Tales of Istanbul

Kick off your Turkish adventure with a walking tour through the best of Istanbul. Let’s start at the Topkapi Palace, which overlooks the mighty Bosphorus Strait. Once the centre of power of the Ottoman Empire, it now serves as a museum that houses the grandest memoirs of Ottoman glory and tells stories of sultans who lived here.

We will then head to Basilica Cistern, which served as a water reservoir for the Great Palace, built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian. The Basilica Cistern impresses with 336 columns and spectacular Medusa heads, a great example of Roman-era architecture.

We shall explore the Hagia Sophia next. This masterpiece of Byzantine architecture stands tall and proud in downtown Istanbul, holding more than 1500 years of Turkish history within its walls.

We will walk through the city’s heart to Sultanahmet Square, taking some great snaps of the jewel in the Istanbul crown - the Blue Mosque along the way to Suleymaniye Mosque.

We shall end our first-day tour sailing on the waters of Bosphorus, the famous waterway connecting two continents, with its vast shores lined with luxurious palaces, villas and fortresses.

Have the evening to yourself, our guide will be more than happy to share where the best restaurants and nighttime spots are.

The first part of the tour is a visit to UNESCO heritage sites, Fener and Balat districts. The colourful Ottoman houses, organised like small villages, the cobblestone alleys and different religious buildings make these two districts the most charming labyrinth neighbourhoods.

The thrilling experience of a cable ride awaits, taking you up to the Pierre Loti Hill, which got its name from a famous French poet who composed his novel Aziyadé here. Originally published anonymously, the book is about Loti’s forbidden affair with a harem girl. Get some souvenir shopping done or sip a Turkish coffee admiring the incredible views of the entire Golden Horn Harbour and the spectacular panoramic views of the Seven Hills.

Indulge in a one-of-a-kind experience of royal hammam treatment in Hurrem Sultan Hamam, nestled in a privileged spot between the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. This centuries-old Turkish bathhouse was dedicated to Roxelana, the queen consort of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, and you get one hour of pampering to look forwards to.

Your lavish treatment includes a steam bath, a full body foam massage, a moisturising and firming body clay mask with Judas tree extract and a traditional pouch application.

Right after breakfast, we will visit Galata Tower. One of the oldest towers in the world, it offers the most stellar view of the entire city, so get your cameras ready. We will also explore the Ottoman Sultans’ opulent Dolmabahçe Palace.

Stroll down the vibrant Istiklal street for the rest of the afternoon, getting a taste of Istanbul’s unique energy and organic spirit. Spend some time in the heart of modern Istanbul - Taksim Square - lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants and grab a bite to eat, buy some souvenirs and be sure to stop for a Turkish coffee.

Grab some dinner, and afterwards, make your way over to the Hodjapsha Cultural Center to enjoy a traditional show of belly dancing and Ottoman harem dancing - truly the best way to spend your last evening in Istanbul! Return to your hotel at your own leisure.