Istanbul – Where East meets West. 5 nights over Bank Holiday Weekend.

Meet the group at the airport and board our flight to Istanbul.

Upon our arrival we will take our private transfer to the Balin hotel where we will be staying for the next 5 nights. Breakfast is included each morning. 

Located in the historical Sultanahmet district, Balin Hotel offers free WiFi and city views and balconies. Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern are all a few minutes walk away. The Grand Bazaar is just 50 metres from the hotel. 

The rooms of Balin Hotel are traditionally decorated with wallpapers, long curtains and patterned carpets. They all feature air conditioning, LCD TV and a minibar.

The open buffet breakfast is served in the dining room and drinks are available at the hotel bar

Throughout the tour we will be staying in twin rooms but there is an option to have a room to yourself for the trip. If you wish to have a room to yourself for the enter number of nights here the supplement will be £150. The supplement will be payable at the same time as the balance.      

The Travel Buddies trips work on the basis that as long as you are having a good time then that is what matters, if you don’t feel like coming on one of the excursions or joining the rest of the group for dinner one evening then that is absolutely fine. This is an adventure for everyone and there is nothing worse than having to go somewhere/do something that you don’t really fancy!

Feel free to do as much or as little research as you like, some members will know what they would like to visit as soon as they book the trip, Others will just turn up at the airport and have not researched at all. Either is absolutely fine. We all have different ideas as to what constitutes a great time away! 

After some time to settle in we will enjoy an evening dinner cruise on the Bosphorus river, with a show!

Welcome to Istanbul!

After breakfast we will enjoy a full day guided walking tour of all of the city highlights of Istanbul. If there are some stops on the itinerary that you would prefer not to visit you can choose  to relax and wait for the group outside as admission tickets are paid on the day. 

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

The Hagia Sophia, also known as Ayasofya in Turkish, is a famous historic building located in old town Istanbul.. The building is renowned for its massive dome and beautiful mosaics that reflect its rich history and architectural significance. The Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admission Ticket Not Included – £20 approx

Blue Mosque

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a historic mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque is known for its stunning architecture, with its six minarets and beautiful blue tiles adorning the interior, which give it the nickname “Blue Mosque.” It is a significant symbol of Istanbul’s skyline. 

Hippodrome

The Hippodrome of Constantinople, also known as the Sultanahmet Square, is an ancient chariot racing track and the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, the Hippodrome area is a popular public space where we will explore the ancient ruins, learn about the historical and cultural heritage of Constantinople and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of modern Istanbul. 

TopkapI Palace

The Topkapi Palace is a grand and historically significant palace located in Istanbul. It served as the primary residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. The palace complex is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful courtyards, and extensive collections of art, manuscripts, and other treasures. The Topkapi Palace consists of several interconnected courtyards and buildings, including the Imperial Harem, where the sultan’s family resided. The palace also houses the Treasury, which contains an impressive collection of priceless jewels, including the famous Spoonmaker’s Diamond and Topkapi Dagger. Today, the Topkapi Palace is a popular museum and a major tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans and the rich history of the empire. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its magnificent grounds and learn about its fascinating past. Admission Ticket Not Included – Approx £50

Basilica Cistern

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a  grand underground cistern, built by Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I, nicknamed “Yerebatan Sarayı” (Sunken Palace) due to its numerous marble columns rising from the water. Admission Ticket Not Included -Approx  £30

Sultanahmet District

The perfect time to shop for Turkish Handcrafts, Turkish Carpets, Leather goods and ceramics

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar, also known as the Kapalıçarşı, is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, located in the heart of Istanbul. Dating back to the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar is a sprawling complex of over 60 streets and alleys, housing more than 4,000 shops and stalls. The bazaar is a vibrant and bustling place, offering a wide array of goods, including jewelry, carpets, textiles, ceramics, spices, leather goods, and traditional Turkish crafts. It’s a paradise for shoppers looking for unique souvenirs and gifts.  Don’t forget to haggle for the best price. 

Dinner will be booked locally for the group. 

Today we are off to soak in the serene atmosphere of the Princes’ Islands, Heybeliada and Buyukada.

After collection from our hotel in the morning  we will enjoy a 1.5-hour boat trip to Buyukada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands, where we have free time to  explore the charming old buildings, mansions, and villas that are home to local residents. 

Stroll along the coast, hit the sandy bays to unwind, or take a walk to the serene pine forest. 

We will enjoy  lunch onboard whilst  taking in views of the islands from the sea. After lunch, enjoy the tranquil charm of our second stop in Kınalıada, the second largest of the Princes’ Islands.

In the afternoon, we sail back to Istanbul port, and take the transfer back to our hotel. 

Dinner will be booked locally  for the group.

Today is a totally free day to do as we choose.  We normally split down to smaller groups so that everyone can enjoy the day according to their own tastes. 

Perhaps go shopping for souvenirs…. Relax at a turkish Hammam or explore some or the many museums or galleries on offer

Dinner will be booked locally  for the group.

Today we have a free morning before leaving  Istanbul’s tourist trail behind to experience its lesser-known sights and delights on a fully guided afternoon tour traveling by tram and other transport, we will explore the UNESCO-listed Fener and Balat districts where colorful houses and cobbled lanes take center stage. 

Take a Golden Horn cruise, visit Eyup Mosque, and sip tea at a café, as our  guide shares insights into Istanbul’s history and local life. 

We finish our tour with a cable car ride to the Pierre Loti café for spectacular city panoramas. £2  cable car fee. 

Dinner will be booked locally  for the group. 

This morning we will   check out before taking our private transfer to the airport for our flight home.