Unusual Istanbul Tour

Departure from Italy with Pegasus Airlines flights. Upon arrival in Istanbul, meet with the local assistant and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation in reserved rooms, free dinner, and overnight stay.

Culture

60%

Nature

20%

History

50%

Relax

30%

Adventure

40%

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to visit “IMPERIAL” Istanbul: we start with a visit to the ancient Hippodrome, where chariot races were held; the obelisks of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. Continuation of the visit to the Basilica Cistern, built in 532 under Emperor Justinian I, an extraordinary example of Byzantine hydraulic engineering, featuring majestic columns and vaulted arches. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Next, we proceed with a visit to the Topkapi Imperial Palace (Harem section excluded), home of the Sultans for almost four centuries. Its architecture, magnificent decorations, and furnishings testify to the power and majesty of the Ottoman Empire. We continue with an external visit to Hagia Sophia (now a mosque, entrance not included), a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Free time at the Grand Bazaar. (*) Here the excursion ends, free return, free dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

PLEASE NOTE: For Saturday departures until November 6, 2026, and for Friday departures from November 13, 2026 to February 20, 2027, the visits scheduled for days 2 and 3 will be reversed, specifically: the “Fener Balat” visit will take place on day 2 of the tour and the “Imperial” Istanbul visit will take place on day 3 of the tour.

Culture

50%

Nature

50%

History

50%

Adventure

20%

Food

30%

Breakfast and departure for the half-day excursion “Fener Balat.” The tour begins along the Golden Horn, the famous natural estuary that separates the historic part of Istanbul from the modern one. From here, you’ll enjoy unforgettable panoramic views of the city, once the beating heart of ancient Constantinople.

The first stop will be the magnificent Iron Church of St. Stephen, a Bulgarian Orthodox church built entirely of iron - unique in the world. This extraordinary building, linked to the Bulgarian ecclesiastical independence movement of the 19th century, is a true architectural gem reflecting Istanbul’s rich cultural diversity. The tour continues through the historic districts of Fener and Balat, now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These picturesque neighborhoods, among the oldest in the city, welcome you with colorful houses, cobbled streets, and the authentic charm of old Constantinople.

You will visit the Cathedral of St. George, seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate since the 15th century. Once a convent of Orthodox nuns, it was transformed into the Patriarchal seat by Patriarch Matthew II (1598–1601). This sacred place remains today the spiritual heart of the Orthodox Church. The visit continues to the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), built in the 18th century. Strolling through its lively corridors, you’ll be surrounded by a symphony of aromas, colors, and flavors - oriental spices, Turkish delights, fragrant teas, and local dried fruits. It is one of Istanbul’s most fascinating markets, offering an immersive local experience. Lunch and afternoon at leisure. (*) Here the excursion ends, free return, free dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

* Optional excursion (with supplement): “Khalkedionia”, including a drive across the Eurasia Bridge to Çamlıca Hill, the highest point in the city, located on the Asian side, offering a stunning view over Istanbul. Continue to Kadıköy, one of the most lively and popular districts of the city. Free time for lunch, with the chance to taste typical Turkish street food. In the afternoon, visit Beylerbeyi Palace, the former summer residence of the Ottoman sultans, and return transfer to the hotel.

PLEASE NOTE: For Saturday departures until November 6, 2026, and for Friday departures from November 13, 2026 to February 20, 2027, the visits scheduled for days 2 and 3 will be reversed, specifically: the “Fener Balat” visit will take place on day 2 of the tour and the “Imperial” Istanbul visit will take place on day 3 of the tour.

Breakfast. At the indicated time, transfer to Istanbul Airport (SAW/IST) for the return flight to Italy.

• PLEASE NOTE: For Saturday departures until November 6, 2026, and for Friday departures from November 13, 2026 to February 20, 2027, the visits scheduled for days 2 and 3 will be reversed, specifically: the “Fener Balat” visit will take place on day 2 of the tour and the “Imperial” Istanbul visit will take place on day 3 of the tour.