Day 1 : Istanbul
Arrive at any time and spend the day exploring on your own. Later, meet your CEO and the group before heading out for a stroll through the Old Town to enjoy some of Istanbul's most famous street foods for dinner.
Street Food Experience
Istanbul
Roam through the lively streets of Istanbul's Old Town and bring your appetite - there are dozens of street food stalls to choose from! Opt to try the cheese-stuffed börek, minced meat topped lahmacun, bagel-like simit or classic döner.
Meet Your CEO and Group
1h
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2 : Istanbul
Tour the world-renowned Hagia Sofia. After, explore a lesser-known side of Istanbul's Old Town and visit subterranean Roman and Byzantine ruins, the Hippodrome and the Little Haiga Sofia Mosque. Tonight, opt to visit a hammam (traditional Turkish bath).
Hippodrome Visit and Little Hagia Sofia
Istanbul 1h 1km
Walk in the place where the Hippodrome used to be - the Byzantine athletic area used for events such as chariot racing. Spot remains dating from Byzantine times, such as the Obelisk which was brought from Egypt, and the Serpent Coloumn. Later, visit the gorgeous Little Hagia Sofia, built in 536 and with architecture unique among the Old Town buildings.
Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) Visit
Istanbul 1h - 2h
Visit the Hagia Sophia, one of the most important and breathtaking icons of ancient Byzantine architecture. The domes and buttresses of the mosque punctuate the skyline of Turkey's capital and stand tall as a symbol of national pride.
Old City Underground Tour
Istanbul
Explore sections of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient subterranean water system, built in the 6th century during Byzantine Emperor Justinian I's reign. Next, check out the Great Palace Mosaic Museum, where you can see mosaics from the Byzantine period, unearthed at the site of the Great Palace of Constantinople.
Optional Activities - Day 2
Take along a towel, soap, and shampoo, and enjoy a scrub like no other. Then experience a traditional foam massage, included in the entrance fee. Get some tips from the friendly locals – they’ll show you the correct protocol. Make sure to check the hours as the bathhouses are strictly segregated, usually being used by men in the morning and evenings, and women in the afternoons.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 3 : Istanbul
Enjoy a culinary walking tour of the trendiest districts in Istanbul. Wander through Taksim Square and the lively district of Karaköy on a CEO-led culinary walking tour, sampling local specialties such as baklava and Turkish coffee. Enjoy a sumptuous mezze lunch. Catch a ferry to Kadiköy, on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Ferry
Istanbul - Kadıköy 0h15m - 0h30m
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Taksim and Beyoglu Side Streets Walk
Istanbul
Starting in Taksim Square and making our way down to the Golden Horn, explore the side streets of Beyoglu to sample the city's best profiteroles, and learn what makes Turkish coffee special.
Stop by the hip district of Kadiköy, located across the bay on Istanbul's Asian shore, known for its winding alleys of delicatessens, fish and grocery markets.
Ferry
Kadıköy - Istanbul 0h15m - 0h30m
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 4 : Istanbul
Depart at any time, or spend another day exploring. Opt to book the "Colourful Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise" full-day excursion and walk Constantinople's old city walls, see Roman mosaics and frescoes, stroll through the city's Jewish district and end the day with a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait for stunning views of the city. For travellers continuing on to another G Adventures tour, your CEO will help facilitate the joining of the new group starting in the evening.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
