Country(ies): Turkey
Tour type: City Break
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 20
Accommodation:Boutique style 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfasts - 3, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
Transport: A/C minibus
Highlights:Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, the Grand Bazaar, Bosphorous cruise, panoramic views from Camlica Hill
Immerse yourself in the enchanting tapestry of Istanbul in Turkey with this captivating short city break. Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul, once known as Constantinople, beckons with its rich tapestry of history and culture. Embark on a journey through time as we delve into the storied past of this illustrious city, discovering its iconic palaces, majestic mosques, and ancient churches that have stood witness to centuries of evolution and upheaval.
Our exploration begins with a leisurely boat cruise along the fabled waters of the Bosphorus, a narrow strait that serves as the gateway between the Mediterranean and Black Seas. As we glide past picturesque shores adorned with centuries-old architecture, you'll be mesmerized by the seamless blend of East and West that defines Istanbul's unique allure.
Venturing ashore, we'll meander through the labyrinthine alleys of the Grand Bazaar, an expansive covered market that stands as a testament to Istanbul's vibrant commercial legacy. Lose yourself amidst a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and scents as you peruse a dazzling array of goods, from intricately woven textiles to exquisite handmade crafts.
Throughout our journey, you'll be ensconced in the luxurious comfort of a boutique-style 4-star hotel nestled in the heart of the city. With its elegant ambiance and impeccable service, your accommodation serves as the perfect sanctuary after a day of exploration. For those seeking an extra touch of indulgence, upgrades are available upon request, ensuring an experience tailored to your preferences.
This exclusive tour is conducted on a small group basis, allowing for intimate encounters with Istanbul's most cherished landmarks. Departures are scheduled on Fridays, offering the ideal opportunity to embark on a weekend escape filled with discovery and delight. Alternatively, for those desiring a more personalized experience, our private tours cater to your schedule, allowing you to commence your adventure on a date of your choosing. Simply reach out to us for further details and pricing information.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture connoisseur, or simply a curious traveler seeking new horizons, this short city break in Istanbul promises an unforgettable journey through one of the world's most captivating destinations. Prepare to be captivated by the allure of Istanbul as you uncover its timeless treasures and embark on an odyssey of discovery unlike any other.
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Welcome to Istanbul! On arrival we'll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the centre of the city. The rest of the day is free to settle in and start exploring.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Single Room Supplement (TUTMIB)
Extra day in Istanbul - pre-tour
Today we enjoy a full day city tour with a specialist local guide. We'll take in the beautiful Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia, sometimes described as the 8th Wonder of the World. This beautiful building, famous for its huge dome, was built as a Greek Orthodox cathedral in the 6th Century when Istanbul was still known as Constantinople, before becoming an Imperial Ottoman mosque, and now a museum. We'll also visit the Topkapi Palace (closed Tuesdays), which was the residence of the Ottoman Sultans in the 16th Century, and see the remains of the ancient Hippodrome. Our final visit is to Istanbul's Grand Bazaar (closed Sundays) which is one of the world's largest covered markets, and home to thousands of shops and stalls covering nearly 60 blocks. We may also have time to visit a carpet shop and learn how carpets are made by hand.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, has been a vitally important world city for many centuries due to its strategic location connecting Europe and Asia, and the Mediterranean and Black Seas. These are joined by a narrow strait of water called the Bosphorous, with the city spreading out from both banks. Today we'll take a boat cruise along the Bosphorous, seeing both the European and Asian sides, and learn more about the history of this fascinating city. In the afternoon we'll take a walk up to Camlica Hill on the Asian side of the city and enjoy its panoramic views.
The rest of the afternoon and evening are then free for you to explore the city more.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Your time in Istanbul is free today until we transfer you back to the airport for your departure. A range of optional tours are available today if you have a late afternoon or evening flight, or if you would like to extend your stay.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Istanbul - post-tour
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Regular small group departures are available starting on Fridays, with private departures also available on any dates. Private tours may be based on either shared or private sightseeing tours with hotel upgrades also available.
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The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.
Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.
All accommodation based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, cruise upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Other options may either be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.
Many options are priced the same throughout the year, but some may incur single or high season supplements - full details are given on the tour reservation form or on request.
The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.
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