SOCIAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM
Sunday, November 10th: Istanbul Aquarium and Aqua Florya Shopping Mall Tour with Dinner (Optional Sightseeing Tour)
It is said that the Istanbul Aquarium is one of the best Aquariums and Themeparks in Europe, in fact, it is the biggest Thematic Aquarium in the world. The Aquarium is home to approximately 1,500 species and 15,000 land and sea creatures, it also covers a 6,000 square meters area and has a special-themed 1,2 km long travel route originating in the Black Sea towards the Pacific. The Aquarium is located inside Aqua Florya Shopping Mall where there are numerous of the world’s finest trademarks, in addition, it has a beautiful view directly to the sea.
IAU reserves the right to change and/or cancel any of the tours if insufficient enrollment occurs (Less than 10 participants)
Wednesday, November 13th: Historical Peninsula Tour with Lunch (This Full-day Sightseeing Tour is Included in Program Fees)
Topkapı Palace, also known as the Seraglio, served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans until the construction of Dolmabahçe Palace. The museum collection includes Ottoman clothing, weapons, armor, miniatures, … etc. Sultanahmet is the historic center of Istanbul and a present-day UNESCO Heritage Site. This neighborhood is home to some of the most stunning landmarks such as Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. Hagia Sofia which was built as a Christian church in the 6th century CE (532-537) under the direction of the Byzantine emperor Justinian the First, in subsequent centuries became a mosque, museum, and a mosque again. The building reflects the religious changes that have played out in the region over the centuries.
IAU reserves the right to change and/or cancel any of the tours if insufficient enrollment occurs (Less than 10 participants)
Thursday, November 14th: Koç Museum and Pierre Loti Tour with Dinner (Optional Sightseeing Tour)
The Rahmi M. Koç Museum is the first major museum in Türkiye dedicated to the history of Transport, Industry, and Communications. The museum contains thousands of items from gramophone needles to full-size ships and aircraft. Pierre Loti is one of the most captivating attractions in Istanbul with amazing scenery of the Golden Horn and the historical places. Pierre Loti came to Istanbul in 1876 and defended the Turks against Europe in the Balkan Wars, WW1, and the Invasion of Anatolia. A coffeehouse was named “Pierre Loti Coffeehouse”, today, the hill where the coffeehouse sits is also known as Pierre Loti Hill.
IAU reserves the right to change and/or cancel any of the tours if insufficient enrollment occurs (Less than 10 participants)