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Byzantine & Ottoman Istanbul

Istanbul 5 nights Price from £1,995 per person
Departs: 20 Mar 2024, 06 Nov 2024
Departs: 20 Mar 2024

View all dates »

Istanbul is one of the world’s most fascinating cities and has a colourful and complex history, spanning many centuries. Our five night holiday will introduce you to both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods; spanning 1,600 years from 330 AD until the early 20th Century. It was during the long period as capital of the vast and sprawling Ottoman Empire that Istanbul took on much of the appearance visitors today can still enjoy. During our visit, there will be a comprehensive programme of sightseeing as well as some free time to explore the Grand Bazaar.

 

The Hotel

The Hotel Eresin Crown Sultanahmet has an excellent location in the heart of the Sultanahmet district. It was built on the site of an Imperial palace and many of the original archaeological finds uncovered during the construction have been incorporated into the design and now form part of the hotel’s unique private museum. The 59 rooms are decorated in a modern style with paintings from the hotel’s collection of over 150 works. The hotel’s bar and excellent restaurant are located on the ground floor.

What's included

...when you travel with Kirker

  • Return flights
  • Five nights accommodation with breakfast
  • Three dinners and one lunch
  • All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities
  • The services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer and a local guide.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Fly to Istanbul

    We fly to Istanbul and transfer to the 4 star Hotel Eresin Crown Sultanahmet where we stay for the duration of the tour.
  • Day 2 - Guided tour including the Topkapi Palace

    Today begins with a guided tour of the sprawling city of Istanbul, starting at the Hippodrome, the most important relic from the city’s Roman period and rebuilt by Constantine in 330 AD. Next we visit the Islamic Arts Museum where we see unrivalled collections of decorative arts from all periods of Turkish history displayed in the splendid setting of the Palace of Ibrahim Pasha. Our day ends at the Topkapi Palace, the Sultan’s residence and the nerve centre of the Ottoman Empire.
  • Day 3 - The Cistern, Hagia Sophia & the Grand Bazaar

    We begin our day at the ancient Serefiye Cistern, built by Roman Emperor Theodosius II. Next we visit the Hagia Sophia, considered one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture. It became a mosque in 1453 and served as a model for all future Ottoman mosques. This afternoon, we will wander through Istanbul’s fabled Grand Bazaar, an ideal place to shop for souvenirs including textiles, food, ceramics and spices.
  • Day 4 - Dolmabahce Palace, the Bosphorus & the Sadberk Hanim Museum

    This morning we visit the vast Dolmabahce Palace which served as the centre for the Sultan’s extended domestic life. We then board a boat for a journey along the Bosphorus and finish with lunch at a local fish restaurant. Later we visit the Sadberk Hanim Museum with its superb collection of decorative arts before returning to the hotel.
  • Day 5 - Chora Church & Süleymaniye Mosque

    We start with a visit to the small but beautiful Church of St. Saviour in Chora which dates from 1077 and has some of the finest mosaics and frescoes in Istanbul. Then we make our way through the Ottoman districts of Balat and Fener to the spice market before ending our day at the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the city’s landmarks.
  • Day 6 - Free time & flight to London

    This morning is free for independent exploration. We drive to Istanbul airport for the flight back to London.

Flight Details

Flights with British Airways:

Depart Heathrow 10:55, arrive Istanbul 17:55
Depart Istanbul 14:55, arrive Heathrow 16:00

Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

Departure Dates and Prices

2023

01 Nov 2023

Status Closed

Price from£1995

Single Supp.£375

Call 020 7593 2284

2024

20 Mar 2024

Status Available

Price from£2198

Single Supp.£450

Book Now Enquire

06 Nov 2024

Status Available

Price from£2298

Single Supp.£480

Book Now Enquire

Included Hotels

Hotel

Eresin Crown
Istanbul, Turkey, Europe

This comfortable hotel is in an excellent location in the heart of the Sultanahmet district. It was built on the site of an Imperial palace and many of the original archaeological finds uncovered during the construction have been incorporated into the design and now form part of the hotel’s unique private museum. 

Andrew Allen.

Andrew Allen

Tour Leader

More Info

Explore the local area

To make an enquiry please speak to one of our experts on 020 7593 2288, or enquire online

Our expert reservations team regularly travel to a wide range of destinations to explore new cities, visit hotels and to research museums, galleries and restaurants so that we can offer the most up-to-date advice and recommendations.

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