Turkey in Depth

Our tour of Turkey starts in Istanbul. Once known as Constantinople, the city has been the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires and today, its historic riches are evident at every turn. Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul was an important stop on the old Silk Road. This resulted in the city forming a patchwork of cultures that makes up modern-day Istanbul , where the Christian and Muslim worlds meet along the Bosphorus Strait — a meeting of influences that is reflected not only in the city’s architecture and traditions, but also in its diverse and celebrated cuisine. Turkish food is a hearty and healthy mix of Middle Eastern, Asian, and Balkan style dishes ranging from barbecued meat kebabs to vine leaf-wrapped vegetable rice parcels. For those arriving in time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for a welcome meeting, followed by dinner for those who want to join. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Istanbul at any time. If you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will catch you up as soon as possible. Please note that if some passengers are arriving after the planned welcome time, then the main introductory briefing will be conducted on the morning of day 2 when everybody is present. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST) (a 90-minute drive from the centre) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) (a two-hour drive from the centre). If you are arriving into Istanbul Airport (IST) and have an arrival transfer confirmed with us - once you have collected your luggage, please proceed towards the airport exit. Your transfer driver will be waiting for you outside exit gate 13 next to the H&B sign or outside exit gate number 9 next to the NP sign if you land into Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) We use two different start hotels on this trip, both are conveniently located within walking distance from many of the Sultanahmet district's main sites including the Blue Mosque the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace. The hotels features a rooftop restaurant. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might want to visit Istanbul's Grand Bazaar (closed on Sundays). Located within the walls of Istanbul, it's made up of over 60 streets and 3,000 shops selling everything from jewellery to carpets and furniture to local arts and crafts. The labyrinth of streets also houses two mosques, two hammams and plenty of cafes and restaurants, so there's plenty to explore.