Extend Your Stay
Add 3 nights in Istanbul for only $449 USD (Single room: add $120 USD)
The undisputed cultural, economic, and historical capital of Turkey, Istanbul has enough monuments and attractions (as well as enticing restaurants and shops) to keep you busy for days. Straddling Europe and Asia, the city once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire, has for centuries been a bustling and cosmopolitan crossroads. The Byzantine-built Aya Sofya and the Ottoman-era Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace are within walking distance of each other, while other historic mosques and churches are sprinkled throughout the city.
Please note: A visa is required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders to enter Turkey.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Istanbul
Transfer to Athens’ airport for your flight to Istanbul, the city at the crossroads of East and West. Upon arrival, a Go Ahead representative greets you and oversees your check-in at a well-located Istanbul hotel.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 2 - Istanbul
Your Turkish Tour Director, who is also a licensed guide, leads this morning’s sightseeing tour of the fascinating sights of Istanbul. Discover the ancient Hippodrome, which served as the public center of Byzantium for over a thousand years. Behold the breathtaking Blue Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmet and decorated with exquisite, blue Iznik tiles. Continue on to the Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman sultans. Then visit Hagia Sophia. About 1,000 years older than St. Peter’s in Rome, this building was the pride of Christendom until the city fell to the Turks in 1453. This evening, opt for our Whirling Dervishes: Sufi Mystics excursion.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Aya Sophia
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$35 USD |
Whirling Dervishes: Sufi Mystics
The Whirling Dervishes are devoted adherents of Sufism, a mystical interpretation of Islam. For centuries, they've been known for their sema, the spinning dance that inspired their colorful nickname. The sema is full of symbolism, and you'll gain an appreciation for this distinctive communion with the divine at tonight's performance.
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Day 3 - Istanbul
Spend the day exploring Istanbul at your own pace or choose an optional cruise through the Bosphorus Straits, where you can view Ottoman palaces and medieval castles.
Included meals: breakfast
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$55 USD |
Bosphorus Straits Cruise
Journey through the Bosphorus Straits on this cruise. You'll see decadent Ottoman palaces and imposing medieval castles as you journey through this narrow waterway, which separates Europe from Asia. On your way you'll stop for a visit to a local spice market. Lunch is included. Please note: This excursion is weather dependent.
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Day 4 - Istanbul
A Go Ahead representative assists you with the transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)
Sample Accommodations
Hotel Amethyst / Istanbul / 16-18
Located at the heart of Istanbul's historical peninsula and the shopping center, Amethyst Hotel provides top quality 4 stars hospitality with walking distance to Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern which are among the world’s most important historical and cultural places.
Extension is available on select departure dates, and space is limited. Please call early to hold your spot. Extension requires a minimum of 10 travelers.
