We are delighted to offer this special, in-depth guided exploration of Istanbul that visits intriguing sites not seen on our trip’s one-day Istanbul visit. Set astride both land and sea, Istanbul is truly the bridge between Asia and Europe and it’s a wonderfully walkable city full of delights. We highly recommend extending your time in this fascinating city.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Old Istanbul

Explore the streets of “old Istanbul” as you weave your way to several of the city’s less-visited religious treasures. We visit Yedikule, a quaint district where a section of the old city walls of the Roman emperor Theodosius have been converted to an outdoor museum, complete with pylons of the Golden Gate of Byzantium as well as moated and crenellated towers. Nearby is the historic Balikli Church, an Orthodox Christian house of worship famous for its sacred spring with live fish. In the Fener district, we visit the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, still the world headquarters of the faith. Following lunch, we walk the narrow streets of the Golden Horn and explore a colorful street market lined with workshops of silversmiths and box-makers. Visit the small and elegant Rustem Pasa Mosque, one of architect Sinan’s smaller 16th century wonders, known for the spectacular Iznik tiles that decorate its interior. Finish the day with a visit to yet another architectural masterpiece of Sinan, the Sokollu Mehmet Pasa Mosque, which many people consider the most beautiful in all of Istanbul. Overnight at Hotel Levni...BL

Day 2
Prince's Islands

Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to the Prince’s Islands, an archipelago in the Sea of Marmara just off the Asian coast of Istanbul that’s known for its unspoiled natural beauty. In the 19th century, grand Ottoman mansions were built here, complete with lovely gardens, and much of the beauty and romance of that time still survives today. On Prinkipo (Buyukada), the largest of the islands, we circle its coastline by horse-drawn carriage through forests of age-old pine trees and alongside seaside cliffs. After lunch, walk up to the monastery of St. George, perhaps lingering to taste some of the local wine produced here. Return to Istanbul on an early afternoon ferry, with time for an optional visit to the Turkish Hamam Bath for a traditional bathing experience (The cost of the bath is not included—approximately $30 per person). Overnight at Hotel Levni…BL

Day 3
Pera District

In the fashionable Pera District, we explore the Galata Tower, a 14th century Genoese monument that offers breathtaking views of all Istanbul, and visit the Calligraphy Museum that doubles as the local Convent of Whirling Dervishes. Walk along Istiklal Avenue, a pedestrian street lined not only with embassies and churches but also with smart cafes, patisseries, great restaurants, and interesting shops, and stroll through the Flower Passage and Fish Market. After lunch, visit the sumptuous Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus, the final residence of the Sultans, or the Maritime Museum, one of Istanbul's most interesting little museums, where among other things are palatial Ottoman caiques (private boats once used by the sultans). Overnight at Hotel Levni...BL