Istanbul - Historical City of Turkey

A place listed on the 2^nd spot for world tourism. This article is about the city of Turkey known as Istanbul famous for historically and Byzantium. However, Istanbul is the city having highest population of Turkey. It is also the economic, historic and cultural center of country. It separates the two big continents Europe and Asia through the Marmara and Black Sea. Its rich historical culture is enough to attract visitors. Many Hollywood and Bollywood movie shootings are performed at various parts of Istanbul.  This wonder city is having number of places to visit and it’s hard to cover all places in this short note, though we tried to cover maximum spots of city for you.

If we go through the history of this city we will find it was renamed many times by different rulers of various dynasties. In the last city was named as Istanbul during the ruling period of Ottomans. Without waiting time we will discuss the spots for you. We don’t want you to be bored with your long debate about the city.

So here comes the list of places you can enjoy in the wonder land Istanbul:

City is having many places for travelers and to make things easy we have divided the spots in 4 categories such as Museums, Fun Eats, Experience and Sightseeing.

·         Museums

Hagia Sophia Museum: The most beautiful and spot of Istanbul educating people about the history of city. Entry is paid and you will be charged €12, though if you have tourist pass of Istanbul, then entry is free. Hagia is 1500 years old and it was served as imperial mosque ages before. Large number of people regularly visits Hagia and if you have tourist pass it will be easy for you to enter. However, if you buy the ticket at Museum, then it will take hours for you to enter this beautiful museum. Remember you cannot transfer your ticket to others and you will not be able to enter with your private guide in the museum.

o   Timings for museum are different in winter and summer. From 1^st October to April 15^th is considered as winter season in Istanbul. The timing of this museum during such period is 9 am to 5 pm.

o   Summer period starts from 15^th April to 1^st October and timing to enter museum is between 9 am to 7 pm. In both seasons last admission is 1 hour before the closing time. Museum remains closed for half day on early days of Ramadan and Sacrifice festival.

How to reach Hagia?

Hagia is located in Sultanahmet Square of city. You can avail T1 Tram Line to reach Sultanahmet. If you are staying in hotel at old-town area, then you can get the tram to Sultanahmet easily. Public transport is available in city for Hagia so no matter if you miss or not able to get Tram you can use other public transportation to reach Hagai.

Topkapi Palace Museum: The most secreted place in history because it was the primary residence of Ottoman rulers for not less than 600 years. Visit the museum and learn the royal life Ottoman rulers used to live. It is the most visited museum of Turkey. Yes! That’s fact and people who reach Turkey never miss to attain Topkapi. You can enjoy the exhibitions and several events regularly conducted at this museum. In 1924 this palace was converted to Museum, but some portion of museum is still covered and visitors are not allowed to enter. Entry to museum is paid and you will be charged €12, though condition is same for this museum as well like Hagia. If you buy tourist pass of Istanbul through authorized dealer, then your entry will be free.

o   Timing during summer is from 9 am to 6:45 pm.

o   Timing during winter season is from 9 am to 4:45 pm.

How to reach Topkapi?

Museum is closed on Tuesday every week so plan you trip accordingly. It is also closed on religious festivals so get the details of museum before planning to visit. To reach Topkapi museum follow the same route of Hagia as this museum is also located closer to Sultanahmet Square.

·         Fun Eats

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Do you love to spend time at Cruise, then get the tickets of Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. You can get the free admission, meals and show passes if you buy Istanbul tourist pass or else you have to pay €60. It could be a unique cruise experience for you because lots of events are conducted in Bosphorus Dinner cruise. Turkish musical performance such Katibim is best example of that. You can also enjoy some mythological play like Aşuk Maşuk, Tambourine Dance, ceremony of Henna, folk performance by Turna team and some other shows. Belly dance performed by expert is also a part of this trip. As it is the dinner cruise you are getting a chance to enjoy the delicious Turkeys food.

o   Cruise will depart at 8:30 pm and will return at 12 am isn’t that amazing? Now reaching the cruise is easy like you can register for pick-up from your hotel to curise, but you have to reserve your seat 1 day before the visit.

Hard Rock Cafe: Dhamal or full entertainment is possible at Hard Rock Cage of Istanbul. You have to pay €14 if you are not having the tourist pass of the city. If you have the pass, then you will get free admission and Bosphorus Burger along with Fries and Milkshake. Traditional taste of food at this café is major attraction for visitors. The café is located at famous Istanbul Avenue Vibe. Experts suggest this café as most fun loving and vibrant café of Istanbul.

o   Timing for Café is different on Sunday through Thursday and Friday to Saturday. From Sunday to Thursday it opens at 12 pm and closed at 12 am.

o   On Friday to Saturday café will open at 12 pm and close at 1 am.

How to reach Hard Rock Café?

Located at front of Galatasaray School next to Taksim square. M2 metro line is easily available for Galatasaray School so no worries to reach the best café.

·         Experiences in Istanbul:

Bath experience at Turkish: relax yourself with different style of Turkish bath, though gate pass will cost you €26. If you buy the tourist pass the entry will be free like other parts of Istanbul.

Show of Whirling Dervishes: Next experience that you can take in city is Dervishes show that will cost you €22 to enter. However, if you buy pass the entry will be cashless to Whirling Dervishes show.

SEA Life Aquarium of Istanbul: Next spot to experience in Istanbul is Sea Life aquarium and you have to pay €15 to enter the spot. Again if you buy the tourism pass you will get free entry to aquarium as well.

·         Top Sightseeing Acts in Istanbul:

Whichever place you plan for holidays the first thing comes into mind is the sightseeing areas because every place is unique and having different features such as climate conditions, food, hospitality, beauty of city and many more. Istanbul is serving their visitors with top sightseeing activities in the city.

Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour: Take the pleasure of boat tour at Bosphorus at very nominal price. You just have to pay €8 as entry fee, though it’s free with tourism package. Sailing in amazing boat at Istanbul city is going to be best experience of your life. This tour is not only about the beauty of Bosphorus it is also a travel to best National Palaces with no traffic. The best feature of this boating is you can hop-off at your favorite stop, enjoy the stop and get the other boat for hop-back at same spot for next stop. It’s around two hour tour if you have not taken any hop-off.

o   Route of this boating starts from Kabataş Port. The next stop will be Besiktas, and you can enjoy Dolmabahçe Palace at this place. Some lovely parks are also available at stop such as Kucuksu Pavilion at Beylerbeyi Palace.

o   Timing for Boating:

Ø  Kabatas: Boat is available at every hour though duration is from 12:45 to 15:45.

Ø  Besiktas: Boat is available at every hour though duration is from 12:55 to 15:55

Ø  Emirgan: Boat is available at every hour though duration is from 13:35 to 16:35

Ø  Kucuksu: Boat is available at every hour though duration is from 13:50 to 16:50

Ø  Beylerbeyi: Boat is available at every hour though duration is from 14:10 to 17:10.

How to reach there?

You can get the T1 line to reach Kabatas station. Start walking towards sea-side and reach at Dentur Avrasya Port to avail your first boat.

Hop-Off Hop-On Tour on Bus: The same way like hop-off and hop-on of boating you can go for buses as well. If you will not buy the tourism pass, then you have to pay €33 to avail this offer. Magnificent view of city from the bus is best thing in Istanbul. This tour starts at Sultanahmet Square and finishes at same as well. This tour allows you to take pleasure of Istanbul’s top sights. Buses in such tour are open from the top so you are getting a complete enjoyment package. The two routes of this tour offer different vital landmarks of historical sites. First route is named as Red Route that is taking visitors to the Old City, Galata Bridge, Taksim Square and Bosphorus. Second route is known as Blue Route that is offering the visit of beautiful Golden Horn and the cultural journey of diverse civilizations in Istanbul. The package includes free Wi-Fi at bus so stays connected with your members through internet and share your bus experience immediately. Timings for this route are different according to seasons. You will get the list of timings from the tourism center or you can reach the bus office to attain such information.

How to reach Istanbul?

Flight is the easiest way to reach Istanbul. The biggest airport for Istanbul is Ataturk International.  Most of the visitors from different nations are reaching Ataturk Airport for Istanbul. The airbase is located at Yesilkoy that is on the European side of city. Airport is only 28 km away the central city. Next airport for Istanbul is Sabiha Gokcen Airport located at Kurtkoy. Food and drinks at both airports will be higher so before order please check the prices. Bus, taxi, tram and Metro or shuttle van are best mode of transport in city. Flights for Istanbul are available from Germany, Hungary, Austria, Romania, Italy and Bulgaria. You will get flights from Greece as well for Istanbul. Basically Middle East is properly connected to Istanbul from various parts.

Note: Get the local map from location stores in Istanbul. This will help you to locate the places easily and you will not get missed as well. 

Easter Island

Easter Island is the Polynesian island located in the Pacific Ocean Southeastern area. This is the special world tourist place of Chile came into light in 1888. This special Island is world-known for 887 surviving epic statues known as Moai. These statues are developed by the people of Rapanui. This world heritage spot is protected and located inside the RNNP (Rapa Nui National Park). UNESCO referred this place as world heritage site and people from diverse nations are reaching this island every year.

Experts call this Island as most distant occupied island of the world. The island was named as "Easter” by the island's initial visitor from European Country Dutch. Mr. Jacob Roggeveen reaches this spot very firstly in 1722. Spanish administration named this place as “Isla de Pascua” which means Easter Island.

This world's most lonely populated island is very special for people who love peace. The biggest tourist destination close to Easter Island is Pitcairn Island. However, tourist has to travel around 2,075 kms to attain Pitcairn Island.

Talking about Easter Island's location it is almost same like Caldera, Chile. This island is situated between Lebu and Lota in the region of Biobío Region.

The triangular shape of Easter Island makes it special then other tourist destinations of world. Visitors can enjoy three freshwater lakes such as Rano Raraku, Rano Kau and Rano Aroi close to Terevaka. This Island got popularity because of volcanic pressures. There are three main non-existing merged volcanoes in Easter Island known as Terevaka (with altitude of 507 meters), Poike and Rano Kau.

Climate and weather: experts prefer this spot as varied temp spot where the minimum temperatures recorded in the month of July and August were 18 °C, though the maximum temp in the month of February was recorded with 28 °C. The figure presented by experts about this states that people can reach to Easter islands in any season. However, summer is the hottest season when people might think to this location.

Things to do in Easter Island:

Stone work: The people of Rapa Nui had a Stone Age society which is made of numerous dissimilar types of stone. Basalt is identified as hard and thick stone utilized for Toki. This stone work is performed with volcanic glass to shape sharp to the structure.

Statues (Moai): the next spot for visitors in Easter Island is Moai. The big and hard stone statues carved in this island are nearly 1100 to 1680 CE old. The world-known creation of Moai brought this island in front of the people.

Caves: the Motu Nui is full of caves, though the whole island is having several caves created by nature at different intervals. Some of the caves are having historical values for the Easter Island and few caves are featured in legends presented by Rapa Nui.

Some other tourist attractions are wood carving, skeletal statuette, and atypical tubby statuette.

Language could be a little problem for people from Asian county so taking dictionary along with them will help them to understand the Polynesian language of Easter Island.

Attaining to Easter Island:

Getting there is possible through flight available from Chile, Santiago and Papeete. LAN airlines are having flights from diverse places to Easter Island. The ticket is little costly but service is appropriate. Some companies are having cheaper airline service for bulk customers so people prepared to visit Easter Island can refer these companies. The tour package, accommodation, dinner and many other services are offered by few companies. Mataveri Airport is the big destination for visitors to reach Easter Island. People reaching to this island must watch the local culture.

Rome

Rome (also known as Roma) is the excited world tourist place. It is placed on 39th position for tourism in the world and approximately 4 million people are reaching this spot every year. The busy life of Rome makes it all time available cities for travellers. Here the visitors can enjoy some stunning ruins and structural designs of different ages. This amazing metropolis is having vital importance in Italian history. Travelling to all spots in one day is impossible in Rome so visitors should plan their trip before deciding the Rome visit. Spending minimum 5 days in this city could allow visitors to enjoy each spot properly. The countless squares have churches, statues, museums, monuments and ruins that require more time to visit.

Some spots are most demanding tourist places of Rome so visitors should not miss them. Rome's tourist spots are very attractive and because of that, lots of Hollywood and bollywood movies have placed these spots in their movies. The Vatican and St. Peter Museum are elite spots of Rome. Other known places are Sistine Chapel, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona; the Spanish Steps, the Colisseum, and the Roman Forum. Tourist can enjoy the Rome traditional food, music and dance at various restaurants, pubs, shops, and hotels.

Roma is most demanding vacation spot on earth. Experts say every person should visit Rome once in their lives. The moments will become memorable in Rome due to amazing tourist spots. Its architectural designs make it different than other world tourist places.

Some stunning spots of Rome:

The Pantheon: this ancient building is the best secured memorial of Rome. It was reconstructed by the Ruler Hadrian in 120 ADs. The striking interior of the building with beautiful dome is perfect spot for visitors. The architecture of Pantheon is simple but very affecting. Here tourist can watch the Raphael's tomb and Vittorio Emanuele II tombs, which are amazingly designed and well maintained by the local government.

Spanish steps also known as “Scalinata di Trinita dei Monti”: Spanish Embassy identified the place as Spanish steps located in a piazza. Summer's season is the best time to visit these steps as the decoration of steps is done with rows of flowers in two different parts. The steps end to stunning church “Trinita dei Monti” situated on the top of the steps. At the starting point of steps, old boat fountain is constructed (known as “Fontana della Barcaccia” in Spanish language).

Trevi Fountain (Fontana Di Trevi): the amazingly designed fountain Trevi is the next tourist spot of Rome. Tourist who has visited “La Dolce Vita” will easily identify this tourist place easily. It lies in the square of “Via del Tritone” and designer is Nicola Silva. This fountain is having some religious feelings in Rome's people. This spot is mostly crowded as people really enjoy visiting this spot. Visitors will find people from different nations at this spot so watching different people at the stunning spot could be different experience. 

St. Peter Basilica (also known as Basilica di San Pietro): This is the most impressive church of the world with immense dimensions. The huge and imposing structure of church makes it different than world's other churches. This is really the oldest church as it was restructured in 17th century by Michelangelo and Bramante. Michelangelo's pieta near the entrance of church is amazing.

St. Peter's Square (identified as Piazza San Pietro): This superb piazza was planned by Bernini and was ended with construction in 1667. This square can hold around 400.000 people at a time. Its ellipse shape on every side with a curve pair of quadruple arcades and saints statues give different feeling to watch. In the centre of square people can enjoy the obelisk brought in AD 37 from Alexandria. The two striking fountains are so special too.

Colosseum (also known as Colosseo): this memorial was begun in 70 ADs by ruler Vespasian, though inauguration was done in 80 ADs. Watching show of the gladiator battles which took place in the stadium is a famous form of entertainment here.

Roman Forum known as Foro Romano: it was the heart of the Republic Roma and was filled with shrines and citadels. Here tourist must watch Septimius Severus arch, which still stands. People want to learn about Rome's history must visit this place.

Venezia Piazzale: Venezia square is the huge, and the busiest piazza where people from different streets meet. Watching huge monument of Vittorio Emanuele II is special at this spot.

Del Popolo Piazza: this is another stunning square of Rome that effects of the 2 most known churches of Rome. This square was formed in 1538 by Latino Giovenale Manetti. It was constructed for the Pope Paul 3rd. Four small fountains and a statue of the lion are very attractive placed in the middle. 

Trajan's column also recognized as Colonna Di Traiano: learning Romanian national pleasure is possible by visiting Colonna Di Traiano. This world-famous monument is must watch spot of Rome. The construction of this memorial was done for armed operations and campaigns in Dacia (renamed to Romania).

Navona Piazza: Navona square or piazza was constructed by 1st century of Domitian. Lots of carnivals are celebrated at this square specially 17-century, historic festivals and open-air sports were conducted at this place. This tourist attraction is famous for Italian cafes and Roman restaurants.

Bridge of Angels and Castel Sant' Angelo: This is the citadel stand at the entry point of Vatican. It was constructed by Hadrian as a grave for his family. The grave was ended in 139, and many popular rulers were buried at this place. However, it was converted into the castle by the 6th century. 

Campo Dei Fiori: This piazza is the home to popular sunrise market. Visitors can enjoy watching vendors by filling the stalls in Roman style. This market is kind of wholesale from where local traders get fruits, vegetables, spices, cheese, flowers and many other daily consuming products. Here the sculpture of Giordano Bruno is special to watch located in the centre of piazza.

Bocca della Verita also known as Mouth of Truth: this place is situated within the area of church of 12th century known as Santa Maria.

Lots of other spots in Rome are available for a tourist. Visitors can hire the guide to learn more about the Rome and amazing tourist spots of the city.

Language: Italian language is little difficult to understand especially for a tourist from Asian nations. People should gather the Italian dictionary before reaching to Rome as that will help the visitors to understand the language.

Attaining to Rome:

By Air: Ciampino and Fiumicino are two properly connected airports to reach Rome. Both are situated on outskirts, but experts refer them as the most convenient air heads to reach Rome. Some other known air heads to reach Rome are Leonardo Da Vinci Airport at Fiumicino and G.B. Pastine Airport at Ciampino. Flights are available with every 30-minute interval to reach Rome. 

   

By Rail: the closest railway station is Termini central properly linked to almost all rails from Italy and other cities. Getting Eurostar trains from northern Italy is the best source to reach this place. Trains are departing from Venice and Milan's stations to Termini.

By Bus: tourist buses from major cities of Italy are reaching Rome so frequently. The neat and maintained roads of Italy allow visitors to travel smoothly by watching amazing natural beauty during the way.

   

By Car: hiring the car or travelling by owns a car is also the best method to reach Rome. Motorway A1 is directly reaching to Rome, though some tollgate will come to reach the city.