an imperial mosque with magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles and is unique due to its six minarets paintings.

Grand Bazaar: apart from its historical importance, the bazaar will tempt even non-shoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather goods and souvenirs. In 1461 Sultan Mehmet II built the first bazaar of timber, which was reconstructed in 1894. In this labyrinth of streets and passages there are more than 4,000 shops with each trade having its own area: the goldsmiths' street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, including leather goods, hand painted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brassware and trays, onyx-ware and meerschaum pipes.

*Visit to treasure department of Topkapı Palace is included in the price of the tour.

Cost: 35- Euro per person.

Tour 2: Byzantine Visions (Half Day)

This tour guides participants over the Golden Horn to the old city of Istanbul. Sites to be visited are the following:

St. Sophia, the most magnificent Byzantine Church of all times and one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world. Many historians have nominated it as the eighth wonder of the world. 

Byzantine Hippodrome, the former center of sporting and political activities of Constantinople. The visit includes the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi and the Fountain of Wilhelm II.

Grand Bazaar: apart from its historical importance, the bazaar will tempt even non-shoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather goods and souvenirs. In 1461 Sultan Mehmet II built the first bazaar of wood, which, was reconstructed in 1894. In this labyrinth of streets and passages there are more than 4,000 shops with each trade having its own area: the goldsmiths' street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, including leather goods, hand painted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brassware and trays, water ewers, onyx-ware and meerschaum pipes. 

Cost: 35- Euro per person.

Tour 3: Full Day Istanbul Classic

Combination of Tour 1 and 2.

Full day including lunch at Konyalı Restaurant located within the premises of Topkapı Palace.

Cost: 65 Euro per person.

Tour 4: Full Day Istanbul Special

Full day including lunch at a Local Restaurant.

This tour guides participants over the Golden Horn to the old city of Istanbul. Sites to be included:

St. Sophia, the most magnificent Byzantine Church of all times and one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world. Many historians have nominated it as the eighth wonder of the world. 

Yerebatan Cistern  One of the magnificent historical constructions of Istanbul is the Basilica Cistern, located near south-west of Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia). This huge cistern, which was founded by Justinianus I, a Byzantine Empire (527-565), began to be called by the public 'the Sinking Palace' - and not without a reason, seeing the great number of marble columns arising out of the water.

In the afternoon, after a short visit to the famous Egyptian Spice Bazaar, a cruise starts between two continents, Europe and Asia with an unforgettable panorama of the European style, marble palaces, ancient wooden villas and luxurious residences. Disembark the Boat at Sariyer, and drive back along to European shores of Bosphorus to hotels.

Cost : 65 Euro per person.

Tour 5: Bosphorus Cruise (Half Day)

After a short visit to the famous Egyptian Spice Bazaar, a cruise starts between two continents, Europe and Asia with an unforgettable panorama of the European style, marble palaces, ancient wooden villas and luxurious residences. Disembark the Boat at Sariyer, and drive back along to European shores of Bosphorus to hotels.

Cost: 25- Euro (by regular municipality public boat).

Reservation Procedures

Tour reservations may be made by filling in the Accommodation & Tours Reservation Form (at Registrations web page). Confirmation will be made on full payment of the tour price.

CANCELLATION OF DAILY TOURS must be sent in writing to Conference Secretariat.

Cancellations made 48 hours before the tour date will receive full refund less €20 for administration costs.