Bridging Asia and Europe Over the Bosphorus River

Spice Bazaar

Discover one of the world's most magical cities... Istanbul, Turkey, formerly known as Constantinople... where you can experience two continents where Europe and Asia meet, 17 centuries, and the customs of dozens of ethnic groups within the confines of a single city!

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Istanbul is a city not to be missed!

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With our local historian guides we'll discover the multi-layers of Istanbul... learning about its Byzantine history and art... the Islamic-ruled Ottoman Empire dynasty that controlled large parts of the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa for over 600 years... the city's magnificent historic architecture and the evolution of the bazaars... with visits to the great monuments: Hagia Sophia - the grand former cathedral of the Byzantine Empire... the Blue Mosque... and Topkapi Palace - the magnificent palace that was the seat of Ottoman sultans.

​Among the sites and activities we'll experience include:

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• Touring the world-famous Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

• Seeing the underground Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome of Constantinople.

• Touring Topkapi Palace and learning about the Ottoman Empire

• Cruising on the Bosphorus, separating Europe and Asia, where we'll marvel at the waterfront palaces, mansions and fortresses... and visit the Asia side of Istanbul.

• ​Visiting the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.​

• Seeing a traditional Whirling Dervish Dance Show.

• And much more!

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​In addition... we'll learn about contemporary Turkey and its current issues

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There will be free time for personal sightseeing, shopping, having a turkish bath/massage, relaxing and soaking in Istanbul's ambiance.

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We'll dine at local-cuisine restaurants trying a variety of local-Turkish dishes.​

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Our Istanbul home for six nights is a personally-selected premiere/luxury hotel located on the European side of Istanbul in the heart of the historic district near Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace... and near the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.

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​Optional before breakfast group pleasure walks will be led by Tom Harter, WalkEurope's president, through Istanbul's historic city center and along the Bosphorus for travelers who want some morning exercise before starting their vacation day.
 
The Best of Istanbul Discovery Tour Is Designed To Provide:

• Fabulous vacation experience to explore and experience magical Istanbul.

• Small-group environment limited to 15 persons. Enjoy the camaraderie and begin friendships with like-minded travelers.

• Many structured group activities & private tours with local Istanbul historian guides... to learn about Byzantine history and art... and learn about the history and rulers of the Ottoman Empire. 

• Free time to explore and enjoy Istanbul on your own for personal sightseeing... shopping in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar... having a turkish bath/massage... relaxing at outdoor cafes.

• Enjoy delicious Turkish cuisine.

• Optional group morning pleasure walks led by Tom Harter, WalkEurope president.

• Recommended restaurants should you want to explore on your own, yet everyone is invited to join for local-cuisine group meals.

• Concierge service & support – fully escorted tour, personal & customized service for a WORRY-FREE vacation!​ 

What's Included?

• Six-nights in a personally-selected premiere/luxury hotel located in Istanbul's historic city-center.​

• Daily hotel buffet breakfasts.

• Welcome Reception/Dinner -- with traditional Turkish cuisine hosted by WalkEurope.

• Farewell Dinner -- Gala farewell dinner with traditional Turkish cuisine hosted by WalkEurope.

• Tour with local historian guides to -- Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Hippodrome of Constantinople.

• Visiting the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.

• Cruising on the Bosphorus.

• Seeing a traditional Whirling Dervish Dance Show.

• Morning Pleasure Walks -- optional before breakfast group pleasure walks.

• Mosque/garden/museum entrance fees for all group activities and field trips.

• Ground and boat/ferry transportation for all group activities.

• Concierge service & support.

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Arrival & Departure City:

Istanbul, Turkey

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Trip Cost:

Premiere/Luxury Hotel:

• $8,975 – 7 days / 6 nights per person in double occupancy shared hotel room. Tour cost does not include airfare.

• $1,750 – Added cost for single room accommodation option (limited availability). 

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​Space Is Limited --Reserve Early!

Small Group Tour - Limited to 15 persons.