Best of Istanbul - 5 days (TR-04)

Today you’ll board your flight bound for Istanbul. On arrival at the city’s Ataturk Airport, you’ll be met and, once immigration formalities have been completed, transfer to your centrally located hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

It’s time to get acquainted with this fascinating city. After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll cross the Bosphorus to take a look at the Maiden Tower. This mediaeval gem perches on a rocky islet beside Istanbul’s Üsküdar neighbourhood and featured in the Bond movie “The World is Not Enough”. We’ll move on to the Kadıköy district, still on the Asian side of the city, for lunch. The views across the Sea of Marmara toward Sultanahmet are breathtaking. After lunch there’ll be a little free time to enable you to explore on foot or by vintage tram to and from Moda. We recommend you call in at confectioners Hacı Bekir Efendi; they’ve been making Turkish Delight here since 1777. Later, return to the European part of the city by ferry. Overnight in Istanbul. (Breakfast, lunch)

The Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Istanbul, built by Süleyman the Magnificent during his 16th century reign. Today, this is where we begin our sightseeing programme before enjoying the ride by cable car up the hill to the Pierre Loti café. Named after a French writer, the views over the Golden Horn from its shady terrace are a real treat. Next, you’ll visit the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Tomb. Learn why it means so much to the faithful as the city’s oldest mosque and final resting place of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, the right-hand man of the Prophet Muḥammad. After lunch, it’s time to discover a more modern side to Istanbul. We’ll concentrate on the area once called Pera, around Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, one of the liveliest in the city and known for its many shops, restaurants and bars. Don’t miss the ornate architecture of the Çiçek Pasajı while you’re there. Overnight in Istanbul. (Breakfast, lunch)

On the itinerary today is the beautiful Topkapi Palace, which occupies a commanding spot on the promontory overlooking the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Once, this sprawling palace was home to the Ottoman Sultans. We’ll allow plenty of time to do justice to the harem’s quarters, kitchen and gardens before moving on to nearby Hagia Sophia. In its long history, this imposing building has been a church, a mosque and a museum. Our third stop is equally magnificent: the stunning Blue Mosque, famed for the blue Iznik tiles which lend the place its name. Afterwards, we will stroll through Sultanahmet Square and have lunch at a nearby restaurant; if there’s time, you could squeeze in a visit to the atmospheric Basilica Cistern. The afternoon is devoted to the Grand Bazaar. Shop for handicrafts and more at this historic covered market. Overnight in Istanbul. (Breakfast, lunch)

Today’s your final day in Istanbul. Before you depart, pay a visit to the Egyptian Bazaar, also referred to as the Spice Market, which has delighted foodies since it opened in the 17th century. It’s conveniently located close to the Bosphorus, and you’ll end your trip taking a relaxing cruise up this iconic waterway. It’s flanked by palaces and gardens - highlights include the gorgeous Dolmabahçe Palace and the Ciragan Palace, now the Kempinski Hotel. It’s the perfect end to your trip. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)