Blue Mosque & Turquoise Seas

The Different Shades of Turkey

Istanbul & Bodrum: 7 Nights – 8 Days

Hotel Options:
3 Nights – Istanbul, Hotel Four Seasons Sultanahmet
4 Nights – Bodrum, Hotel Amanruya

This itinerary combines the culture and buzz of Dubrovnik, a private cruise visiting 4 beautiful and small islands and finishes with a unique experience on one of Montenegro’s most iconic islands, Sveti Stefan. A wonderful mix of culture and relaxation.

Description

Your journey starts in the great city of Istanbul the capital of the mighty Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. East meets west here as it bridges two continents, Europe and Asia. Its shores are bordered by the Sea of Marmara, the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus Strait, with its monuments spanning over seven hills. Every visit to Istanbul is an adventure and a feast for the senses. It is one of the most fascinating and vibrant cities in the world.

You will spend 3 nights at the award winning Four Seasons Sultanahmet which is ideally located in the old town, steps away from many of the cultural sites. In order to make the most of your stay in Istanbul, your itinerary includes a private local guide. Your exploration of the Ottoman city begins with a morning visit to the Topkapi Palace. This palace was once the opulent residence of the Ottoman sultans and the political centre of the Empire, with magnificent collections of Chinese porcelain, Ottoman textiles, gold and jewels. The Topkapi Palace is a stones throw away from the terraced houses and bustling covered markets, which is perfect to explore at your leisure in the afternoon.

Your next day will take in the majestic Haghia Sophia, the great cathedral of Byzantium, an architectural marvel with its marble and mosaics. A short walk from here is the Basilica Cistern, the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city. This extraordinary cistern, located on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu, was built in the 6th century. You continue to the mosque of Sultan Ahmet, also known as the ‘Blue Mosque’, unique in Turkey with its six elegant minarets.

The rest of your stay is at your leisure – don’t miss a visit to the renowned Covered Bazaar. This huge warren of covered, winding streets has thousands of shops selling everything from the traditional to the modern, from the exquisitely beautiful to the commonplace. Why not practice your bargaining skills? After a flight to Izmir you stop off at the ancient city of Ephesus, where you will visit the Basilica of St. John and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Because so little remains today, it requires a great effort of the imagination to picture the building which once so impressed Pliny and other ancient commentators. Another marvel are Ephesus’ terrace houses. The mosaics on the floor and the frescos have been consolidated and two houses have been opened to the public as a museum.

After your cultural adventure, the next part of your trip is pure relaxation. Amanruya on the beautiful Bodrum peninsular is a stunning newly opened hotel. Your stay will be in a pool cottage, where every luxury is catered for. With your own private garden with pool, spend the days relaxing and keeping cool in your marble floored cottage. If you still feel the need to take on some activities, the private bay hosts an array of watersports.

When to travel
Turkey has a comfortable year-round climate. Spring and autumn, from March to May and September to November respectively, are marked by mild to warm days and cool nights. The summer months from June through August provide warm to hot days and pleasant evenings. Winter falls from December through February and days are crisp and evenings can be cold. The year-round temperature range is 6°C to 15°C (January), 11°C to 21°C (April), 22°C to 34°C (July), 15°C to 27°C (October).