How to Plan Your Istanbul Tour with Istanbul Welcome Card Deluxe?
Istanbul is a delightful city where the influence of Eastern and Western cultures blend perfectly. From ancient history to modern architecture, the city has so much to offer its guests. With the Istanbul Welcome Card Deluxe, you can enjoy your visit to Istanbul without worrying about transport, attraction tickets or hassle with planning. In this article, we will share with you how the Istanbul Welcome Card Deluxe can make your Istanbul tour seamless and enjoyable.Overview of Istanbul Welcome Card Deluxe Tour
The Istanbul Welcome Card Deluxe is a comprehensive tour package that covers transportation, airport transfers, museum visits, discounts at local attractions, shops and restaurants, a guided tour of Hagia Sophia, and an evening sunset cruise on the Bosphorus. All these services are included in the package at a reasonable cost, making it an excellent deal for any traveler to Istanbul. The package has been designed to ensure that guests can make the most of their time in Istanbul. You will save time as you skip the long queues with fast track museum entry, and you will also have access to priority airport transfers. This means that you can focus on exploring all that Istanbul has to offer rather than worrying about logistics.What’s Included in Istanbul Welcome Card Deluxe Tour?
The Istanbul Welcome Card Deluxe package includes the following:- Pass for 10 museums in Istanbul + Basilica Cistern
- 60-minute Hagia Sophia tour with licensed historian guide
- Fast-track museum entry
- Three free journeys on public transit
- Discounts at local attractions, shops, and restaurants
- Evening sunset cruise on the Bosphorus
- Priority airport transfers
- Your Istanbul Welcome Card will be waiting for you in the Istanbul Airport Havalines Ticket Office (Floor -2nd Gate 17).
Why Choose Istanbul Welcome Card Deluxe Tour?
The Istanbul Welcome Card Deluxe tour package comes with a lot of benefits that you cannot ignore. First, you get to save money with discounts at various local attractions, shops, and restaurants. This means that you can enjoy more activities and have more experiences while in Istanbul. Second, you get to save time with fast-track entry at the museums, and priority airport transfers. This is important when you have limited time in a city like Istanbul, and you want to see as many places as possible. Third, you do not need to worry about transportation as the package comes with three free journeys on public transit. This is a convenient and cost-effective way to explore Istanbul. You also get to enjoy an evening sunset cruise on the Bosphorus, which is a perfect way to end your day in Istanbul. Fourth, the Istanbul Welcome Card Deluxe tour package comes with a licensed historian guide who will help you understand Istanbul’s rich history and heritage better. You will learn more about the culture, traditions, and the people of Istanbul, making your visit more meaningful and memorable.How to Book Istanbul Welcome Card Deluxe Tour?
Booking the Istanbul Welcome Card Deluxe tour is easy. You can visit the official website of Viator via this book the tour here link and select the date of your visit. Make sure to read and understand the tour terms and conditions before confirming your booking. In conclusion, Istanbul is a beautiful city with so much to offer its guests. However, planning a trip to Istanbul can be hectic and overwhelming. You can avoid all the hassle by booking the Istanbul Welcome Card Deluxe tour package. This package has everything you need to explore Istanbul comfortably and at an affordable cost. We hope you found this article helpful and that you will consider booking the Istanbul Welcome Card Deluxe tour package on your next visit to Istanbul.
Frequently Asked Questions About Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a city that has a deep and rich cultural history spanning over 2500 years. It is a city that spans across two continents, Europe and Asia, and is home to a diverse population of over 15 million people. Whether you’re planning a visit to Istanbul or just want to learn more about this fascinating city, here are some frequently asked questions about Istanbul that you should know.1. Where is Istanbul located?
Istanbul is a major city in Turkey, located in the northwest part of the country. It is situated on both the European and Asian continents, with the natural waterway known as the Bosporus separating the two. The European part of Istanbul is separated from the Asian part by the Golden Horn, an inlet of the Bosporus.2. What is the history of Istanbul?
Istanbul has a long and complex history that goes back over 2500 years. It was first founded as Byzantium in 660 BCE by the Greeks, who established it as a trading center. The city was later renamed Constantinople in honor of the Roman Emperor Constantine I, who made it his capital in 330 CE. In the following centuries, Istanbul was the capital of the Byzantine Empire until it was conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1453. The Ottomans renamed it Istanbul and it became the capital of their empire until the early 20th century when Turkey became a republic.3. What are the top tourist attractions in Istanbul?
Istanbul is full of amazing tourist attractions, including:a. The iconic Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia is a world-famous monument located in the old city of Istanbul. It was originally built as a church in 537 CE and was later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. It is now a museum and is considered one of the most important monuments in the world.b. The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is one of the most stunning buildings in Istanbul. It was built in the 17th century and is known for its six minarets and blue tiles that adorn its interior walls.c. The Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is the oldest and largest covered market in the world. It has been operating since the 15th century and has over 4,000 shops selling everything from Turkish carpets to spices and jewelry.d. Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is another must-see attraction in Istanbul. It was the residence of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years and is a living testament to the opulence and grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.4. What is the climate like in Istanbul?
Istanbul has a humid subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and cool, rainy winters. The best time to visit Istanbul is in the spring or fall when the temperatures are milder and the crowds are smaller.5. What are traditional Turkish dishes that I should try in Istanbul?
Istanbul has a rich culinary history, and some of the traditional dishes that you should try when you visit include:a. Turkish breakfast
Turkish breakfast is a feast for the senses, with fresh bread, cheese, olives, eggs, and fruit. It is typically served with hot tea and is a great way to start your day in Istanbul.b. Kebabs
Kebabs are a staple in Turkish cuisine, and you will find them everywhere in Istanbul. Some popular types of kebabs include shish kebab, adana kebab, and doner kebab.c. Baklava
Baklava is a famous Turkish dessert made with layers of thin pastry, nuts, and syrup. It is a must-try when you visit Istanbul.6. What is the best way to get around Istanbul?
Istanbul has an extensive and modern public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and a metro. There are also ferries that operate between the European and Asian sides of the city. Taxis are also readily available, but be sure to negotiate the fare before you hop in.7. Is Istanbul a safe city for tourists?
Istanbul is generally a safe city for tourists, but as with any large city, it’s important to take precautions to stay safe. Be mindful of your belongings and avoid carrying large sums of cash. It’s also a good idea to stay in well-lit areas at night and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods.8. What is the currency used in Istanbul?
The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira (TRY). Most places in Istanbul accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or in case credit card machines are not working.9. What is the tipping etiquette in Istanbul?
In Istanbul, it is customary to leave a small tip for services such as waitstaff, taxi drivers, and hotel staff. A tip of 10% is usually appropriate.
How to spend your time as a tourist in Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the most captivating and culturally diverse cities in the world, offering visitors a unique blend of history, architecture, and local cuisine. With so much to see and do, it can be challenging to decide where to begin. Here’s a guide to help you to make the most of your time as a tourist in Istanbul.1. Visit the Hagia Sophia
A trip to Istanbul isn’t complete without seeing the Hagia Sophia, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral and Ottoman mosque is now a museum, showcasing incredible Byzantine architecture and art. Make sure to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.2. Take a stroll in the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from spices to textiles to jewelry. It’s an excellent place to explore the local culture and indulge in some shopping. Make sure to bargain with the vendors for the best price.3. Explore the Blue Mosque
Built in the early 1600s, the Blue Mosque is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. The interior is decorated with intricate tiles in shades of blue, and outside, six towering minarets offer a stunning view of the city. Remember to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering the mosque.4. Visit Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace was once the home of Ottoman sultans and their harem. The palace is a labyrinth of ornate rooms, courtyards, and gardens, showcasing the opulence and power of the Ottoman Empire. Make sure to stroll through the palace gardens and take in the panoramic view of the Bosphorus.5. Take a Bosphorus Cruise
The Bosphorus Strait divides Istanbul into two continents, Asia and Europe. Taking a boat ride along the Bosphorus is a great way to see the city from a different perspective, passing by palaces, mosques, and historic landmarks. Make sure to bring a camera to capture the panoramic views.6. Visit the Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is an ancient underground water reservoir built-in 532. The eerie and atmospheric space is filled with rows of columns and dimly lit by soft lights. The cistern is a hidden gem in the city and an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.7. Sample the local cuisine
Istanbul is renowned for its delicious and diverse cuisine. Be sure to try some of the local dishes, such as kebabs, meze, baklava, and Turkish coffee. You can find plenty of street vendors and restaurants offering traditional Turkish cuisine at affordable prices.8. Visit the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is a treasure trove of Islamic art and historical artifacts. The museum has over 40,000 exhibits, including ceramics, calligraphy, carpets, and textiles. The architecture of the museum is also noteworthy, so make sure to take your time and explore the space thoroughly.9. Watch a Whirling Dervish Performance
The whirling dervishes are a religious sect known for their unique form of meditation, called Sema. The Sema ritual involves spinning in place while listening to traditional Turkish music, creating a hypnotic and spiritual experience. There are several venues in Istanbul where you can watch a whirling dervish performance.10. Take a Hamam Bath
A hamam bath is a traditional Turkish experience, similar to a spa treatment. The hamam involves a deep cleansing and exfoliating scrub followed by a hot towel wrap and massage. This experience will leave you feeling refreshed and energized, so make sure to book in advance.Final Thoughts
Istanbul is a city that never sleeps, offering visitors a glimpse into different cultures and histories. From its stunning architecture to its colorful markets and delicious cuisine, the city has something for everyone. So pack your bags and immerse yourself in the wonders of Istanbul.Table of Contents
