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About this trip
Explore Istanbul - named the #1 city in all of Europe by Travel and Leisure in 2023 and #8 top ranked city in all of the world. Everywhere you turn, you will find UNESCO world heritage sites! This is the only city that spans two continents. You will not want to miss this one!
What’s included
- BreakfastBreakfast is included daily in the hotel.
- 2 DinnersWelcome and farewell dinners (a set menu as well as red and white wine are included at these meals)
- DessertsNightly rooftop desserts and refreshments
- Lodging7 nights in the Magnura Palace hotel, located in the best (we may be a bit biased) location in all of Istanbul.
- Daily LecturesLectures will be conducted daily by in house scholar and author of Istanbul: City of Majesty at the Crossroads of the World, Thomas Madden, PhD.
- Tour GuideLocal celebrity bilingual tour guide, Serif Yenen as applicable.
- Site EntrancesAs specified in the itinerary
- Bosphorus CruiseFull-day private yacht charter tour
- Airport TransfersTransfers to and from the Istanbul airport and the Magnaura Palace Hotel
- Istanbul Tram CardIstanbul tram card pre-loaded with funds to get your adventure started with ease
- Audio Sets (Whispers)Audio sets while on daily guided tours for optimal auditory experience
- Tour DirectorA Cultured Travel tour director will be with you and available for the duration of the tour
What’s not included
- Food and BeveragesSnacks, lunch, and most dinners; all food and drink which are not part of the hotel breakfast, provided dinners, or lecture/yacht refreshments
- AirfareAirfare to Istanbul and the return trip are not included. Any transportation or lodging costs associated with air transfer to Istanbul or any associated parking fees are not included.
- Optional Itinerary ItemsSuch as the Ottoman Cooking Class, Culinary Walking Tour, Turkish Wine Pairing, Ebru Marbling Art, Turkish Bath (Hamam)
- GratuitySuggested amount of approximately $100 - $200 per person)
- Passport feesNo visa is currently required. Should this change, any visa fees are not included.
Available Packages
Select this room if you will be rooming with one other person and would like a standard room. Selection of this option will require online payment and will enroll you to be automatically billed utilizing the payment method you select on the 20th of each month through June, 2025.
Select this room if you will be rooming alone and would like a standard room. Selection of this option will require online payment and will enroll you to be automatically billed utilizing the payment method you select on the 20th of each month through June, 2025.
Select this room if you will be rooming with one other person and would like a deluxe room. Selection of this option will require online payment and will enroll you to be automatically billed utilizing the payment method you select on the 20th of each month through June, 2025.
Select this room if you will be rooming by yourself and would like a deluxe room. Selection of this option will require online payment and will enroll you to be automatically billed utilizing the payment method you select on the 20th of each month through June, 2025.
Select this room if you will be rooming with one other person and would like a deluxe sea view room. Selection of this option will require online payment and will enroll you to be automatically billed utilizing the payment method you select on the 20th of each month through June, 2025.
Select this room if you will be rooming by yourself and would like a deluxe seaview room. Selection of this option will require online payment and will enroll you to be automatically billed utilizing the payment method you select on the 20th of each month through June, 2025.
Select this room if you will be rooming with one other person and would like to room in a corner suite. Selection of this option will require online payment and will enroll you to be automatically billed utilizing the payment method you select on the 20th of each month through June, 2025.
Select this package if you will be rooming with one other person and would like to room in a top floor suite. Selection of this option will require online payment and will enroll you to be automatically billed utilizing the payment method you select on the 20th of each month through June, 2025.
Select this plan if you would like to create your own payment plan or would like to pay by check or in person. DO NOT SELECT ANY OTHER PACKAGES OR ADD-ON OPTIONS for any participants on your booking if you plan on creating your own payment plan or paying by check or in person. Price will be the same as listed for the package and add-on options as seen and if paying online and will be entered by Cultured Travel after your registration and clear communication of your rooming and add-on requests. Please make checks out to Cultured Travel and mail to P.O. Box 777 Mars, PA 16046.
Available options
Cooking class at Deraliye Restaurant with Michelin chef, Necati Yilmaz.
Enjoy some excellent local cuisine and street food.
Practice the ancient art of Ebru Marbling in the workshop of a master and on the grounds of a beautiful Sinan mosque at night.
Enjoy nearly 2 hours of pure bliss at the Hurrem Sultan Hammam (built in the 16th century for Sultan Sulieyman's wife). This option includes your reservation for the full package and the highest level of service offered. As conversion rates often fluctuate, selecting this option will only guarantee your reservation. You will pay on site utilizing a credit card or cash. Expect the price to be around $300 USD.
Itinerary
Arrive at your hotel right in Sultanahmet Square with vistas of the Bosphorus, the Blue Mosque, and the Hagia Sophia. Settle in and then join us for our first lecture at 7:30 p.m.