Istanbul City Break Upgrade
Ancient treasures and dazzling displays
Go on an adventure through history and take in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world! Fly into Istanbul and get ready to fall in love with the hilly city that straddles Europe and Asia. Explore its storied past and thrilling present. Be charmed by the inimitable mix of European and Asian culture that you can't find anywhere else in the world! Choose this upgrade for added tours!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Istanbul (IST)
- Arrival transfer in Istanbul with English Speaking Driver
- 3 nights in Istanbul at the Kent Hotel, or similar
- Departure transfer Istanbul with English Speaking Driver
- Breakfast daily
Plus!
- Full-day private tour of Istanbul
- Half-day morning tour with Bosphorus Cruise
Great Ways to Explore
-
Arrive in Istanbul and become enamored with the bustling city. From Hippodrome Square to the Underground Cistern, you'll see it all!
- Enjoy the convenience of transfers and accommodations, as well as time to explore on your own.
-
Indulge in Turkish coffee, hand-crafted souvenirs, and lively markets to your heart's content!
-
Stroll down Istiklal Avenue- the beating heart of the city.
-
Check out the nightlife in Ortakoy!
Traveling to Turkey takes you back in time, across stunning terrain, through magnificent landscapes, into ancient cities, through colorful cultures, and over sparkling seas.
Get to know the bustling city of Istanbul. The portal of East and West, Istanbul bridges two continents – from the art and architecture to the food and customs, it represents a fascinating melting pot of influences and behaviors. See the Blue Mosque and Basilica of Saint Sophia, feasting on kebabs and manti, a small handmade dumpling with mincemeat, along the way!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Istanbul (IST)
- Arrival transfer in Istanbul with English Speaking Driver
- 3 nights in Istanbul at the Kent Hotel, or similar
- Departure transfer Istanbul with English Speaking Driver
- Breakfast daily
Plus!
- Full-day private tour of Istanbul
- Half-day morning tour with Bosphorus Cruise
-
Arrive in Istanbul and become enamored with the bustling city. From Hippodrome Square to the Underground Cistern, you'll see it all!
- Enjoy the convenience of transfers and accommodations, as well as time to explore on your own.
-
Indulge in Turkish coffee, hand-crafted souvenirs, and lively markets to your heart's content!
-
Stroll down Istiklal Avenue- the beating heart of the city.
-
Check out the nightlife in Ortakoy!
Traveling to Turkey takes you back in time, across stunning terrain, through magnificent landscapes, into ancient cities, through colorful cultures, and over sparkling seas.
Get to know the bustling city of Istanbul. The portal of East and West, Istanbul bridges two continents – from the art and architecture to the food and customs, it represents a fascinating melting pot of influences and behaviors. See the Blue Mosque and Basilica of Saint Sophia, feasting on kebabs and manti, a small handmade dumpling with mincemeat, along the way!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Istanbul!
Your vacation begins! After you land, you'll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the days is yours to explore!
Transfer from airport to hotel
Place yourself in the middle of the action with a stay at Kent Hotel Istanbul! Located mere footsteps from public transportation and only a quick jaunt from Taksim Square, this hotel is sure to please. Set out on foot to take in the atmosphere of the area as you make the 15-minute walk to Grand Bazaar, or continue for 5 more minutes to reach Egyptian bazaar. After a full day of exploring, return to your comfortable guestroom for a good night's sleep.
Located in the Fatih District in Istanbul, Holiday Inn Istanbul - Old City is a 12-minute walk from the Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet area. It features contemporary rooms with free high-speed WIFI. The restaurant offers a buffet breakfast and an à la carte menu is available with selected dishes from international and Turkish cuisines.
Day 2. Istanbul
Meet your private guide in the lobby at 9:00 am and begin your full-day tour on foot. After a thorough introduction to the city and tons of sightseeing, you will return to your hotel and rest up for your next exciting day of adventure!
Full-day private tour of Istanbul
Start your exploration with a stroll through the famed Hippodrome Square which was once the sporting and social center of Constantinople that hosted the chariot races until the Middle Ages. The Roman Hippodrome of the glorious past displays today the famous the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column dating back to 5th century BC. You will continue touring with a stop at the magnificent home of the Ottoman Sultans; Topkapi Palace! Located on the very cape of the peninsula where Constantinople was founded, Topkapi Palace was built as the center of administration of the Ottoman Empire when the city was conquered by Ottoman Turks in 1453 AD.
Afterward, you will reach the inner courtyard to visit the Treasury that displays exclusive examples of jewelry and accessories which were dressed by the Sultans or were given as gifts to ambassadors. Next, carry on to the Basilica of Saint Sophia, one of the largest Christian shrines ever built in history. The more you listen to the in-depth lectures of your private guide today, the more you will comprehend the priorities the administrators of Constantinople had to execute to ensure that the city continues its existence in safety against external threats.
As a city that was defended by its “inaccessible” fortifications, Constantinople needed to have endless water supplies to enable its inhabitants to resist sieges. To serve this purpose, a large number of underground water reservoirs were built through various neighborhoods of the city such as the Underground Cistern known by the locals as the Sunken Cistern. The impressive structure built in the 6th century with 336 columns erected upwards underneath the streets running through the Old City to constitute ample space to store water, is now operating as a venue for cultural activities besides attracting visitors as a unique museum.
Later in the afternoon, you will find yourself drifting through one of the earliest shopping malls ever built in history, Grand Bazaar which maintains its charm and volume of business to the modern day with its indoor and outdoor sections. Today, Nuru Osmaniye District is where you can find the most reputable stores with wide collections of jewelry, antiques and oriental rugs. Breathe in the vivacious atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar with a sip of Turkish coffee while perusing the exciting variety of handcrafted souvenirs.
Day 3. Istanbul
The morning will greet you
with a delicious breakfast, then a 9:00 am pick-up for your half-day tour,
including a cruise on the mighty Bosphorus! After the tour is completed, spend
the rest of the day at your leisure.
Half day morning tour with Bosphorus Cruise
After breakfast, board a local ferry for an unforgettable cruise on the waters of the Bosphorus. During the cruise, your guide will share the legends and myths of the Bosphorus and its impressive mansions and palaces. In addition to the scenery of the historical edifices, you will be overwhelmed by the skyline of Istanbul ornamented with domes and minarets of Byzantine and Ottoman cultures.
At the end of your cruise, continue your exploration in the bustling atmosphere of the Spice Market. Though it dates back to the 17th century, it is still the most popular bazaar to shop for the fresh ingredients that spice up dishes prepared in the kitchens of Istanbul.
Follow the enchanting smells though the market to mingle with the locals and be greeted by eager merchants competing to show you their eye-dazzling displays. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Day 4. Depart Turkey
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your return trip home.
Transfer from hotel to airport
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
Advertised vacation package prices are per person based on two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, were available via the Great Value Vacations website and may not represent current prices.
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Escorted vacation packages are per person based on two travelers (unless otherwise specified), and typically include hotel accommodations; transportation with professional driver/guide; sightseeing as listed, some meals, local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage of one (1) suitcase per person, due to limited capacity on motor coaches. Space is limited and prices may be restricted to certain travel dates, length of stay or room type. Driver and guide gratuities are not included, and are at the discretion of the traveler. Terms and conditions apply. Minimum child ages and handicapped traveler restrictions may apply on escorted tours; please call for details.
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