Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Istanbul

We'll meet in the hotel at 3 p.m. to get acquainted and take an orientation walk through our neighborhood, vibrant with work-a-day Turkish life. Then we'll plunge into the heart of historic Istanbul by visiting the nearby Blue Mosque, alive with local worshippers. We'll top off our day with an introduction to Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant. Walking: light.

Day 2: The Ottoman City

Our exploration of Istanbul begins with a visit to the Ottoman Sultans' legendary Topkapı Palace and Harem. This afternoon we'll weave our way through the back streets of the Old Town, visiting the lively Grand Bazaar (the world's oldest shopping mall) and the 16th-century Mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent. We'll wrap up our afternoon by exploring the exotic and fragrant Egyptian Spice Market — where "Turkish delights" are much more than candy. Walking: strenuous.

Day 3: Byzantine Constantinople

Today we'll focus on the city's Byzantine era, when it was Constantinople, the eastern capital of the Roman Empire. We'll visit the 1500-year-old Hagia Sophia church — for 1000 years the grandest domed structure in the Western world — and the mysterious Underground Cistern that goes back to ancient Roman days. This afternoon we'll examine some of the world's finest Byzantine mosaics at the Chora Church and then hike along the ancient city walls. Our day will end with a walk through the laundry, hookahs, and hollering vendors of the colorful Fener neighborhood on the Golden Horn, and dinner immersed in a commotion of Turkish culture. Walking: strenuous.

Day 4: Contemporary Istanbul

We'll explore the cosmopolitan side of Istanbul today with a walking tour of the New District. We'll see the thriving modern side of Turkey with its silk shops, trendy boutiques and tea houses all along the pedestrian-packed İstiklal Street. We'll find our way back to the Old Town by way of the Galata Bridge, rubbing elbows with local fishermen as we cross the Golden Horn. Tonight you may want to rejuvenate yourself with an authentic Turkish bath. Walking: moderate.

Day 5: The Bosphorus and a Taste of Asia

Today is devoted to the Bosphorus, the strait separating Europe and Asia. We'll take a scenic cruise on this busy waterway, seeing grand palaces, cozy neighborhoods and the bustling life of Istanbul. We'll disembark on Asia, in the Kadıköy district, and explore this colorful neighborhood before heading "back to Europe." Walking: light.

Days 6: Pieces of the Mosaic

This morning we'll dig a little deeper into Istanbul's past, with a visit to the world-class Istanbul Archaeological Museum. Home to sarcophagi, beautiful sculptures, and intricate tiles, it rivals any collection on earth. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy more of Istanbul's sights, its fascinating streets, and thriving neighborhoods so oblivious to western tourism. Tonight we'll meet for a final dinner together and toast this unique, magnificent city. Walking: light. 

Day 7: Tour Over after Breakfast

Following breakfast, we'll say our final farewells and head for home... or on to further adventures. Güle Güle!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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