in Turkey itinerary: Straddle Two Continents: Istanbul, Capital of Three Empires

The trip in brief

Explore Istanbul's rich history with visits to Hagia Sophia.
Savor traditional street foods and cruise the Bosphorus.
Admire Byzantine art at the Chora Church, a UNESCO site.
Wander through vibrant neighborhoods like Galata and Karakoy.
Discover Istanbul's treasures at your own pace, including the Grand Bazaar.

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Trip Details

On arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Accommodation for 6 nights in a 4-5* hotel or boutique hotel, with breakfast included.

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at 9:30 a.m. Immerse yourself in the history of this mythical city, shaped by the legacy of three empires. Visit Hagia Sophia, where Islamic and Christian symbols blend together in remarkable harmony. Just opposite, admire the Blue Mosque, whose interior is adorned with thousands of blue tiles. Then continue your visit at the Hippodrome, with its obelisks and the German Fountain. At Topkapi Palace, step into the private world of the Ottoman sultans as you wander through its pavilions, kiosks, and harem.

Today, discover Istanbul through its flavors as you explore, with your guide, a selection of traditional street foods and local specialties. Start your day at the "Women's Market," with all sorts of local specialties from different regions. Stroll down to the Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Market, dating back to 1664. Then board a traditional ferry for a 1.5-hour cruise on the Bosphorus. You will enjoy views of Topkapi Palace, the Maiden's Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Yildiz Park, the charming baroque Ortakoy Mosque, and the suspension bridge linking Europe and Asia. Stroll through the lively neighborhoods of Galata and Karakoy.

Depart to the Golden Horn district, to the Pierre Loti Café for a panorama over the Golden Horn—this is a must. At its feet lies the Eyüp Mosque. You will also see the impressive Phanar Greek Orthodox College, the Orthodox Patriarchate, and its church. Discover the magnificent Chora Church, also known as Kariye Mosque, which recently reopened after eight years of restoration. It is one of the most remarkable examples of Byzantine architecture and art, especially renowned for its 14th-century mosaics and frescoes. Considered a masterpiece of Byzantine art, the church is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. End the day with a walk through the colourful districts of Fener and Balat.

Get into the atmosphere of this amazing city! Continue enjoying Istanbul at your own pace and discover some of its many treasures, such as the Basilica Cistern, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, the Grand Bazaar, and its caravanserais. Take time to sit down in a çay salonu (tea house), sample a few Istanbul specialties in a meyhane (traditional tavern), and experience life the Turkish way. Stop at a pastry shop to try cakes and other delicious desserts, and do not miss the many shops offering tastings of Turkish delight. These are just a few ideas among many for taking the pulse of this fascinating world city.

Transfer to the airport for your outgoing flight.

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Ric

December 15, 2019

Silk route in Turkey. Amazing places.

Laslo Nimne

January 12, 2019

It was a most excellent trip.

MikeP

October 12, 2015

Excellent service from you, thanks. The hotel is Pamukalle exceeded all expectations and also the meal in the restaurant was one of the best we had all holiday. The Nazar hotel room in Selcuk was really too small for a double room - and the management know this. We suggested it would have been better without the wardrobe but with a small table/chest of drawers. Owner agreed, but said other guests wanted a wardrobe! I gather changes are planned. I gather this was one of there smallest rooms anyway, so this would not apply to other rooms. Having said that the Nazar hotel service was exceptional - drinks in the garden by the pool, first rate breakfast and an evening meal on the terrace that was also one of the best we had. The staff were so obliging - nothing was too much trouble for them. Good source of information about visits etc. Would happily go again - but in a bigger room.