From the smell of freshly baked simit on the streets to the echoing of prayer calls between minarets, from ornate Ottoman palaces to trendy rooftop bars overlooking the Bosphorus-here, old and new blend effortlessly. On this trip, you'll discover the iconic highlights, as well as the hidden corners that give the city its character. You'll explore historic neighborhoods, taste the flavors of centuries-old markets and experience Istanbul from the water on a private cruise past palaces and mansions. A city that never stands still, but where you are always running out of time.
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
Today you will fly to Istanbul where you will be met by a driver to take you to your hotel.
Day 2: Highlights of the old city
Today you will visit the highlights of Istanbul. After breakfast, a private guide awaits you in the lobby of the hotel. You will start the morning with a visit to the legendary royal palace: Topkapi Saravi, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. Wander through the many pavilions, gardens and courtyards and admire the unparalleled treasures of the Ottoman sultans, including dazzling jewelry and unique porcelain. After this, you'll head to Hagia Sophia, the great church built by Roman Emperor Justinian. You will also visit the Blue Mosque, the iconic symbol of Istanbul. In the afternoon you will visit the Hippodrome, a public arena where chariot races were mainly held with an underground cistern. You end the day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with local products from handmade ceramics and textiles to spices and jewelry.
Day 3: Culinary walk & private cruise on the Bosphorus
In the morning, take a culinary walk along the lively Bosphorus. Together with a guide you will stroll through the Beşiktaş market where you will visit a bakery from the Ottoman era. From here you'll head to the market in Üsküdar, where a more traditional food culture has been preserved. You taste the best of this market as you visit a honey seller from Eastern Turkey, an olive store and a third-generation candle maker. You also visit the fairy-tale Kuzguncuk neighborhood with its small restaurants, artisan food stores and local food makers. In the late afternoon, you embark for a cruise on the Bosphorus. Along the way you will discover majestic marble palaces, luxurious Ottoman-era wooden mansions, huge ancient mosques, picturesque waterfront residential areas, remarkable bridges and much more.
Day 4: Balat - Pera - Istiklal Caddesi - Galata
Today you will discover some more of Instanbul's hidden gems. We'll take you to Balat, one of Istanbul's oldest neighborhoods. Colorful, quiet streets are full of old wooden houses and trendy cafes and restaurants. Then you will visit Pera with its mix of numerous boutiques, cozy cafes, old churches, synagogues and impressive old mansions. In the afternoon stroll down Istiklal Caddesi, an elegant pedestrian street about 3 km long with beautiful boutiques, music stores, bookstores, art galleries, historic patisseries, chocolateries and restaurants. Next, climb the nearly 200-meter-high Galata Tower, built in the 14th century, with spectacular views of the city. The last stop of your day is the Dolmabahce Palace on the banks of the Bosphorus. There you will visit magnificent rooms, salons, galleries and baths.
Day 5: Free day
Today you will enjoy this beautiful city at your own pace. Visit one of Istanbul's numerous art galleries, take a bike ride along the pleasant Bosphorus or get pampered in a typical Turkish bath house. End your day with dinner at one of the numerous rooftop restaurants along the Bosphorus and enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Day 6: Return home
Today you return home. A driver will transfer you to Istanbul airport for your return flight home.
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