Tips for a Safe and Exciting Istanbul Full Day Tour

Istanbul is a city in Turkey that has warm culture and welcoming people. Filled with rich history and stunning landscapes, the vibrant city of Istanbul is safe for travelers. This offers plenty of opportunities to do and see for every traveler or visitor. In order to explore a large and bustling city like Istanbul, one has to indulge in great sightseeing activity to witness modern and historic sites that will create some memorable trip experiences.

Let us first discuss about some wonderful sightseeing activity that will offer unique full day Istanbul tour experience: 

Witness Active Worship at Suleymaniye Mosque:

This mosque is one of the largest mosques in Istanbul, which was designed by Mimar Sinan in 1550 with caravanserai (roadside inn), seminary, hospital, soup kitchen, and hamam. While visiting this mosque one can witness an active worship and do not forget to show respect by waiting for prayers to end.  

Go to Turkish and Islamic Art Museum:

This museum contains one of the best carpet collections in the world as well as displays illuminated scripts, intricate metalwork, ceramics, nomad tents and Ottoman parlor. This Turkish and Islamic Art Museum is closed on Mondays.

Experience a Reflective Authentic Atmosphere:

You can witness traditional whirling dervishes in the oldest lodge in Istanbul that was established in 1491. The followers of Jalal ad-Din Rumi founded in 1273, Mevlevi order of Sufis employs here whirling (sema) as a form of prayer. When the group performs, it creates a reflective and authentic atmosphere. 

Get Impressed by Hospitable Shopkeepers:

Grand Bazaar is the last stop on the Silk Road, where one can find labyrinthine market of more than 3,000 shops established in 1461 by Mehmet the Conqueror. Here, you will find more than 50 streets of jewelry, textiles, pottery & glazed tiles, bronze, leather and exclusive carpets. İç Bedestan is the heart of this market, which offers most valuable good for sale. To get good deals, you can request the hospitable shopkeepers to serve Turkish black tea instead of touristy apple tea. Normally the Grand Bazaar remains closed on Sundays. 

Now it’s time to talk about things to do on a day trip of Istanbul:

Enjoy Street Photography Walk:

You can improve your camera skills and get an opportunity to capture unique photos of Istanbul by opting for a street photography walk. On this walk you can visit Taksim and Istikal Avenue that offers majestic architecture to be captured in lens.

Opt for Rowing or Sailing:

Important region of Istanbul, the Golden Horn is the best place for enjoying a rowing activity whether you are a beginner or professional. Here one can find experienced and licensed rowing teachers who will provide all equipment including the kayak for indulging in an exhilarating rowing activity on an Istanbul day tour.

In order to enjoy a safe and exciting trip, you can opt for a full day private Istanbul tour from Turkey Tours by Local Guides. This will help in suitably customizing your tour as per the requirement and budget to enjoy a wonderful Istanbul holiday trip. We are professional and licensed tour guides in Turkey who always strive to create a memorable holiday with well planned itineraries for clients.  

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Indulge Yourself In Mesmerizing Blends Of Turkey

An exotic mix of the Mediterranean, the Central Asia, the Balkans and the Middle East influences are quite familiar in rich historical land of Turkey. After all, the striking Turkey’s charms lies somewhere in between its spectacular landscapes like Cappadocia, the ancient, mysterical land of Love Valley, the epitome of the stunning architecture of Byzantine, Hagia Sophia, the dervish ceremonies, gypsy festivals and more importantly, the hearty local Turkish people who love to make friends through simplest interactions and ready to chat over an Efes beer! However, the vibrant culture, famed culture and ancient leftover history wow visitors who make their way here while the sparkling landscapes from the sun soaked Mediterranean to the mighty mountains are key highlights which let me fall in love with Turkey!

Looking to get some extra spice on your next trip? Here, I have got what to do in Turkey.

Ishak Pasa Sarayi

Incredibly romantic Turkish palace, Ishak Pasa Sarayı, an architecturally eclectic seventeenth century palace symbolizes as one of the Eastern Turkey’s most emblematic sites. The key highlights to explore in this palace is the artistic tombs of Ishak Pasa and his favorite wife placed in the corner of the inner court. Behind the splendid palace, the picturesque, recently restored Ottoman Mosque really worths a visit due to its marvelously decorated artistic crafts. I am sure, if you will go there now, definitely you will get fascinated after seeing the Ishak Pasa Palace covering the fog!

Orthodox Sumela Monastery

The good name ‘Sumela’ is a Pontic Greek shortening of ‘Virgin of the Black (Rock)’. The Sumela Monastery, the top sightseeing attractions along the spectacular Black Sea coastline that tops tourist’s to-visit list is a world famous beautiful lonely setting and is built into a cliff face. For anyone who makes a long journey to Turkey’s northeast region like me, wandering around this secluded religious monastery is a wonderful and the ultimate blessing from the Almighty!

Whirling Dervishes

The spiritual ceremonies of Whirling Dervishes for divine love are a spellbinding worship service of the Mevlevi in long white dresses whirling ecstatically for a quarter hour at a time to the drone of ancient Islamic hymns. The Mevlevi always welcomes non-Muslims to the Whirling Rite in the belief that all people are equal in the sight of God. In my point of view, it’s an honor to witness this religious aspect of Sufism in Turkey.

Ancient Ephesus

The mighty ruins of ancient Ephesus are one of the most complete, still-standing Roman cities with a wide assortment of colossal monuments and marble-columned roads. In simple words, it’s a magical place to experience what life would have been during the golden age of the Roman Empire. Just a 3 km away from Selcuk, Ephesus covers a quite extensive area so visitors should allow plenty of time to discover it fully. One interesting fact is that discovery of amulet changes the history of ancient Euphesus! Visit there and explore on your own!

Nemrut Dagi

The emerging peak of Mount Nemrut (2,150m) is an abode to the appealing funerary mound of King Antiochus I of Commagene Kingdom. Well-known as Turkey’s most peculiar archeological site, the spectacular terraces of Mount Nemrut majestically lines up to celebrate the own glory of Antiochus and the gods.

Aya Sofya

Considered as one of the stunning buildings across the world, the Aya Sofya Museum or Hagia Sophia is not only the topmost sightseeing attractions in Instanbul, but also in Turkey. Born as the Hagia Sophia Church (Church of Holy Wisdom), it was turned into a mosque after the conquest of the Ottoman and is now a well-established museum. As per my thought, don’t give a miss to this cherished Istanbul landmark.

Visiting a Hamam

Seeking for comfort and relaxation! I suggest you to try out the traditional comforts of Turkey, Hamams (Turkish Baths) to make an incredibly relaxing way to round off a busy day’s sightseeing. Dive into the enormous space formed with harmony, elegance, wellness as well as the modern comforts to experience the world of relaxation and comfort!

Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia

The dazzling gem of Turkey, Cappadocia filled with surreal swooping rock valleys is the ultimate dream of photographers to capture the natural panoramas in their camera. The hilly crests and cliff ridge houses wavelike rocks, that are formed by millennia of water and wind actions. And if you don’t feel hiking for these striking views, I suggest you go on a hot air balloon ride as it’s one of the world’s top destinations for hot-air ballooning. On a balloon tour in Cappadocia, you can get views of villages carved out the hilly areas, Byzantine era rock-out churches with glittering frescoes and more importantly, the labyrinth underground cities where the Christians hid from invaders previously. No matter whether you are a natural lover or history buff, you will appreciate the unrivaled perspective on the fair chimneys and stunning features of landscapes on a lighter than air, hot air balloon float for sure!

At the end, if your next stop is Turkey, don’t think twice about going over there! After all, the experience is unique among one of the most beautiful places I have ever been!

Come and visit Turkey to live the moment on your own! And also feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comment box below!

Soaring Above Surreal Cappadocia In a Beautiful Hot Air Balloon

Cappadocia is one of the spectacular as well as exciting landscapes across the world. It’s sometimes unbelievable, fantastic and often absurd. The duckling through the caves, turning corners and reaching peaks, you will find lots of experiences, when confronted with a challenge of discovery, which just strike you in the face.

When you are in Cappadocia, the hot air balloon tour can offer you a specialized set of adventures for tourists when they sail above the fairy chimneys and magnificent landscapes. Even in winter, hot air balloon tour in Cappadocia is in great demand. However, hot air balloon tour in Turkey’s Cappadocia area is most popular for its uneven rock formations, named fairy chimneys, even during winter due to the higher interest. Appealing around two and a half million visitors every year, the tourist destinations of Cappadocia, includes the Goreme Open Air Museum, the majestic ruins of Pasabagi and Zelve and also the underground cities like Derinkuyu and Kaymakli. 

Tourists coming from all over the world visit this region during the coolest days of the winter to discover its snow-covered scenic beauty, the valleys as well as the fairy chimneys. In fact, the temperature of Cappadocia sometimes -15C, but many travelers don’t full stop their journey without taking a hot air balloon ride across the Cappadocia. 

Magnificent Sunrise Views When Hot Air Ballooning Over Cappadocia

On the day I started my balloon tour in Cappadocia, it was around 3 am and was so cold. I wanted to press the snooze button, but I couldn’t! As soon as the alarm rung up, I got up and wear some warm clothes I had and waited outside of my cave hotel in Goreme for the vehicles to arrive. Upon its arrival, I headed over for a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. Along with all other travelers, we reached at the takeoff point, where I saw flashes of sparkling light burst from the balloons and our excitement was suddenly developed. 

After that, we accommodated in our specific baskets and within a few minutes, the beautiful balloon started its journey. The flame of heat beneath the balloon offered so much comfort during the winter morning hours. When the early morning sun came up, we rose high above the magical Rose Valley. The moment was just inexpressible, like a fairy tale or a dream, where you get to look every frozen across the surrounding. At first you will think it’s just your imagination, but after some time you will know that it’s the reality. In simple words, ballooning over Cappadocia is such a moment, which’s truly indescribable; that can only need to experienced to understand. All I can say is that there’s nothing, which can ever compare with the balloon tour memories in Cappadocia. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment and it has delivered all my expectations that I all have. 

Conclusion-

When it comes to travel in the Cappadoccia region of Turkey, hot air ballooning is the most obvious sport of choice. It’s quite easy to explore when you take a glimpse at the town of Goreme, the mountain village famous for its fairy chimney, rock formations. When I was in Cappadocia, I got to see that tons of balloons took flight in the morning and also the snow started to cover the spectacular wilderness. 

However, these flights may seem like they should be only for the professionals, but the balloons are always available for the everyday tourists. I took a flight on my balloon tour in Cappadocia with Turkey Tours By Local Guides. They are quite professional and friendly people. I admit that I was a bit afraid when took a flight, but the pilot was so courteous and encouraged me to get rid of my fears.

If you are thinking to visit Cappadocia now, you should check out beautiful winter flights for your balloon tour in Cappadocia at Turkey Tours By Local Guides. I’m sure you will love the flight and will get loads of fun-filled experience of your lives!

Plan A Balloon Tour In Cappadocia For Your Next Holiday

Are you looking for a destination as your next escape? Or do you have a dream of exploring delicious foods? Well, if you need a little inspiration on where to go on your upcoming holiday vacation, then Cappadocia should be on your wish list! Being well-known for the exceptional volcanic fairy chimney inspired rock spires and disguised cities, Cappadocia is a moon-like landscape; which don’t need to be missed!

 

No matter whether you are planning for a holiday vacation or a romantic honeymoon for you two, Cappadocia is an epic getaway for you; as it has a unique capability to enchant and invigorate the burning flame of love between you and your spouse. No doubt, Cappadocia can add spice to your newly wedded life.

Cappadocia- An Extraordinary Spot In Turkey That Worth A Visit

Cappadocia is an ideal spot for all honeymooners as well as the holiday goers due to its unique historical and cultural attractions. However, Cappadocia can provide you with the best ever experiences ranging from spectacular hotels, balloon tours and many more offerings. But the real delight of Cappadocia won’t come in the wealth of boutique hotels; instead it’s in the stunning sunsets, world-class hiking, warm and welcoming locals and the balloon tour in Cappadocia.

 

With the ultimate fairy-tale charm, traditional cuisine, heavenly beautiful landscapes and offbeat places, Cappadocia is one of the favorite sites to visit among all the avid travelers. While you are going on a Cappadocia tour, don’t spend hours inside the hotel room. Experience the freedom and luxury of this stunning city by taking a hot-air balloon flight.

On A Hot-Air Balloon Tour In Cappadocia

Apart from all the sightseeing attractions, hot-air balloon trips are most popular, enjoyable activity in Cappadocia. There is an availability of so many balloon tour facilities than anywhere in the world. Absolutely, there is no other way to witness the spectacular landscape of Cappadocia by hot-air balloon. Fortunately, Cappadocia enjoys great weather condition; which can allow you to get the surreal bird’s eye view of this fairy-tale destination. With the incredible formations of fairy chimneys, orchards, different color valleys, vineyards and ravines, a tour above Cappadocial will make you feel like being top of the flamboyant world.

 

Important Tips To Remember

• Availability of hot-air balloon rides in the morning hours (Especially before sunrise)
• Children above 7 years are allowed for balloon tour in Cappadocia
• Make an online reservation to schedule your balloon ride

Choosing A Tour Operator In Cappadocia

Turkey Tours By Local Guides offers exclusive balloon tour in Cappadocia to get the magnificent views of the entire land on the planet. Our Cappadocia Tours from Istanbul can give you a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the perfect landscapes of this city with slowly gliding in the sky through this symbolic activity. Have a look at our travel packages for Cappadocia Tours from Istanbul and choose wisely as per your preferences and budget. Hire tour operators for Cappadocia Balloon tour from Turkey Tours By Local Guides, and explore each and every unique natural attraction delightfully!

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