Istanbul Extensions

Turkey

Extend your trip from Istanbul

5 days Ask us for pricing This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Please see itinerary for some suggested extension options in and around Istanbul

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Walking tour of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, Hagha Sofia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar
  • Walking tour of Istanbul including the Spice Market, Rustem Pasha Mosque and downtown Istanbul.
  • Discover the wealth of treasure in Istanbul's archaeology museums

Places Visited

Istanbul - Chora Church - Tekfur Palace - Atik Mustafa Pasha Mosque - Eski Imaret Mosque - Zeyrek Mosque - Istanbul Spice Market - The Bosphorus - Uskudar - Iskele Mosque - Uskudar square - Kuzguncuk village - Beylerbeyi - Cengelkoy

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Domestic flights (if relevant - refer to itinerary)
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Byzantine tour of Istanbul

After breakfast, you will embark on a full day guided tour of Istanbul, exploring some of the city’s oldest Byzantine architectural sites. You will begin by visiting Chora Church and the nearby Tekfur Palace. Afterwards, you will visit Atik Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Eski Imaret Mosque and Zeyrek Mosque. You will finish with a visit to the spice market. Overnight in Istanbul.

Overnight in Arena Hotel, Istanbul

Meal plan: Breakfast

Located outside the original boundaries of Constantinople, Chora Church possesses some of the finest examples of mosaic and fresco work from the late Byzantine period. In 1511, the church was converted into a mosque, and since 1945 has been serving as a museum. 

Tekfur Palace dates from the late 12th century and was used as an imperial residence up until the Ottoman Turks seized Constantinople in 1453. The architecture of Tekfur Palace offers its visitors an interesting insight into typical imperial residencies of the mid-late Byzantine period and is one of the few remaining examples of secular architecture from the Byzantines.

The Atik Mustafa Pasha Mosque was converted from an Eastern Orthodox church by the Ottomans following their conquest of Constantinople. The mosque features a combination of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture and has an obscure Christian past.

Eski Imaret Mosque is one of the few intact religious buildings from the Byzantines in the 11th century, something that offers an important insight into the architecture from this period.

Representing a typical example of 12th century Byzantine architecture, Zeyrek Mosque is one of only two Byzantine churches not to have its exterior altered after the Ottoman conquest.

The fragrant Spice Market was completed in 1664 and served as the final stop for caravans that would travel the Silk Routes. This L-shaped Bazaar is part of the complex (or ‘kulliye’) of neighbouring New Mosque, who used to receive the rent paid from market stall owners.

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Day 2 : Bosphorus boat tour

After breakfast, you will take a local ferry to the Asian side of the Bosphorus. From here you will explore one of Istanbul's oldest districts including Iskele Mosque, a local seafood market, Kuzguncuk village and Cengelkoy village. Overnight in Istanbul.

Overnight in Arena Hotel, Istanbul

Meal plan: Breakfast

Joining the Black Sea with the smaller south-western Sea of Mamara, the 20 mile-long Bosphorus has always been a site of great strategic and commercial importance. The desirable traits of providing access to Asia and being particularly narrow has meant that The Bosphorus has a long history of conflict that dates back to the 5th century BC with the Persians. The Bosphorus’ shoreline is densely populated and possesses a number of architectural features that demonstrate its rich historical past.

Uskudar is one of Istanbul’s 39 districts and is located on the Asian shore of The Bosphorus. The historic centre of Uskudar was founded before Constantinople, but was captured by the Ottomans a 100 years prior to the conquering of Constantinople in 1453.

Completed in 1548, Iskele Mosque is located on the shores of the Uskudar province. With its semi-circle domes and tall minarets, Iskele Mosque shows a developing style from its architect Mimar Sinan- a man whose apprentices would later help design Istanbul’s Blue Mosque.

The central feauture of Uskudar square is the public Fountain of Ahmed III, something that typifies the 18th century Rococo style of the Ottomans.

Kuzguncuk village is located in the Uskudar district and is noted for its strong multicultural past. The presence of synagogues and a Jewish cemetery reflect how the village was once home to a thriving Jewish population that began to settle here from the 15th century. Today, this quiet neighbourhood can be recognised by its colourful 19th century wooden houses that line the streets.

Beylerbeyi is an affluent neighbourhood in Uskudar that is noted for its 19th century Ottoman palace. Berlerbeyi Palace showcases a combination of architectural styles previously seen in Europe and was only used in the summer months by the sultan.

Cengelkoy is located in the north-east of the Uskudar district and previously was a thriving fishing community. Cengelkoy is considered one of the most picturesque villages on the Bosphorus' Asian shore and has a number of Ottoman summer mansions. 

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Day 3 : Istanbul Walking tour

Breakfast followed by a pick up from your hotel. Full day walking tour of Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

Overnight in Arena Hotel, Istanbul

Meal plan: Breakfast

Today's walking tour of Istanbul will start in Sultanahmed Square, visiting also the famous Hippodrome. Next you will visit Sultanahmet Mosque, more famously known as “the Blue Mosque” and famous for its striking blue Iznik tiles and 6 minarets. On the opposite side of the square you will visit Hagha Sophia. Once the grandest church of its era and widely perceived as a work of engineering genius, the Hagha Sophia also has one of the most highly regarded mosaics of Christ and the Mother Mary. Next you will visit Topkapi Palace, home to the Ottoman Sultans for hundreds of years. With its extensive collection of Ottoman artefacts and an incredible jewellery collection you will get an intimate insight into the lives of the Ottoman sultans. The Palace also commands an outstanding location overlooking the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn so that you can look across to Asia. After visiting Topkapi Palace you will be taken to Istanbul's Grand Bazaar to see one of the oldest and most colourful souks of our time.
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Day 4 : Istanbul Walking tour

Breakfast followed by a pick up from your hotel. Full day walking tour of Istanbul.  Overnight in Istanbul.

Overnight in Arena Hotel, Istanbul

Meal plan: Breakfast

Full day walking tour of Istanbul starting with the Spice Market and Rustem Pasha Mosque, followed by a 90 minute boat ride in the famous Bosphorous straight. After the boat ride take the funicular up to Taksim Square, the downtown of Istanbul. Walk along the pedestrian street of Istiklal, formerly known as "Pera". Located in the historic Beyoğlu (Pera) district, it is an elegant street, about a mile long, which houses boutique shops, music stores , bookstores, art galleries, cinemas, theatres, pubs , night clubs, historical patisseries, chocolatiers and restaurants. The avenue is lined with late Ottoman-era  buildings (mostly from the 19th and early 20th centuries) that were designed in Neo–Classical , Neo–Gothic , Renaissance Revival, Beaux Arts and Art Nouveau styles, as well as some Turkish styles and a number of more recent examples of modern architecture - from the medieval Genoese neighbourhood around Galata Tower to Taksim Square. The street features the famous hotel, the Orient Express; the Pera Palace Hotel, where Agatha Christie wrote her final novel is also located in the parallel side street to Istiklal. The area also boasts Galata Tower and the first mini subway line in Istanbul, the World's second oldest subway system after London's, built in 1875, which is still in use today.

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Day 5 : Istanbul

A free day with no services included. We suggest a visit to the Archaeological Museums of Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

Overnight in Arena Hotel, Istanbul

Meal plan: Breakfast

Sitting on the Bosphorus, Istanbul is one of the world’s truly great cities - overflowing with culture and historical sites. World class attractions such as the exquisite Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque, excellent bars and restaurants, jaw-dropping architecture, vibrant markets and a history of epic proportions makes Istanbul a city par excellence.

The Istanbul Archaeological Museums are located in İstanbul's Sultanahmet neighborhood, and is a collection of three museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Ancient Orient Museum and the Tiled Kiosk Museum. There is also an extraordinarily beautiful garden to discover. Housing various artifacts from civilizations from all periods of history, this is of the 10 most important world-class museums, and is also the first institution in Turkey arranged as a museum. Besides its spectacular collections, the architectural aspects of its buildings and its garden are of historical and natural importance. The Ancient Orient Museum contains unique treasures such as tiled reliefs of lions and kings from the fabled gates of Ninevah, and the oldest written peace treaty ever discovered. The treaty was drawn up on cuneiform tablets and was between the Hittite and Egyptian kings. (The Egyptian hieroglyphic version of the treaty was carved into stone at the Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, Luxor, Egypt.) The Tiled Pavilion is an elegant residence which was built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. It has been beautifully restored and is among the oldest Turkish secular buildings in Istanbul. Some of the museums' artifacts come from the private collection of an Ottoman sultan in the 19th Century.

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Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Arena Hotel

Istanbul (5 nights)

Ideally located in Sultanahmet, a listed World Heritage site considered one of the world’s greatest open air museums, the Arena Hotel is the perfect base for exploring the rich history of Istanbul. The Arena hotel offers all modern facilities including a welcoming spa and free wireless connection in all rooms.

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Reviews

I went on this trip rather than all the other interesting possibilities in the world because I wanted to go to Gobekli Tepe. Being there was all I could have hoped for. It was a stunning experience and I was moved to tears. Thank you so much for the opportunity. Regarding the food, the olives were the best I`ve ever tasted. And the yoghurt is fabulous. Also the cheese and pistachios and apricots. Oh yes, and the watermelon : ) Thanks to David too for being so patient with my endless questions

Cynthia Bishop , Eastern Turkey Explorer, Turkey

Travel the Unknown were very responsive to my personal wishes, and flexible enough to make this a fantastic tour- we covered a lot in a limited time. Guides were pleasant and informative, and the transport was excellent.

John Colligan , Eastern Turkey Snapshot & archaeology extension

This tour comprehensively covered many of the most important ancient archaeological sites in Anatolia, starting with the chronologically earliest Göbekli Tepe, Çatalhöyük, the Hittite capital Hattusha, Harran, Gordion and Mount Nemrut. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Travel the Unknown and its representatives in Turkey.

Eric , Ancient Anatolia & Eastern Turkey

We’ve been doing a few small group tours in recent years and this was the first trip we’ve taken with Travel the Unknown, and it did not disappoint. We chose this tour as it included all the sites that we wanted to see for year that were hard to find elsewhere, including Gobekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe, Mount Nemrut, Hattusa and Catalhoyuk. The entire experience was well organized and planned to near perfection. Our guide, Hasan Tekdal, was just amazing at pulling together thousands of years of history along with the culture and peoples of the region to create a once in a lifetime experience.

Rod & Ellen , Ancient Anatolia & Eastern Turkey

Travel the Unknown was able to take an abundance of ideas from three experienced travels in my group and synthesize them into a perfect, custom-made adventure, with a wide variety of activities and experiences, led by personable local guides with incredible expertise.

Wendy , Tailormade Turkey

We were fortunate to book a private trip to Turkey with Travel the Unknown. All aspects exceeded our expectations: booking the trip, the guides and personalized tours, transport, accommodation and the food! Our tour operator on the ground was the best! She went out of her way to ensure a wonderful and special experience of Turkey and the private gulet cruise.

Johanna, Shiree, & Madelein , Tailormade Turkey

Travel the Unknown is an excellent company to chose for a real travel experience. It was a fabulous holiday where we felt we saw a different side to Turkey and saw sights and had experiences that were once in a lifetime events. I would certainly recommend them to anyone wanting to have new experiences and see the true side of a country.

Neil , Ancient Anatolia & Eastern Turkey

This was my third trip with Travel the Unknown and I was just as fully satisfied as on our previous trips. Rahul and his staff are extremely responsive and knowledgeable. Our original itinerary involved areas that were affected by the recent earthquake in Turkey, so the itinerary had to be modified. Rahul accomplished this in a seamless fashion and created a trip that was as interesting, and more varied, than the original one. Kudos for that.

Stephen Kamin , Eastern Turkey Explorer

As a worldwide traveller, explorer & author travelling through COVID times, my trip with Travel The Unknown was a perfect choice for my adventure in Turkey. As a solo booking , I didn’t need the usual tourist bling. I knew what I wanted to see and the company chose the best guide I could have wished for. No fuss. Dealing with my preferences. This company know exactly what they are doing with complete knowledge of their guests, countries and Travel passage. I highly recommend Travel the Unknown.

Tessa Skola , Tailormade Eastern Turkey

This trip was an amazing and very exhilarating experience. We had high hopes of Gobekli Tepe, which were totally fulfilled- it is utterly amazing, but we had not anticipated some of the other gems to be so exceptional as well. We were a small group, which made the trip very personal. Altogether it was a marvellous week, helped by having a caring guide and an excellent driver.

Joy Lawley , Eastern Turkey Snapshot, Turkey

I had a lovely time in Turkey. Both of the tours that were part of the package were fabulous, both tour guides were very knowledgeable and made the trips very interesting providing plenty of information, and the places where we went for lunches as part of the trip were superb. David McGuinness is a credit to Travel the Unknown, he goes that `extra mile` to keep customer happy. I`d like to say a huge `thank you` for all the help you gave me organising and planning my trip. I certainly will recommend anyone to use you for planning their `unknown` destination holiday. The emails, telephone calls were all spot on, well done :-) :-)

Jane Kimberley , The Magic of Cappadocia, Turkey

A great way to travel to some of the more remote and interesting places in the world. It was a very interesting area and we saw a lot that we would never have managed on our own. I would recommend the holiday to others.

Marion McCallum , Eastern Turkey Snapshot, Turkey
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