Istanbul City Break

You will stay at the 4 star Sapphire Hotel or similar in the Sirkeci district of Istanbul. Amenities include a bar/lounge and restaurant. All bedrooms feature private facilities, TV, telephone, minibar and hairdryer.

Day 1: UK/Istanbul

Fly to Istanbul. Straddling the strait of the Bosphorus, Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents – the main part of the city standing on the south-eastern tip of Europe and its suburbs in Asia, the city was the Capital of Culture in 2010. Today this former capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, is a thriving city where modern life makes a fascinating contrast to traditional values, creating a heady mix of cultures.

Days 2 - 4: Istanbul City Break

During your time in Istanbul, enjoy our range of included and choice of optional excursions:

Meals: Breakfast

City tour (included)

Our full day included excursion begins with a drive to Sultanahmet Square, in the heart of the Old City. We will also visit the Theodosius Obelisk in the Hippodrome and the civic centre where emperors once celebrated their victories and the Romans raced chariots in the arena.

We continue to the Blue Mosque, famous for its 21,000 blue ceramic tiles, and Hagia Sophia, built as a Christian church in the 6th century, which became a mosque, and is now a museum.

After an included lunch at a typical Turkish restaurant, it’s on to the Roman Underground Cistern, before reaching the covered Grand Bazaar to bargain for gold, gem stones and carpets.

Topkapi Palace & Bosphorus Cruise

Our excursion starts with a morning trip to explore the hidden gardens and courtyards in the Topkapi Palace, where the Ottoman Sultans kept their overflowing treasure chests and overcrowded harems. In the afternoon we take a boat trip along the Bosphorus to Beylerbeyi, then disembark and drive on to one of the highest points of Istanbul. We admire the wonderful views of the city whilst enjoying a Turkish tea or coffee, before crossing the Bosphorus Bridge back into Europe.

Spice bazaar & Golden Horn

Our morning excursion begins with a visit to the Egyptian spice bazaar, before driving along the Golden Horn and city walls to the Monastery of Chora to admire the beautiful Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in the Kariye Camii church. Next stop is the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, before driving on to the Pierre Loti Café with a fascinating view of the Golden Horn and returning to the hotel around midday.

Istanbul by Night

Join us on a trip through the illuminated streets of Istanbul before taking your seat for dinner (including half a bottle of wine) and traditional entertainment including Turkish floor show, folk dancers, belly dancers and singers.

Day 5: Istanbul/UK

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast