Planned itinerary:

DAY 1. DEPARTURE CITY – ISTANBUL

Flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

With one side in Asia and the other in Europe, Istanbul is the only city in the world built across two continents. The Bosphorus flows through the heart of the city, connecting the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn.

Istanbul’s destiny has been shaped by its strategic location and enchanting natural beauty. For more than 1,500 years, it was the capital of three great empires: the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. The city was adorned with magnificent monuments, reflecting its importance, and became a metropolis where different cultures, nations and religions came together. These are the small, colourful pieces that make up the rich mosaic of Istanbul.

Accommodation.

DAY 2. ISTANBUL

Breakfast. Free day at your leisure, during which you may join one of the optional excursions we suggest or explore some of the wonders of this vibrant city on your own.

Optional activities:

• Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman sultans for four centuries.

• St. George’s Cathedral, the fifth church of Constantinople and home to the Ecumenical Patriarchate since the 15th century.

• The Walls of Constantinople, once an impenetrable fortification stretching for seven kilometres from the Sea of Marmara to the Golden Horn.

• Süleymaniye Mosque, considered one of the most beautiful of Istanbul’s imperial mosques. It was built between 1550 and 1557 by Sinan, the famous architect of the Ottoman Golden Age.

• The Basilica Cistern, a spectacular Byzantine water reservoir whose ceiling rests on 336 columns. It also contains two huge stone blocks carved in the shape of Medusa heads, brought from ancient ruins and reused as building elements.

• The Grand Bazaar, with more than 4,500 shops grouped into areas specialising in different products.

• The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in Istanbul and one of the best places to buy typical products such as spices, sweets and dried fruits.

• A Bosphorus cruise, along the strait that separates two continents and connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara.

• Dolmabahçe Palace and Mosque.

• The bohemian district of Ortaköy.

• The fortresses of Rumeli and Anadolu.

• Beylerbeyi Palace and the typical wooden “yali” houses.

• Hagia Sophia, meaning “Divine Wisdom”, unquestionably one of the most extraordinary buildings of all time. It was originally built by Constantine the Great and rebuilt by Justinian in the 6th century. Its immense dome rises 55 metres above the ground and measures 31 metres in diameter. During the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into a mosque, and minarets were added over time.

• The Blue Mosque, built in 1609 during the reign of Sultan Ahmet, who wanted his mosque to surpass Hagia Sophia.

Accommodation.

DAY 3. ISTANBUL

Breakfast. Free day with the possibility of enjoying optional excursions.

Accommodation.

DAY 4. ISTANBUL

Breakfast. Free day with the possibility of enjoying optional excursions.

Accommodation.

DAY 5. ISTANBUL – DEPARTURE CITY

Breakfast. At the scheduled time, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your return flight to your departure city.

• A trip that allows you to choose the length of your stay, the hotel, and the room type you would like to book.
• Optional excursions can be booked before your trip. Please ask us for more information.

• Tips.
• Visa, if required.
• Personal expenses.
• Medical insurance with cancellation coverage.
• Optional activities.
• Any service not listed under “Included”.

Daily departures