Short Stay in Turkey

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.