Istanbul City Break

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Istanbul

  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.

  • Istanbul

• Day 2: Explore Istanbul's Palaces & Mosque

  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.

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• Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise, Museum & Cooking Class

  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.

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  • Istanbul

• Day 4: Gastronomic Tour to the Asian Side

  Start your day with a visit to the Tomb of Barbaros Hayrettin, an Ottoman admiral, and the Istanbul Naval Museum.

  Then, take the ferry to the Asian Side to visit a series of architecture, including the Ottoman-style Yeni Valide Sultan Mosque, III. Ahmed Fountain and Mihrimah Sultan Mosque. Your guide will share with you the stories of each of them. Lunch at a historical Restaurant serving home-style Ottoman & Turkish Food.

  Ferry back to the European Side in the afternoon. Marvel at Rustempasha Mosque, famed for its exquisite Iznik tiles, and taste special Turkish Dessert. We will then visit the go-to place for authentic Turkish coffee - Kurukahveci Mehmed Efendi, established since 1871, and Spice Market. At Yeni Mosque, a striking landmark often surrounded by local shoe shiners, you'll be immersed in an old-world charm.

  In the late afternoon, back to the Asian Side again. Upon disembarkation, visit Kadikoy Sehremaneti Building and the vibrant Kadikoy Bazaar. Conclude your day with a dinner at a local popular restaurant which offers a diverse menu of regional recipes rarely found elsewhere, from Gaziantep to the Caucasus.

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  • Istanbul

• Day 5: Istanbul, Departure

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

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