Istanbul City Break

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arriving at Istanbul Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel and check in. Explore the city on your own. Istanbul is filled with stylish bars and taverns, have a wonderful night as you sip in one of them.

Today, you will visit some of the most important cultural and historical sites in Istanbul. Start with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, an imperial residence of Ottoman sultans for about four centuries. Marvel at some of the splendid collections inside the palace, and then go through the maze of narrow courtyards and passages to visit the Imperial Harem.

Continue to explore the Hagia Sophia, which is said to have changed the history of architecture. After that, head to the Basilica Cistern to learn about its function in ancient times. Next, visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, which impressed tourists with its graceful interior with a grand dome. Finally, visit the ancient Hippodrome, Egyptian Obelisk, and Serpentine Column before returning to your hotel.

After breakfast, your private guide will transfer you to board a boat to enjoy a one-hour scenic cruise on the Bosphorus Strait. The strait stands between Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.

After disembarkation, you'll visit the vibrant Ortakoy, a neighborhood on the Bosphorus shore. Wind down here to sample local food such as Kumpir (a potato pie with a variety of fillings), and immerse in the fusion that modern life meets classic architecture.

In the afternoon, join a cooking class, make 3-4 authentic Turkish dishes on your own under the experienced chefs' instruction.

Start your day with a visit to the Istanbul Naval Museum and the Tomb of Barbaros Hayrettin, an Ottoman admiral. Then, take the ferry to the Asian Side to visit a series of architecture, including the Ottoman-style Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and the Fountain of Ahmed III. Lunch at a time-honored restaurant serving home-style Ottoman & Turkish Food (your own expense).

Move on to Kadikoy for the Kadikoy Municipality Building (exterior view) and the vibrant Kadikoy Balik Pazari, one of the oldest fish markets in Istanbul.

Ferry back to the European Side later in the afternoon. Delight in the flavors of exquisite Turkish dessert, visit Kurukahveci Mehmed Efendi, established since 1871, for a cup of authentic Turkish coffee, and discover the bustling Spice Market. At Yeni Mosque, a striking landmark often surrounded by local shoe shiners, you'll be immersed in an old-world charm.

It is time to say goodbye. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.