Istanbul: Eastern Style Retreat

What to Expect

Turkish Breakfast
You will start the day with a magnificent view of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn bay, and a breakfast including local cheeses, olives, honey, jam, and aromatic tea. I will keep you entertained during the meal by sharing interesting facts from the city's history: how Constantinople was conquered, the legacy left by the Byzantine Empire, who the Ottomans were, and what caused the downfall of their empire.

Egyptian Bazaar and Dolmabahçe Palace
After breakfast, you will stroll through the colorful Egyptian Bazaar, where you can try lokum, baklava, almond nuts, and local tea with eucalyptus, pomegranate, apple, or blackberry flavors. Next, visit the filming locations of the TV series 'Gangster Petersburg' and explore the Sultan's Dolmabahçe Palace. I will tell you about its construction, its connection to Atatürk, which Russian artist's paintings decorate its walls, and the weight of its largest chandelier.

City Center Walk
After a ride on the funicular, you will find yourself at Taksim Square and Istiklal, the city's main street. Admire the famous Galata Tower, and visit the Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, as well as the Catholic Churches of St. Anthony of Padua and St. Mary Draperis. The tour concludes with a visit to a 16th-century hammam, where you can enjoy a scrub and massage to relax after your eventful day.