Incredible Istanbul – Memorial Weekend 2023

Turkey
Duration :   5 Days 4 Nights
Price From :    $930.00
Max People :    10
Start Location:   Istanbul

Welcome to Türkiye after a century of independence, the bustling melting-pot nation is reclaiming its cultural narrative by officially updating its name!

Witness the magical land where East meets West. Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Türkiye has enticed travelers for centuries. From its sun-soaked beaches adorned with seaside towns and cities full of vibrant locals and incredible cuisine to the dozens of ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites and bustling markets loaded with handmade goods, Türkiye is full of diverse landscapes, ornate culture, and fascinating history that you must experience for yourself.

Our Memorial weekend trip will be in the Incredible Istanbul, a city reverberating to the rhythm of the country’s famous whirling dervishes, flavored as sweet as pomegranate and Baklava, scented by exotic spices wafting from the colorful markets, and with a picture-perfect skyline pierced by the minarets of Blue Mosque.

Places You’ll See :

With its massive central dome flanked by six slender minarets, the Blue Mosque stands as the single most recognizable monument in the Istanbul skyline. Built between 1609 and 1616, the enormous complex also included a hospital, caravansary, public kitchen, marketplace, schools and the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmet I. The mosque’s immense interior, flooded with sunlight streaming through 260 windows, is decorated with more than 20,000 precious Iznik tiles detailing traditional flowers of Ottoman design. In fact, it is the deep blue glow of the tiles in the sunlight that gives the building its name.

1Blue Mosque

An enormous public entertainment arena, it once seated as many as 100,000 zealous fans who came to watch chariot races, executions, and mock battles. Formerly the center of Byzantine civic life, it is still marked by the Egyptian Obelisk, the Bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine.

2Hippodrome

The area of the Grand Bazaar was a trade center during the Byzantine period. Two domes were built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror to enrich the economic life of the city. Today, the atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar is mysterious and intriguing. It has become a very popular place, where visitors explore a labyrinth of streets and passages housing eighteen entrances and more than 4,000 shops.

3Grand Bazaar

Schedule Details

Day 1, May 25, Depart for Turkey

Depart for Turkey

Day 2, May 26, Arrive in Istanbul
  • Your private guide and driver will welcome you at the Istanbul airport and take you directly to your hotel that overlooks the Marmara Sea.
  • That afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy as you become acquainted with the celebrated historic district of this bustling city before turning in for the night.
Day 3, May 27, Istanbul City Tour

Embark on a city tour of Istanbul, the only city that straddles two continents. Begin with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries, including the Harem section. The jeweled turban crests, silken caftans, and priceless Chinese porcelains of the palace bear witness to the grandeur of a bygone era. Then, tour St. Sophia, the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Hippodrome, the place where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. Later, visit the Turkish & Islamic Art Museum, with its rich Islamic art collection. Conclude with a picture stop at the courtyard of the Blue Mosque

 

Start Time:  9:30 am

 

Dining and Clubbing starting at 8:30 pm:   Sorti https://sortie.com.tr/

 

Note:  There will be one check.  Each party will be responsible to Zelle/Cash up their portion of the email.   No even split.

Day 4, May 28, Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, Rustem Pasha Mosque, Bosphorus Cruise

Begin at the Grand Bazaar in the Old City, a favorite place for shopping. Following a carpet weaving demonstration, wander the labyrinth of streets and passages with more than 4,000 shops displaying jewelry, leather goods, carpets, and more. 

 

Afterward, explore the Spice Market with its unforgettable aromas. Later, visit Rustem Pasha Mosque, a 16th-century Ottoman Mosque, adorned with beautiful Iznik tiles. In the afternoon, take a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding strait separating Europe and Asia. View fishing villages, wooden Ottoman villas, and contrasting suspension bridges set against the dramatic outline of the Strait

 

Start Time:  9:30 am 

 

Dining and Clubbing starting at 8:30 pm:  29 https://www.29.com.tr/

 

Note:  There will be one check.  Each party will be responsible to Zelle/Cash up their portion of the email.   No even split.

Day 5, May 29, Free Day

Day of Leisure.  Explore Istanbul on your own

 

 

Dining and Clubbing starting at 8:30 pm:  Ruby https://www.rubyistanbul.com/

 

Note:  There will be one check.  Each party will be responsible to Zelle/Cash up their portion of the email.   No even split.

Day 6, May 30, Depart Istanbul
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight 

F.A.Q

Do I need a Visa?

Yes! Turkey Visas - An e-visa must be obtained in advance at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/. Information may also be found at turkey.org.

What is the refund/cancelation policy?

****WE  STRONGLY RECOMMEND ALL TRAVELERS PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE, IN   PARTICULAR A POLICY THAT INCLUDES A CANCEL FOR ANY REASON CLAUSE OR ADDENDUM****

Initial deposits are refundable up to 48 hours after the time/date of registration, after the 48-hour time frame your deposit will be  NON-REFUNDABLE.   

Do I need travel insurance?

Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing travel insurance.  Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. 

For more information about travel insurance, go to  https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/

What is double occupancy? Is the price per person?

Double occupancy simply means that there will be 2 people in the room. Our double occupancy accommodations will most likely have 2 queen beds in the room if you booked double occupancy.   ALL LISTED PRICES ON OUR WEBSITE IS PER PERSON, regardless if there are one or 2 travelers in the room. Couples must book double occupancy each.

Passport Requirement

Passport is the traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/americans-traveling-abroad.html for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. 

IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave, and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages. 

What's Included

  • Accommodation
  • Airport Transfers
  • Private Tours with licensed professional English speaking guides
  • Transport

What's Excluded

  • Entry Visas
  • International Flight tickets

  • International/Domestic Flight Tickets
  • The Bosphorous cruise
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visas, laundry, and personal items

Activities

  • City Tours
  • Cultural
  • Dining
  • Fitness Level: Walking/Light

Why Book With Us?

  • Creativity - Explore the world the way youve always wanted. The only limit is your imagination.
  • Passion - Were a team of adventurers, thinkers, dreamers, and movers. We live and breathe travel, and our passion permeates all we do.
  • Authenticity - Each trip is cultivated with an authentic itinerary so you can feel like a local.
  • Expertise - Let us take care of the planning, so you can focus on the exploring.

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