Arrive Istanbul
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be welcomed by your Cox & Kings representative and transferred to your luxury hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet (Superior Room) or Sirkeci Konak Hotel (Deluxe Room with Balcony) – 4-nights (B)

Option: Immigration formalities with VIP treatment at the airport.

Istanbul/Old City Walking Tour
After breakfast, depart with your expert local guide to begin your exploration of Istanbul in Sultanahmet Square. Spend the morning on Seraglio Point, marveling at the 4th-century reliefs on the obelisk of Theodosius in the ancient Hippodrome. Then stroll over to one of the city’s iconic monuments — the 17th-century Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque).

Nearby, examine the superb mosaics of the great church of Hagia Sofia, built in 360 by Emperor Justinian. Your voyage through history continues at the legendary Topkapi Sarayi, the palace of the Ottoman sultans for over 300 years. Wander through its many pavilions, courtyards and gardens, and see the treasures of the sultans, including dazzling jewelry and unique porcelain.

This afternoon, bargain with friendly shopkeepers at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest markets and home to more than 4,000 shops. (B)

Option: Dinner cruise on the Bosphorus to see the twinkling lights of the metropolis from the water.

Istanbul/Asia in Istanbul
After breakfast, begin your explorations of more of Istanbul’s delights. Visit the Rüstem Pasa mosque; built in 1561, this perfectly proportioned mosque rises amidst the rows of shops and storehouses near the spice bazaar. Marvel at the exterior spiral staircases and the ingenious octagonal plan, which allowed the mosque to fit into this busy commercial section of the city.

Then drive across the Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian side of Istanbul for a walking tour of the historic Kadikoy Market. Visit the specialty food stores of local merchants, and sample their traditional goods and many exotic foods. After these appetizers, relish the famed kup griye (ice cream, caramel, pistachios and almonds) confection of Baylan Patisserie. Continue your culinary discoveries at renowned Ciya Restaurant, where you will taste a number of salads and other delicacies, wrapping up your tour of Turkish cuisine with — what else? — a Turkish coffee prepared in the traditional way.

This afternoon, visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, built in the late 19th-century as a summer residence for the sultan. This elegant structure on the banks of the Bosphorus boasts graceful bathing pavilions and a gorgeous reception hall with its lovely fountain. (B, L)

Istanbul
After a leisurely breakfast, visit 11th-century Chora Church, a gorgeous example of a Byzantine cathedral, which was turned into a mosque by the Ottomans and is now open as a museum displaying its intricate mosaics. More Byzantine mosaics await you at Pammakaristos Church. Conclude your morning sightseeing with a visit to the grand Suleymaniye Mosque.

After some time for lunch on your own, take a walking tour of the Pera neighborhood of Istanbul. In the 1900s, Pera most of the city’s foreign traders and diplomats lived here. Today, this chic part of Istanbul is home to many boutiques, cozy cafes and glittering nightclubs. Stop by the Pera Art Museum, which houses an eclectic collection of Eastern and Western art and historical treasures. Get a different perspective on the city and the Bosphorus from the nearly 200-foot-tall Galata Tower, built in the 14th century. This evening, celebrate your journey through Istanbul with a mesmerizing performance of the whirling dervishes and a festive dinner. (B)

Depart Istanbul
Today you will be transferred to Istanbul airport for your international flight.