Istanbul, Turkey

Begin the day with breakfast at the Pera Palace Hotel’s Agatha Restaurant, an elegant dining space serving up French, Italian and Turkish-inspired cuisine.

Afterward, embark on a guided tour of some of Istanbul’s most famous sites including the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Orient Express train station, Galata Bridge and Spice Bazaar. Along the way, your expert guide will indulge you with stories of the Roman Hippodrome, the ornate mausoleums of Ottoman sultans and Constantine’s Column, and much more. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to the hotel for a delightful afternoon tea at the Kubbeli Saloon Tea Lounge.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, cruise between two continents along the Bosphorus River on a festive Dinner Cruise which features live music, and folk and belly dancing.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On this day, you’ll explore both the European and Asian flavors of Istanbul through a unique food tour which spans these two continents. Begin your journey near the hotel at the Karaköy Fish Market where you’ll witness the morning hustle and bustle. Stop for tea at an “Ottoman-era caravanserai” which used to serve as a roadside inn for roaming travelers. Hop aboard a ferry and cross over to the Asian side where you’ll land in Kadıköy, a neighborhood “which holds the highest concentration of traditional food shops and eateries in the city.” Sip a “pick-me-up” Turkish coffee and sample specialties such as “Mersin’s famous tantuni, the flatbread, lahmacun, of Southeastern Turkey and Aegean-style meze” along the way.

Return to the hotel and enjoy a bit of leisure time before enjoying a Whirling Dervish Performance at the famed Orient Express Sirkeci Train Station. This iconic ceremonial dance has its roots in the 13th century and was developed by a religious Sufi sect of Islam as a way of helping the dancer reach a state of nirvana.

Afterward, enjoy drinks at Nardis a Jazz Bar located near the hotel in the charming Galata (Karaköy) neighborhood at the foot of the iconic Galata Tower.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing on a tour of Dolmabahce Palace, the largest palace in Turkey and perhaps one of the most glamourous in the world. Commissioned in 1842 by Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid I, the palace is a classic example of Ottoman architecture but also includes a rich blend of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical influences that come together with captivating beauty.

Continue the journey to Topkapi Palace, a royal residence and administrative center for Ottoman sultans from about the mid-1400s through the mid-1800s. Today, only the most important rooms are open to the public where visitors can view “a fine collection of Imperial and Ottoman objects, including treasuries, relics, caftans, and sultan portraits”, the decadence of which are awe-inspiring.

After the tour, journey to the famous Cagaloglu Hamami for a traditional Turkish Bath Experience - without which a trip to Istanbul would not be complete. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at Asitane, a renowned restaurant in Istanbul known for its authentic Ottoman dishes fit for a sultan!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Fuel up for the day with a hearty Turkish breakfast at a local restaurant before venturing into the Grand Bazaar, the oldest market in the world that dates back to the 15th century. With over 4000 different shops spanning a maze of over 60 streets, the Grand Bazaar can be overwhelming. A local guide will lead you through the market and provide context along the way to aid in your understanding of this historic place and help you find the best deals of any goods you might wish to buy.

After the conclusion of the tour, enjoy free time in the Bazaar or venture to the nearby Spice Market if you so desire. Return to the hotel at your leisure.

In the evening, regroup with your fellow travelers at the Pera Palace Hotel’s Kubbeli Tea Salon and Lounge for an evening drink before departing for the Galata Bridge. This area of the city is bustling at night, and this is the perfect place to enjoy a casual meal, watch the activity along the river, and witness the city come to life with light.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner