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Istanbul

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Turkish delights

Join us on a fully escorted holiday to one of the world's most exciting, mystical, enthralling cities. Here, in a city designated European Capital of Culture for 2010, the colour and magic of Asia are very much in evidence, and the glories of the past are never far away. Don't miss this chance to see the stunning Topkapi Palace, Haghia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and innumerable other treasures.

Day One

Fly to Istanbul and transfer to your chosen hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to acquaint yourself with your surrounds, and to enjoy your first evening in the city.

Day Two

Join our included three-hour 'Introduction to Istanbul' tour, today, and discover the great buildings and monuments of the Historic Peninsula's Sultanahmet and Eminonu districts. See the Great Bazaar, then cross the Golden Horn for a glimpse of modern Istanbul and, time permitting, enjoy the sweeping views of the Bosphorus.

This afternoon, join our optional 'Ottoman Istanbul' excursion, which includes entrances to the extraordinary Topkapi Palace with its priceless treasures, and the breathtaking Blue Mosque with its six minarets and 20,000 cobalt tiles. You'll also enjoy a visit to the colourful Spice market, or Egyptian Bazaar, the ancient Misir Carsisi, with its trays of Turkish delight, and heady aroma of herbs and spices.

Day Three

Today you're free to explore or join our full-day, optional 'Byzantine Istanbul' excursion and see the vast-domed Ayasofya (Hagia Sofia) church, and the breathtaking mosaics and frescoes of the Kariye Camii. Stroll through the Hippodrome - centre of Byzantine cultural life - and visit the Yerebatan Cistern, a vast underground reservoir that supplied the city's fresh water.

Crossing over the Bosphorus to the city's Asian side, you'll enjoy the chance to view the great city from the lofty heights of Camlica Hill, before you return to the hotel.

Day Four

This morning's optional excursion offers an unforgettable cruise to Tarabya the Bosphorus, the narrow strait dividing Europe from Asia. An important working waterway, the strait is dotted with ancient castles and ornate palaces, picturesque villages and waterside retreats.

This evening join our final optional excursion for the chance to experience traditional Turkish dining and entertainment - a fitting way to end your visit to this wonderful city.

Day Five

Bid farewell to your Turkish hosts and return to the hotel to check-in for your flight home.

Wining and dining

Istanbul offers a vast range of eating options, from simple lokantas (workers' cafes) to internationally-acclaimed restaurants. Don't miss the chance to dine on fresh fish in Eminonu, overlooking the Golden Horn, or to visit a traditional meyhane taverna where a selection of meze dishes is always available to share. The city is home to the original doner kebap, served everywhere, and other 'food-to-go' options include traditional borek (filled pastries) and pide (Turkish pizza).

The national drink - and passion - is tea, drunk with great ceremony and at all times of day and night throughout the city, and served in black and herbal varieties. Beer and wine - the former largely imported, the latter mainly from vineyards in Anatolia and of surprisingly good quality - are widely available, and most visitors will at some stage succumb to a glass or two of raki, the aniseed-based aperitif.

 
 

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