Istanbul: An Ottoman Odyssey

A tale of two continents interwoven with historical intrigue, Istanbul hovers like a magic carpet, seemingly woven at a genie’s command. Home to 16 million souls this vibrant metropolis straddles the straits of the Bosphorus, uniting Europe and Asia. Once the capital of the Roman Empire and revered as the most Christian city in Christendom, Constantinople transformed into the jewel of the Islamic Ottoman Empire before renaming itself and becoming the cornerstone of today’s Republic of Türkiye.  

Traditional yet trendy, exotic yet refined, Istanbul’s captivating mix of past and present tantalizes the senses. Our Ottoman Odyssey immerses us in the evocative smell of spices, the enchanting sounds of fasil music, the luxurious touch of silk, and uniquely Turkish sights, from soaring minarets to ancient cisterns and bustling bazaars. 

 

Itinerary Overview 

Day 1 – Arrive Istanbul 

Day 2 – Istanbul 

Day 3 – Istanbul 

Day 4 – Depart Istanbul 

HIGHLIGHTS 

• Meet all-powerful Sultans, overzealous courtiers and quarrelling harems, in the pavilions of Topkapi Palace 

• Explore Istanbul’s Islamic culture at Sultan Ahmet Camii (the Blue Mosque) and Hagia Sophia 

• Haggle for treasures at The Grand Bazaar 

• Tempt your tastebuds on a ‘foodie’ themed exploration, and at traditional Turkish banquets 

• Enjoy an evening on the Bosphorus with traditional entertainment, and a nighttime visit to the unique underworld of the Basilica Cistern 

 

DETAILED ITINERARY 

Day 1 Istanbul 

Welcome to Turkey. On arrival at Istanbul airport, make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet our local representative, followed by a transfer to our group hotel. (Note: This transfer is a group transfer for flights arriving at a set time. Private transfers can be booked for alternative times upon request (own expense). 

Istanbul, a city steeped in exotic allure, conjures visions of belly dancing, bustling bazaars and flying carpets. Spanning Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, this vibrant metropolis serves as Turkey’s cultural and economic hub, blending ancient Byzantine and Ottoman legacies with modern dynamism. Formerly known as Constantinople in honor of the Roman Emperor Constantine, Istanbul captivates from its iconic landmarks—the domes of the Hagia Sophia and the towering minarets of the Blue Mosque, to the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, where centuries-old trade traditions thrive amid carpets, spices and crafts, Istanbul exudes a palpable sense of history that excites the senses. Your day is at leisure to explore independently, enjoy the hotel facilities or simply relax after your flight. 

Accommodation: Golden Horn Bosphorus Hotel (or similar)

 

Day 2 Istanbul 

Meet your Tour Manager in the foyer of the hotel, after breakfast. Catching a ride on one of Istanbul’s popular trams, we head to the hilltop neighbourhood of Sultanahmet, where we spend the morning exploring Constantinople’s iconic trifecta: Sultan Ahmet Camii (the Blue Mosque), Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.    

As we explore the Sultan’s precinct, our guide tells tales of the city’s celebrated past. Begin your journey at the ancient Hippodrome, once Constantinople’s vibrant sporting and social centre. This historic venue hosted thrilling chariot races and political events, and today, in the Hippodrome area, remnants like the Obelisk (erected by the Egyptian Pharaoh Tutmosis), the Serpent Column, and the Column of Constantine still stand as silent witnesses to their storied past. 

From here, we admire the venerated Sultan Ahmet Camii (the Blue Mosque), renowned for its six minarets and iconic blue Iznik tiles, while our guide explains the profound influence of the Islamic faith on the lives of the city’s inhabitants. Just steps away is the Aya Sofya, or the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Originally built as the “greatest church in Christendom”, the Hagia Sophia now stands as a testament to time and the dynamic history of the city. 

The highlight of our morning is a visit to the Sultan’s private residence, Topkapi Palace. Here, we explore the state rooms, museum and grounds of this opulent palace. Designed to reflect a tented lodge, Topkapi captures the essence of the nomadic Ottoman lifestyle in a permanent structure. Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, attractive concubines and scheming eunuchs lived and worked here for four centuries when Constantinople was the heart of the Ottoman Empire. A visit to the palace’s opulent pavilions, jewel-filled treasury, and sprawling grounds offers a fascinating glimpse into their lives. 

After lunch at a local restaurant (own expense), we enter the famed corridors of tThe Grand Bazaar. Originally a vaulted warehouse built by order of Sultan Mehmet some 500 years ago, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar covers the area that once housed the city’s caravanserais. This sprawling labyrinth of shops, lanes, corridors and small eating halls offers a delightful afternoon of exploration. As you stroll through the bustling corridors of the Grand Bazaar, with over 4,000 shops, you will discover a treasure trove of goods ranging from spices and textiles to jewelry and ceramics. Your Tour Manager will assist you with traditional haggling, providing insider tips on what to buy, where to buy it and how much you should really pay. 

We conclude our tour with a visit to a local studio workshop, where you will gain insight into the art of Turkish carpet weaving. Our host, Mr Ara, a third-generation carpet weaver of Armenian heritage, will share the secrets of this ancient craft. Learn about the different techniques, materials and designs that make these carpets so special. Watch skilled artisans at work and understand the cultural significance behind these beautiful creations. Choose to return to our hotel or linger longer to haggle over bargains, Turkish style.

This evening, we enjoy a taste of Turkey as we dine at a traditional restaurant, followed by a showcase of the nation’s beloved cultural dancing. Nothing screams Turkey like belly dancing, so be prepared to scream Turkey, as our entertainers launch into a vibrant show of Turkish culture.  

Housed in a former 15th-century Hamam (Turkish bath), the Hodja pasha Cultural Center hosts us beneath its soaring dome, where we’re treated to an electrifying fusion of Turkey’s traditional dances, infused with a modern twist, all within its historic walls. 

Accommodation: Golden Horn Bosphorus Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner at Hodja pasha Cultural Center

 

Day 3 Istanbul 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant and flavoursome world of Turkish cuisine this morning, as your tour manager guides you through Istanbul’s ‘foodie scene’. Experience the authentic tastes and aromas of Istanbul as we stroll through the bustling neighbourhoods of Karaköy, Taksim Square, and Galata. Our journey begins in the trendy and historic suburb of Karaköy. Here, you’ll savour traditional Turkish breakfast items such as simit (sesame-covered bread rings) and börek (flaky pastry filled with cheese or meat), paired with a rich cup of Turkish coffee or tea in a local cafe. Next, we venture into the heart of Istanbul’s culinary scene in Taksim Square, where you will sample a variety of authentic street foods that capture the essence of Turkish culture. Finally, we conclude our morning in the historic Galata district, where we visit a traditional baklava shop and indulge in this sweet delicacy before wandering through Galata’s atmospheric streets and spice market, soaking in the flavors that define Turkish cuisine.    

This afternoon there is time for independent exploration, before we meet at the hotel for a uniquely Istanbul experience. 

Early evening we descend into the city’s past. Surrounded by water, Istanbul is also built upon it—supported by hundreds of underground cisterns. Among these, the Basilica Cistern stands as a marvel of engineering, constructed in the sixth century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, with more than 7,000 slaves said to have laboured in its construction. Originally part of a network begun by the Romans and completed by the Byzantines and Ottomans, this vast cistern once supplied the city and its palaces with water. The cathedral-like chamber features 336 marble columns, each towering 9 metres (30 feet) high, and can hold up to 80 million litres of water. Accessed by a series of walkways, the Basilica Cistern offers a glimpse into the city’s hidden past, where modern art mingles with ancient artefacts. 

We return to 21st century Istanbul where we indulge in a meal fit for a sultan as we feast on a banquet of traditional Turkish fare. 

Accommodation: Golden Horn Bosphorus Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

Day 4 Istanbul 

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (Note: This transfer is a group transfer departing at 09:00am. Private transfers can be booked for alternative times upon request (own expense). 

Meals: Breakfast  

 

 TOUR INCLUSIONS 

• 3 nights’ accommodation in Istanbul – at the Golden Horn Bosphorus Hotel (or similar) 

• Services of English-speaking local tour manager  

• Breakfast daily and meals as listed 

• Turkish banquet farewell dinner 

• Traditional cultural dinner and dance show 

• Guided visit and entrance fees to Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern 

• Guided tour of The Grand Bazaar 

• ‘Foodie’ themed morning guided tour 

• Group transfers on Day 1 Istanbul Airport to group hotel, and on Day 4 group hotel to Istanbul Airport* 

• Transport – local and private 

• VAT and city taxes  

• Porterage for 1 piece of luggage  

• Gratuities for city guides and drivers on excursions  

*A set time will be nominated once arrival and departure flight times are provided. Should this time not suit your flights a private transfer can be requested (own expense) 

 

TOUR EXCLUSIONS  

• Gratuities for city host 

• International or domestic flights  

• Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary  

• Airport arrival or departure taxes  

• Passport, visa, reciprocity fees and vaccination charges 

• Hotels and meals not listed as included 

• Optional excursions not included in the itinerary 
• All items of a personal nature including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, Wi-Fi if not included at hotel, email or phone charges

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