Overview
This special, in-depth exploration of Istanbul with a private guide visits intriguing sites not seen on the main trip’s Istanbul visit. 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, and you can take the extension before or after the main trip.
We had a very busy three days and enjoyed every bit of it. The itinerary had a nice balance. In particular the day spent at Prince's Islands was a delightful break from the rest of the city tour.
— John & Virginia R., Orlando, FL
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Old Istanbul
Your private guide will meet you at the hotel after breakfast to start your exploration of the “old Istanbul,” weaving your way to several of Istanbul’s less-visited religious treasures. Explore the southern end of the Old Town as well as 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, visit the historic Balikli Church, an Orthodox Christian house of worship famous for its sacred spring with live fish. Nearby in the Fener district, visit the Patriarchal Church of St. George, world headquarters of the Greek Orthodox faith and full of Byzantine mosaics including a patriarchal throne. Enjoy lunch at Zeyrekhane, a Byzantine palace converted to a charming restaurant, then walk the narrow streets of the Golden Horn through a colorful street market lined with workshops of silversmiths and box-makers. Visit the small and elegant Rustem Pasa Mosque, one of the architect Sinan’s 16th century wonders, known for the spectacular Iznik tiles that decorate its interior. Finish the day with a visit to the Sokollu Mehmet Pasa Mosque, Sinan’s masterpiece, which many people consider the most beautiful mosque in Istanbul. Dinner is on your own, with suggestions from your guide for enjoying’s Istanbul’s restaurant and café scene. Overnight at Hotel Levni...BL
Old Istanbul - Day 1
Hotel Levni
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Istanbul, Turkey
This hotel’s location could not be better—it’s within close walking distance to all the major sights (you can see the outer walls of the Topkapi Palace from the hotel’s front door). Guest rooms are well appointed, with comfortable beds and modern furnishings, and there is a Turkish bath, heated indoor pool, and fitness center on site. The service here is exceptional—the friendly and helpful staff goes the extra mile to make you feel welcome.
Day 2
Prince's Islands
Meet with your guide again for a scenic ferry ride to the Prince’s Islands, an archipelago in the Sea of Marmara just off the Asian coast of Istanbul. In the 19th century, grand Ottoman mansions were built on the islands and much of the beauty and romance of that time still survives today. Explore Prinkipo (Buyukada), the largest of the islands, by circling its coastline by horse-drawn carriage (no motorized traffic is allowed), heading to the less populated part of the island through forests of age-old pine trees and alongside seaside cliffs. After lunch at one of the famous fish restaurants along Prinkipo’s seaside, walk up to the monastery of St. George on Yucetepe Hill, perhaps lingering to taste some of the wine produced here. Return to Istanbul on an early afternoon ferry. Later we can arrange an optional visit to the Turkish Hamam Bath for a unique bathing experience. These historic baths are near your hotel, so if you don’t wish to attend you can return to the hotel. (The cost of the bath is not included—approximately $30 per person.) Dinner is on your own, with an overnight at Hotel Levni…BL
Prince's Islands - Day 2
Hotel Levni
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Istanbul, Turkey
This hotel’s location could not be better—it’s within close walking distance to all the major sights (you can see the outer walls of the Topkapi Palace from the hotel’s front door). Guest rooms are well appointed, with comfortable beds and modern furnishings, and there is a Turkish bath, heated indoor pool, and fitness center on site. The service here is exceptional—the friendly and helpful staff goes the extra mile to make you feel welcome.
Day 3
Pera District
Ride the streetcar with your private guide to reach the Galata Bridge, then take the “Tunel,” Istanbul’s underground metro, to the Pera District for a walk to the Galata Tower, a 14th century Genoese monument with breathtaking views of all of Istanbul, and visit the Calligraphy Museum that doubles as the local Convent of Whirling Dervishes. The Pera District is the new and fashionable part of “old Stamboul,” where the embassies are located and where we see the “Stamboullou” locals promenade as we walk along Istiklal Avenue, a pedestrian street lined with embassies, churches, cafes, patisseries, great restaurants, and interesting shops in interior passageways. Stroll through the Flower Passage and Fish Market, then after lunch at a restaurant, visit the sumptuous Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus, the final residence of the Sultans. You could also visit 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). Bid farewell to your guide and enjoy dinner on your own. Overnight at Hotel Levni...BL
Pera District - Day 3
Hotel Levni
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Istanbul, Turkey
This hotel’s location could not be better—it’s within close walking distance to all the major sights (you can see the outer walls of the Topkapi Palace from the hotel’s front door). Guest rooms are well appointed, with comfortable beds and modern furnishings, and there is a Turkish bath, heated indoor pool, and fitness center on site. The service here is exceptional—the friendly and helpful staff goes the extra mile to make you feel welcome.
