Classic Istanbul Mini Adventure
Overview
Itinerary
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: 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: 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.
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: 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: 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: 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.
- Turkish Bath: 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. (50-70 EUR per person)
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: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
- Taksim and Beyoglu Side Streets Walk: 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.
- Kadiköy Visit: 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.
- Karaköy Visit: End the day back in trendy Karaköy, and enjoy Istanbul’s (and maybe even Turkey’s) best baklava.
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.
- Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise: Go even deeper into Istanbul, discovering diverse and lesser-visited districts with your CEO, and some of the best photography spots in the city! Today we will walk along the ancient Constantinople city walls; see Tekfur Palace(the Blaherne Palace) which has got thick walls adjacent to the landwalls ; stroll through the photogenic Fener (Greek) and Balat (Jewish) districts, known for their colourful wooden houses; enjoy lunch together; and cruise the Bosphorus Strait for stunning views of Ottoman palaces and the city skyline. Please note: this is a full day (6+ hours) day excursion. Lunch is included. Your CEO will collect you from the hotel lobby at 9am. Please bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and modest clothing/coverings for shoulders and upper legs for visiting religious sites. There will be a welcome note at the reception with more details from your CEO, so please check on arrival.
Trip Inclusions
- Walk through time on a day tour of the Old City.
- Experience traditional Turkish foods and flavours on a culinary tour.
- Enjoy an authentic streetfood dinner.
- Your Foodie Moment: Street Food Experience, Istanbul
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Old Town Orientation Walk
- Street Food Dinner Experience
- Hagia Sophia Visit
- Old City Underground Tour
- Hippodrome Visit
- Culinary Walking Tour Of "Cool" Istanbul
- Kadiköy Visit
- Walking, ferry
- 1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- Hotels (3 Nights)
- 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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