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ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL

You fly into Istanbul, and proceed to your charming hotel, located in the heart of Istanbul, close to its main monuments and thriving markets. In the afternoon, you soak up the city ‘s unique atmosphere. Option: a private tour of the Archaeological museum to discover the splendours of the antique and byzantine eras. Option: immerse yourself in the Sufi tradition, with a whirling dervish performance. A unique moment to discover the roots of Turkish culture. Option: you have dinner in a restaurant that serves typical Turkish cuisine, with breathtaking views of the city and the Bosphorus. You spend the night in your charming hotel.

TOUR OF ISTANBUL'S SITES

In the morning, you go on a guided tour of Istanbul’s most magical monuments: the majestic cupolas of Haghia Sophia, the ornaments of the Blue Mosque, the historical hippodrome… Your lunch is included in the tour. You discover the Topkapi palace and wander around the small alleys of Istanbul’s famous Bazaar, full of fragrant and colourful stalls. Option: you have dinner in a typical restaurant in the old town, a stone’s throw from the Blue Mosque, that serves tasty grilled meat and fish specialities. You spend the night in your charming hotel.

TOUR OF THE MOSQUES AND CRUISE ON THE BOSPHORUS

Your private guide takes you on a tour of the city’s greatest Ottoman mosques: Suleymaniye, Beyazit… A journey through the splendours of Islamic art, which found its most accomplished expression in Istanbul. Your lunch is included in the tour. In the afternoon, you discover Byzantine art with a tour of the fabulous Kariye church. Option: you embark on an hour and a half cruise on a luxury boat: along the Bosphorus, criss-crossed by countless boats sailing across the strait: ferries, freighters or tankers. You will enjoy a unique view on the most beautiful Ottoman palaces, the mosques and the splendid yalis, the now restored summer houses made of sculpted wood for the rich Istanbulites. You sail past the medieval fortress of Rumeli Hisari and the impressive Galata tower, built by the Genovese in the medieval times. Your dinner is served on the boat, from where you will enjoy unparalleled views of the city at sunset. Night in your charming hotel.

ISTANBUL - CITY OF DEPARTURE

You enjoy a free day to relax, do some shopping or wander around the city as you like. Option: a morning at Turkuazoo, Istanbul’s giant aquarium, with over ten thousand different marine creatures. Option: for thrill lovers, a dive in the shark pool. Option: in the afternoon, a helicopter above Istanbul and the Bosphorus, to enjoy an unforgettable sight – the city unrolling before your eyes with its terraces and mosques, and the meeting point of two continents. In the evening, a private chauffeur (optional) drives you to Atatürk airport for your return flight.