Short Stay in Turkey

Travel to Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is the only city in the world located in two different continents! This enchanting city is located in both Asia and Europe.

The Worldwide Navigators Difference

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Sojourn – Gain a better understanding of the community you’re visiting. Learn about different religions or spiritual practices. How do these impact the communities? How does religion or spirituality influence local traditions?

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Savor – Will you choose sweet or savory? Take the time to visit local markets and discover unique local ingredients. Learn how to prepare traditional meals & local favorites.

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Tip of the Tongue – Each morning, take the time to learn a few basic greetings and phrases in the local language. Learn how to write greetings & your name in the local script.

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A Wrinkle in Time – History influences our present. Discover the history of the country you visit. Hear the stories of your guides & their family history. Where do they come from?

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Journal Journeys – Take some time to reflect on the day’s events and document your journey. Spend a moment journaling about the day had & day ahead. These are memories for a lifetime!

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Culture – From local dances, festivals, or simple gestures to communicate – all of these make up a country’s culture. Learn and practice cultural norms & how to show respect in the culture you visit.

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Itinerary

After arrival in Istanbul, take an optional walking tour of “Modern Istanbul”, the Besiktas and Beyoglu Districts. Climb the Galata Tower, shop on Istiklal Avenue, and stop by Taksim Square.

In the evening, get to know your guide and their family story as you dine at a traditional Turkish restaurant. Hold on to your dinner as you watch a whirling dervish show.

Begin with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to the Sultanahmet Quarter. Visit the Hagia Sophia, arguably the most famous landmark in Istanbul. Built as a Greek Orthodox Cathedral, it was converted into a Mosque when the Ottomans conquered Constantinople in 1453, and then into a museum. See the unusual combination of Muslim and Christian elements within the same space in one of the oldest religious buildings in the world. Next, visit the Blue Mosque with its six beautiful minarets.

After a stop for lunch, visit Topkapi Palace, former residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Follow your guide through countless rooms, and view the important religious relics housed here. Head back to your hotel to rest or enjoy a swim before dinner.

Spend your second full day in Istanbul exploring the districts inside the Constantinople City Walls. Begin with a walk across Galata Bridge. Watch fishermen at work on the river below. Walk through the Balat Quarter, learning about the dominant Jewish and Greek Orthodox populations that live here. Climb atop one of the city’s seven hills at Suleymaniye Mosque. The second largest in the city, this mosque is filled with intricate paintings and boasts amazing views of the surrounding historic districts.

Stop by the Spice Bazaar for some traditional tastes and smells. Follow your guide to a tasting tour in the midst of this colorful market, where you’ll get to sample Turkish Delight, dried fruits, teas, and of course, many spices. End your afternoon at the Grand Baazar. Shop keepers will invite you into their stores, but follow your guide into a few for stories about the handicrafts produced here.

On our final day here, we’ll visit the Istanbul Archaeology Museums for a glimpse into the past. Some highlights here include the oldest peace treaty in the world, images of the Ishtar Gate, and relics from one of the Seven Wonders.

We’ll end our journey with one last afternoon of live music before our departure home.

İstanbul’a hoş geldiniz!

Filled with amazing markets, hilly quarters, and historic mosques, Istanbul is a feast for the eyes and dangerous for the pocketbook. See all the highlights on this four day tour, and learn about Istanbul’s complicated history. Visit very distinct sections of the city, and do some shopping before you continue your travels.

Highlights of this tour include visits to the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, several baazars, and traditional live music and entertainment.

Value

3-6 Day
Group Trips

Classic

7-12 Day
Group Trips

Epic

7-14 Day
Group Trips

Interested in adding or modifying activities? No problem! All Worldwide Navigator itineraries can be customized to your liking!

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