Marmara Tours presents absolute professionalism where quality matters to discerning traveler. With the expertise and in-depth knowledge of Turkey, our objective is giving you a flawless arrangement so that you will freely spread the word around we shall deserve.
In the end, being a specialist means to be devoted and fully committed, which is what we have been with Travel in Turkey since 2007 as DMC, built on 32+ years and continuing field experience as licensed, professional guide.
Our team is capable of designing unique itineraries that suits your needs and expectations the best and create once in a lifetime experience with everlasting memories...
“If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul...”
Alphonse de Lamartine
Hippodrome
Begin your tour at a giant racetrack – the Hippodrome. Stand where the horses ran, a large open square with a long oval of golden sand, the center of the socio-political world in ancient Byzantium. The historic center of the old city, the stadium held a hundred thousand cheering spectators and its drivers and horses were legendary. A monumental obelisk from Egypt and Apollo’s pillar from Delphi stand at its center.
St/Hagia/Aya Sophia
St. Sophia, one of the most extraordinary buildings in the history of architecture. When a previous church on the site was burned in 532, Justinian ordered to build a structure worthy of his empire. The building inspired countless generations by its colossal definition of what the interior space in a domed basilica was to be and by its innovations in weight-support and construction techniques - and what a dome it was: the popular belief was that; ‘The dome was suspended from Heaven by an invisible golden chain’. In reality it was work of men, but a worldly simulator of the Heavens…
Blue Mosque
Step into the Blue Mosque and you’ll see why it carries the name. Inside are 21.000 shimmering blue tiles broken by 260 stained-glass windows. The light-filled mosque is an elegant tribute to Ottoman genius of the 17th century. With six graceful minarets adorning the imperial building, this masterpiece is one of the city’s most recognized landmarks.
Topkapi Palace
Was the center of Ottoman government and the court, the Turks ruled most of Europe and the Middle East from here. Covering the prime property on the peninsula, the court-defined grounds of the Palace express in the architectural sense the Ottoman ideal of the perfect life balanced between its formative components. Explore breath-taking grounds, domes, porticos, terraces, halls of the Palace.
Grand Bazaar
One of the most dazzling of all the bazaars, the Grand Covered Bazaar; built in 1461, and in service ever since…Along with magnificent mosques and complexes, undoubtedly, the mother of all bazaars was a monument of rise of Istanbul. It contains more than 3.500 shops and employing more than 20.000 people under same roof. Everything imaginable: gold & silver jewels, old & new rugs, antiques, tiles, leather & souvenirs. Just seeing and experiencing her is worth the trip...
Wander the fabled city of Istanbul...Immerse yourself in a magical mosaic of history, culture and elegance as you capture the glories of the ages. Marvel at both the antiquities of Byzantium and the modern energy of Istanbul. Linger over a cup of rich Turkish coffee and then take a fascinating walk with us into the past.
Rustem Pasha Mosque
Through a warren of small streets, we will explore this small and beautifully exquisite mosque which is seen by few foreign visitors. One of the city’s architectural jewels, it was designed by the brilliant Ottoman imperial architect Sinan and its interior is covered with lovely brilliantly colored Iznik tiles.
Spice Bazaar
Browse the wonderfully aromatic Spice Market with its ancient scents of cloves, cinnamon, frankincense and myrrh. An “L”- shaped market originally built in 1664 and has been the center of spice trade ever since. There are nearly 200 shops selling a practically infinite supply of spices and dried fruits. You will also discover herbal medicines, exotic teas, caviars and nuts arrayed in barrels and baskets in fascinating colors.
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
Housed in the lavish and opulent 16th century Palace of Ibrahim Pasha, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is a treasure-chest of stunning objects from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. The collection exceeds 40,000 pieces and contains outstanding examples of calligraphy, miniatures, woodwork, ceramics and antique Turkish carpets.
Basilica Cistern
Perhaps the most unusual structure in Istanbul, exhibiting the engineering marvels that solved water supply problems. This vast underground reservoir built by Justinian in the 6th century features a vaulted brick roof supported by 336 beautiful Corinthian, Ionic & Doric columns. Forest of marble pillars rise up, two incised with the head of Medusa as your guide escorts you through this illuminated Underground Cistern.
Explore even more of Istanbul, once the center of the world. The monuments of the sultans who ruled here since 1453 dominated the skyline and laid it underneath the golden memories of Byzantium.
Dolmabahce Palace
This Bosphorus-shore imperial palace was built between 1843 and 1856 under the Ottoman Empire’s thirty-first sultan at a cost of 35 tons of gold. Opulent and official residence of the last six sultans, the architecture is Western blended with traditional Ottoman design. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding leader of this modern republic, used the palace as a presidential house in summers and enacted some of his most important works here. Exquisite artifacts such as carpets, porcelain vases, skillfully crafted furniture and priceless paintings ornament Dolmabahce Palace.
Pera District
The Pera District is living proof that Istanbul is not resting on its golden past. Drawing together the wealthy and the artistic, it is a cosmopolitan shopping area by day and a glittering club scene at night. Across the Golden Horn from the Old City (Pera is Greek for “beyond”), the area was the City’s foreign quarter where Greeks, Russians, Italians and Jews lived together. Today that fascinating blend is still very much alive. We will stroll down Istiklal Street, a pedestrian street and the heart of the city’s cultural life with cafés, restaurants, shops, churches, mosques and consulates.
Suleymaniye Mosque and complex
Architecturally the most prestigious of all Imperial Mosques! The complex is built between 1550 to 1556 by architect Sinan the Great who is considered as father of many who followed him. Also visit the tomb/mausoleum of Suleyman and his beloved wife Roxelana who has politically been very influential in the court of Topkapi.
Istanbul Modern
Situated at the shores of the Bosphorus, facing the historical peninsula with Topkapi Palace & Hagia Sophia across the Golden Horn and leans back to Pera. This 8.000 square meter building has been transformed into a fully functional Modern Art Museum and has permanent and temporary collection galleries exhibiting contemporary & modern works of leading Turkish artists.
JEWISH HARITAGE
Discover Istanbul’s Jewish Past
The history of the Jews in the Ottoman Empire and Turkey covers the 2,400 years that Jews have lived in what is now Turkey. There have been Jewish communities in Asia Minor since 4th century BCE and many Spanish & Portuguese Jews expelled from Spain were welcomed to the Ottoman Empire in the late 15th century. Despite emigration during the 20th century, modern day Turkey continues to have Jewish population.
Begin your day at Beyoglu and explore on foot the district of Pera; the present-day heart of Istanbul, where the cosmopolitan energy of the city is concentrated.
Our walk will take us to Galata Tower and district; one of the city’s most striking landmarks whose huge, conic roof dominates the skyline. Originally known as the Tower of Christ, it was built in 1348 in connection with the first expansion of the Genoese colony.
Nearby Galata Tower, step in Neve Shalom, the largest Sephardic Synagogue in Istanbul and was completed in 1951 due to rapid expansion of Jewish population in the Pera and Galata areas. You'll also visit Jewish Museum that is administrated by Quincentennial Foundation and familiarize with the story of 700 years of amity between Turks and Jews.
Continue to Ashkenaz Synagogue, which is located near the Galata Tower, the facade of the building is especially imposing, with three oriental arches and octagonal rosette windows. Inside, the floors are of marble, the lofty dome is painted with stars, and the elaborately worked ark, of dark wood, blends eastern European and Arabesque styles. It is the only active Ashkenazi Synagogue open to visits and prayers.
Drive through Jewish quarter of Balat, where many Jewish immigrants settled to help repopulate the city under Sultan Beyazit II. Today the Star of David can be seen on the facades of some buildings. Also in this colorful area, we visit the Ottoman Baroque style Ahrida Synagogue, with beautiful furnishings, including the bema (pulpit) shaped as Ark of Noah.
Please note: You MUST have your passports with you.
VIP Airport Meet & Greet
Guest are met at the aircraft gate by a hostess and a porter and then assisted through the visa counter and immigration – no waiting in lines for visa or passport! …
Private Jet & Heli
Our business philosophy provides qualified personalized service combined with the exclusive savings and vast network of affiliates in the industry …
Deluxe Yachting
A ‘Blue Cruise’ is a leisurely voyage along Turkey’s unspoiled and undisturbed southern Aegean and Mediterranean coast in a traditional wooden handcrafted yacht …
Personal Shopper
In today’s personal life and business world, we realize how precious your time is and dedicating your resources to finding ‘that’ special gift for ‘that very special one’ may be difficult and time consuming …
Cruise on Bosphorus by Private Motor Yacht
Take a 2hr ride on the Bosphorus with a deluxe motor-yacht against the majestic skyline of Istanbul and watch the splendid mansions, Judas blossoms, forts and Palaces.
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