The Treasures of Istanbul

Get ready for a journey to one of the most remarkable cities in the world – Istanbul. Fly from the UK to Istanbul and check in at the Levni Hotel, your home, for six exciting nights. Upon arrival, a welcome dinner awaits you, where you can indulge in Turkish delights.
(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | D)

Start your day with a visit to the Church of Theotokos Kyriotissa, a 12th-century Eastern Orthodox church transformed into a mosque by the Ottomans. Sitting atop a fifth or sixth-century Roman bath complex, it is one of the oldest churches in the city. Then, go to the Zoodochos Pigi, or the Monastery of the Mother of God at the Spring, a Greek Orthodox cemetery.
Continue your tour with a visit to the grand Suleymaniye mosque complex, built by Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent between 1550 and 1557 CE to honor his son. Don’t miss the Basilica of St. John of Studius, the oldest church in Istanbul, built in 454 CE.
After that, explore the St Savior in Chora, a former Greek Orthodox church used mainly as a mosque since the 1500s. Admire its stunning Late Byzantine mosaics and frescos, and soak in its rich history. Then, visit the Theotokos Pammakaristos, a Middle Byzantine church that was the center of the Orthodox Patriarchate before Hagia Sophia’s conversion to a mosque.
Finally, explore the Porphyrogenitus Palace ruins, constructed during the late 12th or early 13th centuries CE for the palace complex of Blachernae. Finally, end your day at the Theodocian city walls at Edirne Kapi, a gate heavily restored by Bayezid II that served as a ceremonial entrance for Ottoman sultans.
(B)

Today, explore the mysterious and magical Princes’ Islands, a chain of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara off the coast of Istanbul. En route, admire Leander’s Tower, a symbolic monument first built in the 5th century by an Athenian commander. You’ll also get a glimpse of the ancient city of Chalcedon, a Megarian colony from the 7th century BCE.
Once you reach the island of Chalki, you will be amazed by the stunning Church of St. Nikolaos, built in 1857, and the beautiful Halki Greek Orthodox seminary, founded in 1844 and closed in 1971. Then, go to Prinkipo and visit the Monastery of St George, built in 963 CE and home to some of the most impressive Byzantine art. To end your day, visit the Crimea Memorial Church, a unique monument built in the mid-19th century in memory of fallen British soldiers. Enjoy a special drinks reception as you admire the incredible views of the islands.
(B)

Start your day with a visit to Sultanahmet to explore the iconic Topkapi Palace, its archaeological museum, and its notorious harem. Then, marvel at the remains of the Hippodrome, including the obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Walled Obelisk.
After, admire the captivating architecture of the Blue Mosque and its six minarets. Then, head to the Mosaics Museum to learn about the Byzantine mosaics that date to between 450 and 550 CE depicting daily life and more. Also, get a glimpse of Kucuk Hagia Sofia, a former Greek Orthodox church built by Emperor Justinian between 527 and 536.
Finally, experience the grandeur and majesty of the Hagia Sofia Grand Mosque, built in 360 as a Christian church and rebuilt in the 6th century CE. It was converted into a mosque in 1453 when Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Empire.
(B)

Today, explore the many wonders of Edirne (Adrianople), a city rich in history, culture, and architecture. Start at the Selimiye Mosque, a masterpiece of the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. Built between 1568 and 1575, the mosque is awe-inspiring with its four grand minarets, huge central dome, and sprawling courtyard. Next, visit the Old Mosque, completed in 1414 by Sultan Mehmet I, for its beautiful courtyard and marble fountain.
Continue your tour of Edirne with a visit to the Sultan Bayezid II Complex, an old Ottoman complex built in 1488 by architect Mimar Hayruddin that included a hospital and medical school. Next, stop by the Ali Pasha Bazaar, a bustling marketplace where you can find anything from traditional Turkish souvenirs to fresh fruits and vegetables. Finally, see the Macedonian Tower, originally built during ancient Roman times and repeatedly restored and rebuilt.
(B)

Start your day in the old Greek district of Fener, visiting the Cathedral of St. George. This beautiful site, also known as Mouchliotissa, has been the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople’s seat since around 1600 CE. Then, head to the Basilica Cistern, the largest of Istanbul’s many subterranean water systems. Built by Emperor Constantine and enlarged by Emperor Justinian I after the Nika riots in 532 CE, this vast underground chamber is a marvel of engineering.
Next, explore the famous Grand Bazaar, a hub of trade and commerce since the 15th century. Then, visit Ayazma Blachernae, a 5th-century Orthodox monastery that was one of Byzantium’s most important sanctuaries until it was destroyed in 1434. The current building was erected in the late 19th century by the Guild of Orthodox Furriers. Finally, end the day with a farewell dinner in the historic Eminönü district, the heart of the old city. Sample delicious Turkish cuisine and take in the beautiful views of the Golden Horn and the Bosporus.
(B, D)

Today marks the end of your incredible journey through Turkey as you bid farewell to the vibrant and bustling city of Istanbul. But before you depart, there are a few more sites to take in.
First, visit Beyazit Square, located on the Third Hill of Istanbul. The square was once the site of the Roman Forum of Theodosius and currently hosts the 16th-century Beyazid II Mosque. On the Third Hill, you’ll also find Istanbul University’s main buildings and the Süleymaniye Mosque.
Finally, visit the old city center, where you can explore the winding streets and bustling markets that have been a part of Istanbul’s history for centuries. Then, it’s time to say goodbye to Istanbul and board your flight back to the UK.
(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | B)