Explore the Fabled Capital of Byzantium
Inside Istanbul Extension
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.
Arrive: Istanbul, Turkey
Depart: Istanbul, Turkey
Highlights
- Ferry across the Bosphorus to the Prince's Islands, visit St. George monastery
- Visit Dolmabahce Palace, explore the fashionable Pera District
Itinerary
(3-night Pre-trip Itinerary) You will be met upon arrival at Istanbul airport and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Levni...Meals on your own
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 electric carriage (no gasoline powered vehicles are 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
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
Day 1 Prince's Islands
Day 2 Pera District
Day 3 Depart Istanbul
A visa is required for U.S. citizens visiting Turkey. You can obtain your visa on arrival ($20).
Pricing
Trip Extensions can be added on to Small Group Adventures or Private Journeys, to lengthen and customize your trip. Prices are per person and not guaranteed until services are confirmed. Contact us for availability, questions, or to book your adventure!Included
Not Included
Accommodations
Listed below are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Client Testimonials
"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
Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.