Istanbul
Turkey is truly at the crossroads of the East and West, both literally and figuratively. Not only does Turkish culture see a beautiful mix of spectacular religious temples inspired by Middle Eastern aesthetics along with an en vogue and Western-inspired restaurant and club scene, but the city of Istanbul literally sits on the continental divide between Europe and Asia. A trip to Turkey provides an immersive and insightful look into how these perspectives both harmonize and clash in one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.
Istanbul | Early October
Please note that a wheelchair and assistant will be provided for transportation throughout the trip and is included in the below itinerary.
During visits to the Hagia Sofia and Dolmabahçe Palace, the individual will need to walk around in order to tour these sites as ground damage makes using a wheelchair around the interiors impossible.
Additionally at the Blue Mosque, there are a set of stairs at the entrance that the individual will need to ascend before returning to the wheelchair for touring around the interior.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a VIP transfer assistant and escorted to your driver for a private transfer to your hotel for check-in.
- Meeting time: To be confirmed
- Meeting point: To be confirmed
- Duration: Approximately 50 minutes
Booked by Scenset.
Check in to your accommodation.
A fascinating city spanning two continents, Istanbul is divided by the Bosphorus Strait and straddles both the ancient and modern worlds. While it is known for sights dating back thousands of years, the city is progressively becoming more modern with a burgeoning art scene and old neighborhoods transforming into bohemian enclaves. Lovers of history, culture, and shopping will be in their element in this enchanting city.
Set along the Bosphorus waterfront in the historic district of Karaköy, The Peninsula Istanbul provides a showcase for both vibrant Turkish culture and superlative hospitality within Galataport, a new waterfront revitalization project.
Occupying four adjacent buildings along the Bosphorus, The Peninsula Istanbul offers guests a diverse array of accommodation choices. Many of the hotel’s 177 rooms and suites provide sweeping views over the water from floor to ceiling windows, balconies, and private terraces; others include direct access to the magnificent gardens, expansive swimming pool, private boat dock, and stylish restaurants and bars. All have been decorated with bespoke furnishings, modern interpretations of Turkish design elements like wood-and-mother-of-pearl inlay and kilim-style carpets, and sumptuous baths clad in Marmara marble. Each guest room features state-of-the-art in-room technology, including bedside touchscreen controls for lighting, temperature, and window treatments; and round-the-clock access to PenChat, The Peninsula Hotels’ dedicated e-concierge service.
- Deluxe Room with 2x Double Beds
- Breakfast included
Dispersed among the hotel’s three gracefully refurbished, heritage buildings, Deluxe Rooms provide oases of calm amid the lively environment of Karaköy. Large windows offer natural light, while the décor nods to both traditional Turkish design and luxurious modern comfort.
Booked by a guest
Today, you'll discover Istanbul, accompanied by a private guide.
This morning after breakfast, meet your private guide for an introduction to the glorious and historic city of Istanbul. Begin with a visit to Hagia Sophia, accepted as ‘the Church of the Divine Wisdom’, a true wonder of the world with remarkable architecture, design, and historical significances.
You'll then head over to the historical Blue Mosque, which takes its name from the blue tiles surrounding the walls of its interior design, with its magnificent six minarets.
Afterwards, it'll be time to make your way to Constantine the Great’s Hippodrome, which in its heyday had a seating capacity of 100,000.
Meet back with your guide and head off to the city underneath it all. Your guide will lead you to a discovery of the Basilica Cistern, one of the most splendid structures of Byzantium with remarkable underground marble columns.
Your guide will pause to ensure that there will be some time to take a sip of the city at a traditional coffee shop, offering a tasty Turkish coffee experience that includes rich flavor and history.
Later, you will wrap up your tour with the Grand Bazaar, the oldest and biggest covered mall in the modern world, with a variety of goods available in more than 3600 stores lined up next to each other.
Your guide will recommend a local restaurant for lunch - paid locally.
- Meeting time: To be confirmed
- Meeting point: Hotel lobby
- Duration: Approx. 6-8 hours, please note the duration of the tour is flexible depending on your requirements
Booked by Scenset
- Deluxe Room with 2x Double Beds
- Breakfast included
Booked by a user
Meet your guide this morning and begin with a discovery of the Topkapi Palace, allowing you to step back in time and explore the opulent residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Topkapi Palace, the home of the Ottoman Sultans between the 16th and 19th centuries, served as the administrative and educational center of the Empire with a giant design that containing three main gates.
Next, head to the Treasury section, where priceless jewelry will be showcased, including a large diamond and thrones covered with gold and precious gems.
Finally, one of the most important parts of the palace is the famous Harem, where you can gain insight into the secluded private life of the Ottoman dynasty.
- Meeting time: To be confirmed
- Meeting point: Hotel lobby
- Duration: Approx. 3-4 hours, please note the duration of the tour is flexible depending on your requirements
Booked by Scenset
Continue with your private guide with a visit of the first museum of Ottoman Emperor and perfectly preserved church Aya Irini, which reveals the amazing Byzantine architecture and a surviving sample from the Byzantine period.
Booked by someone.
- Deluxe Room with 2x Double Beds
- Breakfast included
Booked by someone
Visit the Rüstem Pasa Mosque with your private guide today, a relic that is considered to be a "miniature Blue Mosque". It was designed by the famous Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan for Rüstem Paşa, Grand Vizier to Süleyman the Magnificent. However, he died in 1561, before it could be completed in 1563. What makes this mosque stand out is the gorgeous interior, covered in Turkey’s famous Iznik tiles. These intricately designed blue tiles come in a wide variety of floral and geometric patterns.
- Meeting time: To be confirmed
- Meeting point: Hotel lobby
- Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours, please note the duration of the tour is flexible depending on your requirements
Booked by Scenset
Next, continue on with your guide with a walk through the Egyptian Bazaar. The spices available here have been the source of the delicious cuisines in Ottoman palaces for over 300 years; glorious, pungent smells and riotous colors await!
Booked by Scenset
After a little walk further, you will embark on a 2-hour breathtaking boat ride to see the amazing sights of the Bosphorus and the city of Istanbul.
Your captain will take you to some of the further reaches of the city such as Ortakoy which has been widely known as the point at which 'east meets west' in Istanbul.
- Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Booked by scenset
- Deluxe Room with 2x Double Beds
- Breakfast included
Booked by a person
On your final full day in Istanbul, set out with your private guide for a visit to Dolmabahçe Palace. The palace served as the home of the latter Ottoman Emperors, showcasing the glamor of European palaces.
To get a taste of life in Ottoman-era Turkey, you can appreciate the palace's architectural style, a blend of Western baroque, rococo, and neoclassical design with traditional Ottoman elements. The fusion of Eastern and Western influences is evident, with the area feeling much like a European city due to its European-style architecture.
- Meeting time: To be confirmed
- Meeting point: Hotel lobby
- Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours. The tour duration is flexible depending on your needs.
Booked by Scenset
After the palace, you'll continue on for a discovery of some of Istanbul's most culturally rich neighborhoods.
You'll start in the area around Galata Tower which is one of the oldest and highest towers of Istanbul that providing splendid panoramic views. Ascending to the top, guests are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the city, providing a unique perspective on Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture.
Arriving in Karakoy, guests will discover a district that seamlessly blends past and present. With its traces of urbanization dating back to the Byzantine Empire, Karakoy is a melting pot of different populations and cultures. Today, it is known for its vibrant atmosphere, bustling cafes, and bars, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Concluding your tour in Nisantasi, you'll experience the epitome of modern Istanbul. This upscale district is renowned for its luxurious boutiques, world-famous brands, and European-style cafes. Amidst the bustling streets, guests can soak in the blend of luxury and traditional values that have defined Istanbul since the Ottoman era.
- Meeting time: To be confirmed
- Meeting point: Hotel lobby
- Duration: Approx. 3-4 hours, please note the duration of the tour is flexible depending on your requirements
Booked by scenset
- Deluxe Room with 2x Double Beds
- Breakfast included
Booked by someone
After breakfast and check-out, meet your driver in the hotel lobby for a private transfer to the airport.
- Meeting time: will be provided
- Meeting point: Hotel lobby
- Duration: Around 40 minutes
Booked by Scenset.