Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, a private transfer will take you to your hotel.

Istanbul, our glorious city whose history and culture flatter pride, tradition, passion and joy! To start your journey through Istanbul’s history in the best possible way, visit Hagia Sophia, known as the ‘Church of Divine Wisdom’, a true wonder of the world with remarkable architecture, design and historical significance. After this charming historical visit, we will discover the Blue Mosque, which takes its name from the blue tiles surrounding the interior walls and has six magnificent minarets. It will then be time to head to the Hippodrome of Constantine the Great, which at its peak could accommodate 100,000 spectators.

Our discovery will continue with the Basilica Cistern, one of the most splendid structures of Byzantium, with its underground marble columns… Be sure to take a moment to enjoy the city in one of the traditional cafés offering the Turkish coffee experience, rich in flavour and history. Later, we will conclude our tour with the Grand Bazaar, the oldest and largest covered shopping centre in the modern world, with a wide variety of products available in more than 3,600 shops lined up side by side.

We begin our journey at Topkapi Palace, which allows us to step back in time and explore the sumptuous residence of the Ottoman sultans. Topkapi Palace, the residence of the sultans between the 16th and 19th centuries, was also the administrative and educational centre of the Empire, with a vast design comprising three main gates. After this precious stop, once the home of the Ottomans and still home to the most beautiful objects of the period, we will discover the Treasury section. Here we can admire the sultans’ priceless jewels, the most famous of which is the 99-carat diamond called ‘Kasikci Elmasi’, as well as thrones covered in gold and precious stones.

One of the most important parts of the palace is the famous harem, where we can discover the private, secluded life of the Ottoman dynasty. Leaving Topkapi Palace, we pass by the first museum of the Ottoman Empire and the perfectly preserved Aya Irini Church, which reveals the original and astonishing Byzantine architecture, as well as a precious testimony to this era.

A visit to the Rüstem Pasha Mosque is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Istanbul. You can appreciate its architectural beauty and serene atmosphere, making it an essential stop during your stay in the city. Before the magic of this splendour fades, we will descend to the spice market, once the source of the delicious cuisine of the Ottoman palaces: intoxicating scents and vibrant colours await you there!

We will begin our tour in style at Dolmabahçe Palace, home to the last Ottoman sultans, with all the splendour of European palaces. To get a taste of Ottoman Turkish life, we will admire this palace, whose style combines Western Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical elements with traditional Ottoman architecture. Here again, it is natural to notice the meeting of East and West, as the architecture of this neighbourhood gives the impression of being in the heart of a European city.

We will continue on to another impressive site: the Galata Tower, one of the oldest and tallest towers in Istanbul, which offers splendid panoramic views. From its summit, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city, offering a unique perspective on Istanbul’s rich history and vibrant culture.

When you arrive in Karaköy, you will discover a neighbourhood that harmoniously blends the past and the present. With traces of urbanisation dating back to the Byzantine Empire, Karaköy is a true melting pot of peoples and cultures. Today, it is renowned for its lively atmosphere and its bustling cafés and bars, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

We will conclude our tour in Nişantaşı, symbol of modern Istanbul. This chic neighbourhood is renowned for its luxury boutiques, international brands and European-inspired cafés. In the heart of its bustling streets, visitors can experience the subtle blend of sophistication and tradition that has characterised Istanbul since Ottoman times.

After a short walk, we will take you to admire the Bosphorus, which offers the most beautiful views of incredible Istanbul, on an unforgettable two-hour cruise. We will then be delighted to take you to another iconic and charming place: Ortaköy, widely known as the meeting point between East and West in Istanbul.(Depending on availability, the cruise will take place in the morning.)

Private transfer from your hotel to the airport for your return flight.