Illuminating Istanbul

ITINERARY

Depart the U.S. for Istanbul on individual flights.

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Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul Airport (IST) early morning and transfer to the Sultanahmet district, Istanbul's most historic neighborhood. As you check in at the 4-star Eresin Hotel, be astonished by the fact that its lobby has on display a former Roman bath and many Byzantine artifacts. Enjoy a panoramic view of the iconic Hagia Sophia during lunch. Afterwards, take a guided tour of the nearby Little Hagia Sophia. This evening, gather for a welcome Meet & Greet dinner on the hotel's sumptuous terrace.

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Day 2: Begin your day with a guided tour of the Hippodrome, the former sporting and social center of Constantinople, where you'll envision the lively chariot races that once took place. Next, descend into the serene Basilica Cistern, an underground Byzantine water reservoir supported by hundreds of ornate columns. After a delightful lunch, prepare to be awestruck as you step inside the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the architectural masterpiece that served as the centerpiece of the Byzantine Empire. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore the renowned Nakaş Rugs, where you can immerse yourself in the intricate patterns and vibrant colors of these traditional Turkish textiles. As the day draws to a close, gather with your fellow travelers for a celebratory dinner, savoring the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine.

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Day 3: With a private minibus at your disposal, venture out to discover more of Istanbul's captivating history. Begin your day at the Kariye Camii, also known as the Chora Church, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture adorned with breathtaking mosaics and frescoes. Continue on to the Pammakaristos Church Museum, where you'll be immersed in the remnants of this once-thriving Byzantine imperial church. Enjoy a delectable lunch at the renowned Pandeli restaurant, savoring the flavors of traditional Turkish cuisine. Afterward, make your way to the vibrant Spice Bazaar, where the air is filled with the tantalizing aromas of exotic spices, teas, and local delicacies. As the day draws to a close, gather with your group for a delectable dinner.

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Day 4: Embark on a guided tour of the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. Marvel at the opulent architecture, intricate tilework, and the renowned collection of artifacts that offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the Ottoman era. After your palace exploration, enjoy a delightful lunch. The afternoon is then yours to explore Istanbul at your own pace, allowing you to discover hidden gems, browse local markets, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this captivating city.

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Day 5: Embark on a guided cruise along the scenic Bosphorus, the waterway that separates the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. As you glide across the strait, take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the city's skyline, dotted with historic palaces, mosques, and fortresses. After your cruise, enjoy a delightful lunch by the water, savoring the flavors of Turkish cuisine surrounded by stunning vistas. In the afternoon, venture to the iconic Grand Bazaar, where you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the bustling energy of this historic marketplace, browsing the countless stalls and shops for unique souvenirs and local treasures. Your day culminates with a memorable group dinner, allowing you to reflect on the day's adventures.

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Day 6: Begin your day with a guided tour of the renowned Archeological Museum, where you'll delve into Istanbul's captivating past and explore its vast collection of ancient artifacts and relics. After a delightful lunch, continue your journey by visiting the iconic Blue Mosque, known for its magnificent architecture and stunning interior. Indulge in a relaxing Turkish Hammam experience at the historic Hurrem Sultan Hammam, a 16th-century bathhouse that will transport you to a world of tranquility and wellness. Afterward, visit the Kaftan Art & Antique store, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant world of traditional Turkish textiles and handicrafts. As the day draws to a close, gather with your fellow travelers for a dinner at a restaurant offering breathtaking views of the Sultanahmet district.

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Day 7: Today marks a very special day, as we venture to the idyllic island of Büyükada, where your tour guide, Sevan, spent his childhood. Departing from our hotel, we'll take a private minibus across one of the bridges that spans the divide between Europe and Asia. From there, we'll board a ferry and sail to the shores of Büyükada. Awaiting us will be one of Sevan's childhood friends, who will greet us and join us on a stroll through the vibrant local market.
After exploring the island, we'll enjoy a buffet lunch at a restaurant frequented only by the locals, savoring authentic Turkish home cuisine. In the afternoon, we'll embark on a Gulet tour, cruising around the island on a traditional wooden schooner. If the weather permits, we'll have the opportunity to swim and even collect mussels from the pristine waters. As the day draws to a close, we'll take the ferry back and return to our hotel via private transfer. This evening, you are free to explore the local dining options to suit your taste.

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Day 8: Today, we'll have the privilege of a private guided tour to the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, one of the most iconic structures in Istanbul's skyline. Admire the mosque's stunning architecture and learn about its rich history as we explore this sacred site built during Istanbul's Golden Age under Suleyman the Magnificent.
After our visit, we'll enjoy a delightful lunch together. The afternoon is then yours to spend at your leisure, allowing you to further immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Istanbul.
As the sun sets, we'll gather for a truly spectacular experience - a dinner and entertainment cruise aboard the Mega Lufer. Get ready to be captivated by the mesmerizing belly dancing performance that will unfold before your eyes as you dine on delectable Turkish cuisine and take in the breathtaking views of the city from the water.

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Day 9: Farewell Istanbul: On this final day, we'll have the opportunity to discover the modern side of Istanbul. We'll begin with a private transport and guide to Taksim Square, the vibrant heart of the city. From there, we'll stroll down the bustling Istiklal Avenue, browsing the countless shops and immersing ourselves in the lively energy. Next, we'll visit the stunning St. Anthony of Padua church before enjoying a delightful lunch at the renowned Seviç restaurant in the famous Çiçek Pasajı. Afterward, we'll visit the iconic Pera Palace, stepping into the very suite that once hosted the great Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. We'll then indulge in a coffee break on the Pera Palace Patio. Our journey continues with a visit to the Galata Tower, where we'll have the chance to climb to the observation deck and admire the panoramic vistas of Istanbul. As the day draws to a close, we'll cap off our adventure with a captivating Whirling Dervish Experience at the Hodjapasha Cultural Center. Finally, we'll gather for a farewell dinner at the renowned Matbah restaurant, savoring the finest Turkish cuisine while taking in one last time the magnificent views of the city.

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Day 10: Transfer to the airport to catch your connecting flight to the U.S.

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