Istanbul Holidays

Built by the Ottoman’s between 1609 and 1616, the historic Blue Mosque is still used as a Muslim place of worship today. Though its named for its blue-tiled interior, this grand Mosque is also lit by blue lights in the evening. The Blue Mosque dominates the Istanbul skyline with 13 domes and 6 minarets and is a must-see when visiting the city. On our tours to Istanbul, we’ll get to see the structure up close with an expert, local guide to tell us about the history of this important monument.

Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia or Church of the Holy Wisdom is considered to be the most important Byzantine structure and one of the world’s most important monuments. The current structure was built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I, but the original church at the site of Hagia Sophia was constructed by Constantine in 325 AD. No trip to Istanbul is complete without taking time to marvel at this incredible structure that has served as an Eastern Orthodox Cathedral, Roman Catholic Church and Ottoman Mosque.

The Bosphorus Strait, also known as the Strait of Istanbul, is a narrow, natural strait that cuts through the centre of Istanbul and forms part of the continental divide between Europe and Asia. The strait connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and has been an important passageway from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean for centuries. On some of our holidays to Istanbul, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a cruise down the Bosphorus Strait as we move between two continents.

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is filled with a dizzying array of exotic sights, sounds and smells. One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar includes 4,000 shops and over 60 covered streets! The incredible market is filled with traditional clothing, housewares, jewellery, tea and spices and is a must-see for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Turkish culture. On our holidays to Istanbul, we’ll enjoy plenty of free time to browse the market at our leisure.

Originally the main residence and administrative headquarters of Ottoman Sultans, this stunning palace was converted into a museum in 1924, after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. On our trips to Istanbul, we’ll have the opportunity to visit Topkapi Palace in our free time. Here, we’ll stroll through the palace’s enchanting courtyards and pavilions, admire the jewels of the Ottoman Empire in the Treasury and explore the sprawling Harem, where Ottoman Emperors kept their many wives and children. The grounds also contain Byzantine churches, ornate staterooms and grand audience chambers.