Short Break in Istanbul - 3 days (TR-01)

On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. There’s likely to be time for a stroll around the neighbourhood and a delicious dinner before tomorrow’s sightseeing begins. The city of Istanbul is home to over 15 million people, but the compact Old Town is easily walkable and an efficient public transport system ensures you’ll be well connected wherever you stay. Overnight in Istanbul.

The Topkapi Palace sits on a promontory overlooking the Golden Horn, where the Bosphorus meets the Marmara Sea. The residence of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th century, today its buildings, harem and courtyards form one of Istanbul’s most interesting museums. Originally a church, later a mosque and now a museum, Hagia Sophia is the next stop. Its impressive architecture, gilded decoration and ornate calligraphy will take your breath away. The Blue Mosque, formally known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is equally magnificent, boasting six minarets and beautiful marble latticework. It takes its nickname from the Iznik tiles that cover its interior. Also on today’s itinerary is the Byzantine Hippodrome, once the stage for chariot races, and the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, an underwater reservoir that used to provide the city’s drinking water and even some of its fish. No tour of Istanbul could be complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar; opened in 1461, it’s one of the world’s oldest markets. Overnight in Istanbul. (Breakfast, lunch)

Istanbul would be nothing without its waterways. Early risers can watch the fisherman landing their morning catch on the Galata Bridge, or the spice sellers opening up in the 17th century Egyptian Bazaar nearby. This morning you’ll board a boat for a cruise along the Bosphorus. This important river is lined with palaces and grand mansions - look out for the Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Çırağan Palace and Rumeli Fortress as you chug by at a leisurely pace. Later, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight to your next destination. (Breakfast)