May 17-25
Istanbul ( IST)
3 star hotels
9 nights
9 breakfasts
12-14
Bhutan backpacking
SHORT ITINERARY :
You’ll touch down at Istanbul Airport at 11 a.m., and right from the start, you’ll realize this Turkey group trip isn’t your typical holiday. We’ll dive headfirst into Istanbul’s rich history—starting with the Grand bazaar and Spice bazaar .
Get ready for a wild ride through the Grand Bazaar, where over 4,000 shops sell everything from spices to jewelry. Warning: you might walk in looking for souvenirs and walk out with a rug, three lamps, and enough Turkish delight to last a lifetime. Haggling is practically a sport here, so feel free to channel your inner negotiator.
We’ll finish the day with dinner on a cruise along the Bosphorus—because what’s a trip to Turkey without a little water under the (literal) bridge?
DID YOU KNOW?
No “Turkey” in Turkey: The bird known as a "turkey" was mistakenly named by European settlers who thought it was from Turkey. In Turkey, the bird is called "hindi," as it was believed to come from India!
On Day 2 of your Turkey group trip, we’ll explore Karaköy—a neighborhood where modern cafes mix with centuries-old charm.
Next, we’ll stroll over to Hagia Sophia, a building that’s had more makeovers than a reality TV star. It started as a church, then became a mosque, and now it’s a museum. The grandeur of the Byzantine mosaics is breathtaking, but keep an eye out for the Viking graffiti. Yep, even back then, tourists couldn’t resist leaving their mark!
Your caffeine fix will come with a side of history, before we head to see Galata Tower from outside. Next we head to Blue mosque, place where you’ll wonder how many Instagram shots it’ll take to capture all six minarets. Fun fact: the mosque was built with so many minarets, the sultan was accused of trying to one-up Mecca (he wasn’t, but he did make history).
Later, we’ll head to Istiklal Street, where you’ll stroll past street performers and quirky shops, or just grab a bite at one of Karaköy’s trendy cafes. Trust me, the street food here is legendary—if you haven’t tried a simit (the Turkish version of a bagel), are you even on a Turkey group trip?
We are organising a food tour today and take you for a walk to taste the following
Kumpir
Turkish ice cream
Simit
San Sebastian Cheesecake
Baklava
DID YOU KNOW?
Cats Rule Istanbul: Istanbul is famous for its enormous stray cat population. Cats are treated like royalty, with residents and tourists alike caring for them, and many shops and cafés welcome cats inside.
Early morning : We will also head to the Süleymaniye Mosque, perched on one of Istanbul’s seven hills, offers not only awe-inspiring architecture but also some of the best panoramic views of the city. Designed by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, the mosque has a serene courtyard, elegant domes, and intricate details inside, with its spacious interior lit by soft light filtering through stained glass windows.
Start the day on the Asian side of Istanbul with a visit to one of the grand mosques, probably the Çamlıca Mosque. It’s the largest mosque in Turkey, with its stunning architecture, intricate tile work, and peaceful courtyards, offering a sense of serenity and history.
As evening approaches, cross back to the European side and make your way to Galata Tower. The tower stands tall with a view that captures the entire city under the golden glow of sunset, the Bosphorus shimmering below.
To wrap up, you’ll participate in a lamp-making workshop, where you create your own Turkish-style mosaic lamp. The soft glow from your handmade lamp will forever remind you of this memorable day in Istanbul.
Not a bad mix of culture, history, and hands-on creativity!
DID YOU KNOW?
Tulips Came from Turkey: Though often associated with the Netherlands, tulips were first cultivated in Turkey and later brought to Europe by traders. Turkey’s obsession with tulips even led to the "Tulip Era" (Lale Devri) in the Ottoman Empire.
In the afternoon, things get crafty. Ever tried making your own mosaic lamp? Now’s your chance! You’ll create a colorful masterpiece to take home—because who wouldn’t want a Turkish lamp in their living room to brag about ?