Essential Istanbul

Arrival at Istanbul Airport. Meet-and-greet by our team and private transfer to your hotel.
Depending on your flight schedule, you will have free time to rest or to take a first walk around the area: perhaps a light dinner, a Turkish tea, or simply sitting and watching the city’s rhythm. Istanbul welcomes you with the sound of ferries on the Bosphorus and the distant call to prayer.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we dive into the historic heart of the city, the Sultanahmet district.
On foot, we visit:
• The Roman Hippodrome, former stage of chariot races in Byzantine times.
• The Blue Mosque, famous for its interior tiles and six minarets (interior visit subject to prayer times).
• The majestic Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), Istanbul’s ultimate icon, blending Byzantine and Ottoman elements.
• The Topkapi Palace (main courtyards and halls), residence of the Ottoman sultans for centuries, with privileged views over the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, time to get lost in the corridors of the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world. Carpets, lamps, ceramics, jewellery and countless souvenirs create an atmospheric maze.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning we head to the old harbour area to embark on a Bosphorus cruise. As the boat moves along the strait, you’ll see palaces such as Dolmabahçe and Çırağan, neighbourhood mosques, fortresses and elegant wooden mansions (yalı) on both shores, with Europe on one side and Asia on the other.
After the cruise, we immerse ourselves in the aromas and colours of the Spice Bazaar (Misir Çarşısı). Teas, dried fruits, sweets and spices from all over the East line the stalls, creating a rich sensory experience.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we explore some of the historic districts along the Golden Horn, such as Fener and Balat (depending on logistics), with their colourful houses, small churches and authentic everyday atmosphere. If time and operation allow, we take the cable car up to the Pierre Loti viewpoint, for a panoramic view over the estuary and the city stretching away below.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we cross to the Asian side to explore everyday Istanbul.
We cross the Bosphorus and reach the Üsküdar area or head directly to Kuzguncuk, a neighbourhood of colourful houses, small local cafés and peaceful streets, where mosques, churches and synagogues co-exist side by side.
We then go up to Çamlıca Hill, one of the city’s best viewpoints, offering sweeping views of the Bosphorus, the bridges and the immense sprawl of Istanbul.
Later we move on to Kadıköy, a lively and youthful district on the Asian side, with markets, shops, street art and a bohemian atmosphere. Free time to enjoy a Turkish coffee, sample meze in a local tavern or do some more low-key shopping.
Return to the hotel in the afternoon. Evening at leisure: you may wish to book a traditional hamam (Turkish bath) or a dinner with views, according to your preference.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight time, you will have some free time for last-minute shopping, a quick visit to a nearby neighbourhood, or simply a final coffee overlooking the Bosphorus.
At the agreed time, transfer to Istanbul Airport and end of our services.