Turkey

Most tours rush you through this amazing place where Asia and Europe meet. Or cruise directors push you onto a ship after only a few glances and no time to enjoy the landscape Istanbul is one of the most exciting, vibrant and exotic cities, easily visited by Americans and welcoming to women. “If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.”

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – People look around inside the Grand Bazaar on April 2, 2009 in Istanbul, Turkey. The Grand Bazaar is with it’s around 58 streets and over 1200 shops one of the largest covered markets in the world attracting around 300,000 thousand people daily. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

Itinerary:
Depart Nov. 6 2015 on overnight flight to Istanbul.

Day 1: November 7, 2015 – Arrive Istanbul
Meet at the airport and transfer to our hotel. Pick up based on flights arriving before 1PM. (Optional private transfers available $72 per person). Welcome dinner at a restaurant.

Day 2: November 8, 2015 – Istanbul – Half day + Hamman. After breakfast half day city tour (half day tours are 9:00am-1:00pm). Visit the Byzantine Hippodrome, where stands the obelisk brought from Egypt by Theodosius and Serpent Column taken from Delphi by Constantine, then St. Sophia originally a Christian Basilica, rebuilt by Justinian, turned into a mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet. In 1920’s Ataturk made it a nondenominational museum. Also see the legendary Blue Mosque with six minarets and dome of 109 feet. Finally visit Spice Market with spices, dried fruits, nuts, Turkish delight, crafts, etc. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner-hotel.
Note: Optional Hamman experience. Visit to the famous Ayasophia Hamman to experience a Turkish bath. While reclining on marble beds, you are soaped, exfoliated and steamed. The guide will take you to the Hamman where you pay a fee directly to the ticket office. The entrance fee is high but what an experience. Those who do not wish to try the Hamman can take taxis back to the hotel or wait in the neighborhood.

Day 3: November 9, 2015 – Istanbul
Half day then the Bazaar Our half day tour includes the Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman Sultans with the Treasury containing jewel encrusted thrones, the world’s largest emerald and the famous Topkapi Dagger + Rustem Pasha Mosque built 1561 by the great architect Sinan. Finally, the Grand Bazaar, of 4,000 shops displaying from souvenirs in copper and onyx, precious jewelry. *harem section included. Free afternoon You might want to stay in the bazaar for the rest of the afternoon! Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner-hotel.

Day 4: November 10, 2015 – Istanbul-Cruise Bosphorus Tour by private ferry.
This magical journey covers European and Asian shores & the marvelous monuments and districts. Then visit Beylerbeyi Palace, summer residence of the Sultans on the Asian shore. Visit Camlica Hill for beautiful panoramic views. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner-hotel.

Day 05: November 11, 2015 – Istanbul Free day. Breakfast.

Day 6: November 12, 2015 – Istanbul- Half day Jewish heritage tour.
The tour begins in Galata area and visits Neve Shalom Synagogue, the old Jewish Quarter of Balat, historical Ahrida Synagogue on the Golden Horn and the Jewish Museum. (Visits to synagogues subject to permission). Breakfast, Dinner-hotel.

Day 7: November 13, 2015 – Istanbul – Half day Dolmabahce Palace.
The 19th century rococo residence of the sultans, and the place where Ataturk died in 1938. Beautifully situated, with frontage on the Bosphorus, an impressive ballroom, and ornate Victorian furniture embodying Turkish assimilation of Europe. Continue to Ortaköy village, a typical waterfront village with unexpected charm, a jumble of old buildings and narrow streets. It has become a center for artists and craftsman with studios and art galleries. Farewell dinner and show at a fun night club. Breakfast. Lunch, Dinner in the club.

Day 8: Saturday November 14, 2015 – Depart Istanbul.
Transfer to the airport for flights that depart by noon. Private transfers available at $72 per person, or the hotel can arrange taxis. Breakfast.

Rate: Price: $2,199 per person double share  / Single supplement + $600

What’s Included:
• 7 nights 4 star superior Titanic City Hotel in modern Istanbul
• Meals as noted
• Entrance fees to sites and museums on the itinerary
• English speaking guide, modern coach
• Bosphorus cruise
• Hotel tips + City Taxes
• Baggage handling at airport for our transfers (one piece per person)
• Share Guarantee for early bookings!

Not included: Airfare, anything not under inclusions, meals and drinks not mentioned, entrance fees not mentioned, personal expenses, travel insurance, porterage at hotel, drinks at meals, tips to guides and drivers. Turkey requires a visa.

Contact us today for more information on this small group tour!