Central 4* Hotel
Cruise the Bosphorus!
Visit the Basilica of Saint Sophia
With one foot in Asia and the other in Europe any visit to Turkey’s most happening city is sure to be a sensory delight. Our 3 night break shows you the best sights this city has to offer all in the company of your fellow Solos travellers!
Extras
Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel of which you will catch the first glimpses of this fascinating city where the continents meet!
After check in we will meet for our Welcome Drink followed by dinner at Harndi Restaurant.The Harndi Restaurant has been serving its traditional southeastern kebabs since 1970. It is the place to go for this famous Turkish dish. This popular restaurant is situated in the historic Eminonu district (west of Sultanahmet) and has a stunning view of the Golden Horn.
After breakfast we begin our day of exploration of fascinating Istanbul.
We begin at the remains of the Hippodrome, once decorated with marble statuary and columns. In its heyday it was the site of chariot races and the focal point of the city’s civic life. The remains of some of its walls are still visible as is an obelisk brought from Egypt in 390 AD by Theodosius I.
Adjacent to the Hippodrome is the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Built during the period of 1609-1617 it is also known as the “Blue Mosque” thanks to the light which shines through over 2,500 stained glass windows and reflects onto the dark blue Iznik tiles within. The next stop will be the Basilica of Saint Sophia, one of the largest historical Christian shrines ever built with its rich mosaic murals, colossal columns and exposition of divine serenity. Our next stop is the Topkapi Palace where in the 15th century Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror started the first stages of its construction. The famous Topkapi is built around four inter-connecting courtyards. We view the many treasures of the Ottoman sultans including fine porcelains, gem encrusted objects d’art, traditional armour and imperial costumes, stunning tile work and sacred relics of the Christian and Islamic faiths.
After breakfast, we will continue exploring Istanbul. We visit the Egyptian Spice Bazaar of which dates back to the 17th Century with its bustling atmosphere. It is still the most popular bazaar visited by locals to shop for fresh ingredients to spice up the dishes prepared in the kitchens of Istanbul.
From here we continue to Eminonu Pier and board a private boat for a Bosphorus Cruise. We will travel through the waterway separating Asia and Europe, seeing the old Ottoman wooden mansions, marble palaces, foreign embassy estates and small fishery villages all located along both the Asian and European sides of this famous river…..
After breakfast you will have further free time to explore before our transfer back to the airport for our flight home.
Kent Hotel has a great location in the heart of the old city, just a 15 minute walk from all the main sights of Istanbul such as the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, a bar/lounge and a snack bar/deli. WiFi is available thoughout.
All single rooms are equipped with one french bed, air conditioning, direct call facilities, LCD television with local and international satellite channels, minibar and hairdryer, WI-FI and safe box.
The transfer time from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Kent Hotel is approximately 30 minutes.
Dressing in layers is recommended. Casual evening wear is recommended and comfortable shoes for sightseeing.
We suggest a Group Collection to cover guides, transfer drivers, and hotel staff of minimum £15.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on.
Please note
A reasonable level of fitness/mobility is required for sightseeing.
I was so nervous about embarking on my first Solos Holiday, but I shouldn’t have been – it was the best thing I have ever done!
Wow! Got to see the famous shipwreck beach in Zakynthos with Solos. Can’t wait to discover more of their destinations!
Our tour leader Monica was exceptional! Had such a good time and will be rebooking with Solos. Thanks for a great holiday!
Had the best time with Solos! Discovered beautiful destinations and met some lifelong friends.
