Contrasting Istanbul

During this tour, we immerse ourselves in the real life of Istanbul, pass not just along the main street of Istiklal and enjoy the splendor of its shops and galleries, but also look into its courtyards, pass through hidden passages, wander through the labyrinth of side streets.

• In the morning, after we meet in the lobby of your hotel, we head to Beyoğlu.
• We begin our tour from Taksim Square. On the square we will see the monument "Republic", which was erected in 1928 and symbolizes the foundation of the republic.
• Then we'll walk down Isliklal Street. This street can be compared to the Moscow Arbat, only in Istanbul it is much busier, more picturesque and fun. It is the most famous, all the time crowded street in Istanbul and it is really very French – a bright street. Istiklal is always flooded with people, street musicians, local youth. This is where the duality of Istanbul can be felt. Along the street there are luxurious cafes, restaurants, pastry shops, theaters, temples of all faiths and loud nightclubs, chic boutiques, bookstores, souvenir shops and ancient shopping passages.
• Walking along Istiklal Street, we will visit the beautiful two-bell Church of the Holy Trinity, which is one of the largest Orthodox churches in Istanbul.
• We will visit the French Cultural Center, where a variety of concerts, exhibitions, performances and conferences are constantly held.
• Then visit the Latin Catholic Church of St. Mary Draperi, which was built by Franciscan monks in 1678.
• Next, we will pass through Chichek Passage, “Flower Passage”, where Russian women – aristocrats who fled the Bolsheviks after the revolution sold flowers.
• Galatasaray Lyceum is an elite Franco-Turkish gymnasium and the most prestigious and oldest educational institution in Turkey.
• From there we go down to the French street, built in the French style. Along this street there are cute restaurants and cafes.
• The next stop on our way is the Church of St. Antoine, the largest Roman Catholic church in Istanbul.
• Further along the street we will visit a number of interesting places: the Consulate General of the Russian Federation, Mevlevihane (Revolving Dervishes of the Order of Mevlevi) and one of the oldest metro lines, Tunel. Along the street still runs one of the world's oldest trams "Nostalgia", giving the unique charm of this magical street.
• Then, through a crowded crowd, we will reach the Galata district – the area of the Venetians and Genoese, where the first banks and trading offices were founded. The area still fascinates tourists with its color.
• We climb the Galata Tower to enjoy the amazing panorama of the old town and the Golden Horn Bay.
• Then we go down to the Karaköy district – the former port area, where the most fashionable cafes, design workshops, conceptual galleries and restaurants are located. We will walk through the narrow colorful alleys in search of graffiti, try delicious street food and look at designer shops.
• Then we will walk across the Galata Bridge, enjoying the panorama of the old city and the Bosphorus and finish our tour with a visit to the Egyptian Market.

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