Itinerary - Istanbul Express: From Ancient Mosques to Vibrant Streets

Round trip flights are not included in the package, so you can choose from where and when you want to fly. This is to give you maximum freedom of choice!

Check-in at the hotel in Istanbul followed by a welcome meeting with the rest of your group! We kick off our adventure with a stroll through the vibrant streets, exploring local products from fish to books, before heading to the seafront to relax in the sun and enjoy our first sunset on Turkish soil.

It's time to dive into the heart of Istanbul, starting with one of its iconic landmarks: the Blue Mosque. This photogenic masterpiece gets its name from the over 20,000 turquoise tiles adorning its dome, a sight that will leave us gazing upwards. The exterior, with its arches, curved lines, and striking symmetry, is equally enchanting.

After visiting the Blue Mosque, we'll descend into the Basilica Cistern, built by Emperor Justinian, captivating us with its architectural precision.

Next, we move on to the grand Hagia Sophia, once the largest church in Christianity until the 15th century. Its majestic dome, golden decorations, and stunning light play create a mystical atmosphere, making it feel like the dome is floating above the nave.

For lunch, we head to the Galata Bridge—how about a delicious Balik Ekmek? This famous fish sandwich is a local favorite and a must-try! After satisfying our hunger, we continue to the Grand Bazaar, an ancient market still bustling with stalls for every taste. Don’t forget to sip some freshly squeezed pomegranate juice and sample the renowned Turkish sweets—who could resist baklava?

Before heading back to the hotel to prepare for the evening, we’ll catch the sunset from one of the city's many charming rooftops.

After some well-earned relaxation, we’ll be ready for another memorable dinner together at a traditional restaurant. Afterwards, we'll dive into the heart of Istanbul's nightlife on the lively Istiklal Caddesi.

Üsküdar is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Ottoman Istanbul, originally a residential area and still maintaining that charm today. With over 180 mosques, some predating the Ottoman conquest, it's home to some of the city's oldest religious sites.

Nearby is Kuzguncuk, historically inhabited by the Jewish community since the 1500s, later welcoming Greek and Armenian residents. It's one of our favorite neighborhoods, where you can find a mosque next to an Armenian church and a synagogue beside an Orthodox church—a symbol of the tolerance and harmony that once thrived in Ottoman Istanbul.

Our final stop is Kadıköy, now one of Istanbul’s most modern and vibrant neighbourhoods.

Wait, a Turkish bath? What exactly is that?

A traditional Turkish bath is a more humid version of a sauna—so don’t worry, it’s all about relaxation!

In Istanbul, there are hundreds of hammams. Most are traditional Turkish baths, but in recent years, more Western-style spas have appeared. Since we’re in the heart of ancient Constantinople, we’ll make sure you experience an authentic Turkish bath!

We can’t leave Turkey without experiencing the true soul of Istanbul—the hidden charm of the lesser-known neighborhoods of Fener and Balat. Picture colorful wooden houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and the aroma of freshly baked bread. So, let’s lace up our comfortable shoes and unleash our inner Indiana Jones!

After our adventure, we’ll visit the local spice market and refuel with a delicious local lunch.

After lunch, we’ll enjoy a nice cup of Turkish coffee—and if we’re lucky, we might even have our grounds read! Who knows what insights they’ll reveal? In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Suleiman Mosque and the charming Fatih neighborhood, home to some lesser-known yet beautiful mosques.

After a day filled with culture and exploration, we deserve some relaxation. A delightful aperitif with a view of the Bosphorus—especially as it glows with the colors of sunset—will be just what we need.

We gather once more for our last night together... the night?! We’re in Istanbul, a city that never sleeps, so why not celebrate with a little fiesta?

Check-out and goodbye – until your next WeRoad adventure!