Guided Tours
Guided Tours at the IRF World Congress 2024
| Tour No | Name of Tour | Day | Time | Lunch included | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Discover the Old City | 16 OCT. | 10:00 - 13:00 | NO | 100 EUR |
| 2 | Escape to the Prince’s Island | 16 OCT. | 10:00 - 17:00 | YES | 130 EUR |
| 3 | Dolmabahce & Bosphorus | 16 OCT. | 10:00 - 17:00 | YES | 130 EUR |
| 4 | Afternoon at the Ottoman Court | 17 OCT. | 13:00 - 17:00 | NO | 100 EUR |
| 5 | A Day in the Old Town | 17 OCT. | 10:00 - 17:00 | YES | 130 EUR |
| 6 | On the Asian Side of the City | 17 OCT. | 10:00 - 13:00 | NO | 100 EUR |
| 7 | Bosphorus | 17 OCT. | 13:00 - 17:00 | NO | 100 EUR |
| 8 | Istanbul by Land & Sea | 17 OCT. | 10:00 - 17:00 | YES | 130 EUR |
| 9 | Catholic Heritage in Istanbul | 18 OCT. | 10:00 - 17:00 | YES | 130 EUR |
| 10 | Jewish Heritage in Istanbul | 18 OCT. | 10:00 - 17:00 | YES | 130 EUR |
General Information
Transportation during the tour with an English-speaker guide is included in the cost of the tour.
The pricing of the tours include VAT taxes and:
- Transportation throughout the tour with English-speaking guide.
- Entrance tickets to attractions.
- Lunch (depending on the tour).
Meals, drinks and personal expenses are not included in the pricing.
Cancellation is possible until 24 hours before. If cancelled afterwards, the full tour rate will be charged.
A minimum of 5 guests is required. If the number of guests is less than 5, the tour shall be scheduled as private tour upon request of the guests.
16 October
10:00 – 13:00
100 EUR
TOUR 1
DISCOVER THE OLD CITY
ABOUT
The old city Sultanahmet formerly known as Hippodrome is a part of the city with exceptionally high number of historic sights that you will visit:
Blue Mosque
A stunning Ottoman mosque, crafted by architect Sedefkâr Mehmet Ağa, renowned for its majestic exterior and reminiscent of the awe-inspiring interior of nearby Ayasofya.
Ayasofya (Hagia Sofia)
A symbol of imperial opulence, Ayasofya (formerly Hagia Sophia) showcases the grandeur and technical prowess of the Byzantine Empire, now open to visitors as both a museum and a mosque.
Grand Bazaar
Dubbed as the world’s first shopping mall, this expansive market spans an entire city quarter, featuring 11 gates leading into a labyrinth of vaulted laneways teeming with shops offering an array of Turkish souvenirs and handicrafts.
16 October
10:00 – 17:00
130 EUR
(Lunch included)
TOUR 2
ESCAPE TO THE PRINCE’S ISLAND
ABOUT
Escape the hustle of Istanbul by visiting the Princes’ Islands just offshore. Once a haven for monks, it’s now a vibrant summer destination.
Büyük Ada
We will take the cruise to Büyük Ada, the largest and most famous amongst the Princes’ Islands, with short stop over in all the inhabited ones; travelers will have a chance to see the unique composition of each island.
First-class Fish Lunch
Upon arrival to the Island, lunch is served at a first-class fish restaurant, with a breathtaking view of Istanbul’s shores. After lunch, you will enjoy a tour around the island on a phaeton, a comfortable carriage pulled by two horses, which is the only transportation vehicle on the islands; motor vehicles are not permitted except for public service, in order to preserve the quiet.
16 October
10:00 – 17:00
130 EUR
(Lunch included)
TOUR 3
DOLMABAHCE & BOSPHORUS
ABOUT
Experience Asia and Europe by land and sea on this full-day tour of Istanbul.
By land
The Dolmabahçe Palace: a wonderful example of Ottoman Empire architecture.
The Bosphorus Bridge: an iconic link between Europe and Asia in Istanbul.
Camlica Hill: the highest point in Istanbul, with an elevation of 267 meters, located in the Asian side.
By sea
Tarabya: one of the lovely bays of the Bosphorus.
Yeniköy: the site of luxurious wooden houses.
The Rumeli Fortress: built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.
Ortaköy: a very famous area for handicrafts and nightlife.
Besiktas: the commercial district of the new city.
Dolmabahçe Palace: marvel at its splendor from the sea.
Kizkulesi (Miden’s tower): an ancient lighthouse that inspired many legends.
Spice Market: the oriental shopping area, where you will experience the vibrant pulse of Istanbul at its best.
The Golden Horn: a major urban waterway and the primary inlet of the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
17 October
13:00 – 17:00
100 EUR
TOUR 4
AFTERNOON AT THE OTTOMAN COURT
ABOUT
Step into the splendor of the Ottoman Empire’s court with an afternoon exploration. Delve into the culture that thrived within its walls.
Topkapı Palace
The Palace is one of the world’s largest surviving palaces and was built between 1460 and 1478 under the orders of Sultan Mehmed II a few years after he conquered Constantinople. The palace served as the home of the Ottoman Sultans for almost four centuries.
The Tombs of Sultans
The Tombs are located in the Eyüp district of Istanbul. They are the final resting place of 19 Ottoman sultans, as well as their wives, concubines, and children.
17 October
10:00 – 17:00
130 EUR
(Lunch included)
TOUR 5
A DAY IN THE OLD TOWN
ABOUT
The old city Sultanahmet formerly known as Hippodrome is a part of the city with exceptionally high number of historic sights that you will visit:
Ayasofya (Hagia Sofia)
A symbol of imperial opulence, Ayasofya (formerly Hagia Sophia) showcases the grandeur and technical prowess of the Byzantine Empire.
Grand Bazaar
The world’s first shopping mall, it sprawls over a city quarter with 11 gates, housing a maze of vaulted laneways filled with Turkish souvenirs and handicrafts.
The Blue Mosque
A stunning Ottoman mosque, crafted by architect Sedefkâr Mehmet Ağa, renowned for its majestic exterior and reminiscent of the awe-inspiring interior.
Topkapı Palace
The Palace is one of the world’s largest surviving palaces and served as the home of the Ottoman Sultans for almost four centuries.
The Tombs of Sultans
The final resting place of 19 Ottoman sultans, as well as their wives, concubines, and children.
17 October
10:00 – 13:00
100 EUR
TOUR 6
ON THE ASIAN SIDE OF THE CITY
ABOUT
The Asian Side or the Anatolian Side, which is the more common designation for the area in Turkish, is the half of Istanbul that is on the Asian mainland, east of the Bosphorus.
The Bosphorus Bridge
One of the most famous bridges in the world connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
Camlica Hill
It is the highest point in Istanbul, with an elevation of 267 meters.
Beylerbeyi Palace
It was built in the 19th century by Sultan Abdülaziz featuring beautiful architecture characteristic of the Ottoman Empire.
Baghdad Street
Baghdat Street has elegant boutiques and shopping alternatives. It is the perfect chance to see the urban lifestyle of modern Istanbul.
17 October
13:00 – 17:00
100 EUR
TOUR 7
BOSPHORUS
ABOUT
A poet once described the Bosphorus as “God’s beautiful calligraphy written by an ink made of sapphires”. The cruise of the Bosphorus will start at Sariyer or Kabatas piers; and while cruising along the Asian and European shores, you will be surprised to see the harmony of Ottoman and modern architecture, visiting:
Tarabya: one of the lovely bays of the Bosphorus.
Yeniköy: the site of luxurious wooden houses.
The Rumeli Fortress: built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.
Ortaköy: a very famous area for handicrafts and nightlife.
Besiktas: the commercial district of the new city.
Dolmabahce: a magnificent 19th century palace, which has been the home to the Ottoman Sultans in the last century of the Empire.
Kizkulesi (Miden’s tower): an ancient lighthouse that inspired many legends.
Spice Market: the oriental shopping area, where you experience the vibrant pulse of Istanbul at its best.
17 October
10:00 – 17:00
130 EUR
(Lunch included)
TOUR 8
ISTANBUL BY LAND AND SEA
ABOUT
Discover Istanbul’s great landscapes by land and sea.
By land
The Bosphorus Bridge: an iconic link between Europe and Asia in Istanbul.
Camlica Hill: the highest point in Istanbul, with an elevation of 267 meters, located in the Asian side.
Beylerbeyi Palace: 19th-century Ottoman architectural gem by Sultan Abdülaziz.
Baghdad Street: Istanbul’s chic shopping district, embodying modern urban living.
By sea
Tarabya: one of the lovely bays of the Bosphorus.
Yeniköy: the site of luxurious wooden houses.
The Rumeli Fortress: built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.
Ortaköy: a very famous area for handicrafts and nightlife.
Besiktas: the commercial district of the new city.
Dolmabahçe Palace: Magnificent 19th century palace, which has been the home to the Ottoman Sultans in the last century of the Empire.
Kizkulesi (Miden’s tower): an ancient lighthouse that inspired many legends.
Spice Market: the oriental shopping area, where you will experience the vibrant pulse of Istanbul at its best.
18 October
10:00 – 17:00
130 EUR
(Lunch included)
TOUR 9
CATHOLIC HERITAGE IN ISTANBUL
ABOUT
Spend a full day around the old city and visit spectacular Byzantine Churches.
Patriarchate: the heart of the global Orthodox Christian community.
Church Of Panagıa Blachernae: the best known and most celebrated shrine of the Holy Virgin located near the Golden Horn.
St. Savıor In Chora (Kariye): originally a Byzantine monastery, dedicated to Jesus Christ Savior and Pantocrator.
Church Of ST. Mary Pammacarıstos (Fethiye) : built in the 11th Century by the Emperor John Comnenus, displaying the aesthetic refinement attained to the age of Paleologanage.
Zoodochos Pege At Balıklı: The Monastery of the Mother of God at the Spring or simply Zoödochos Pege is an Eastern Orthodox sanctuary
The monastic complex of Christ Pantocrator (Zeyrek): served as both an important Christian religious and education centre and later as a mosque established to educate Muslim students.
St. Sergıus & Bacchus: a landmark in Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture, today known as the “Little Hagia Sophia.
18 October
10:00 – 17:00
130 EUR
(Lunch included)
TOUR 10
JEWISH HERITAGE IN ISTANBUL
ABOUT
Spend a full day around the old city and visit spectacular Byzantine Churches.
Galata: the centuries-old Jewish neighborhood with its famous tower built by the Genoese.
Neve Shalom Synagogue: also known as Ashkenaz Synagogue. Will be visited according to availability.
Balat: passing along the Golden Horn, this is the residential area of Ottoman Jews where the “Star of David” still appears on the facades of some buildings.
Ahrıda Synagogue: built in the 15th century by the first generation of Seferad Jews who were granted shelter and asylum by the son and successor of Mehmet the Conqueror, Sultan Bayezid.
Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim): will be visited from outside.
Zülfaris Jewısh Museum: of the Quincentennial Foundation, and the “Oldies House” at Hasköy.
Jewish Cemetery: where the martyrs of a terrorist attack to Neve Shalom are resting.
Ortaköy: starting point where the Sefarads set foot upon Turkish soil seeking shelter from the Spanish inquisition five centuries ago.
ETZ-AHAYiM Synagogue: built in the 6th century by the Byzantines. It is located on the European side of the city, in the district of Fatih.
How to Book a Tour
1.
Log in in the online registration portal of the IRF World Congress.
2.
Select the tour you would like to register for in the «Extra Services» section.
If you have already registered for the Congress, you can still register for a tour through your own personal space in the participants portal.
If you are not a congress participant and would like to register for a tour, please contact us at irf2024@valor.com.tr
