For centuries described as an exotic nexus of East meets West, Istanbul has served as the capital of three of the greatest empires in Western history and is on the legendary gateway between Europe and Asia. From its striking Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia to the souks of the Grand Bazaar and the lively Galata quarter in Beyoglu district, this dynamic city is on the thrilling edge of age-old tradition and modernity.
Work with Indagare to design the perfect itinerary for an immersive journey. Our travel experts know the destination inside and out, and they can make recommendations based on your travel needs and preferences.
The ancient crossroads between Eastern and Western culture is best explored with an itinerary that features insider access. Here is just one example of what our destination experts can create for you.
After centuries as the most coveted city in the world—due to its profitable trade location between the East and the West—Istanbul, previously known as Constantinople and Byzantium, is rich in both Christian and Islamic culture. Spend your first few days touring the winding streets of the city with an expert guide who can share the history and the secrets of such iconic sites as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace and more.
After your busy program of sightseeing, enjoy some time to explore the treasures and tastes that this cultural melting pot has to offer. No visit to Istanbul is complete without a guided tour of the Grand Bazaar, a shadowy trove full of spices, trinkets, silk rugs and more. You can also visit the best neighborhoods for boutiques and high-end shops. In the evenings, enjoy cocktails with a view at your hotel before dinner at an Indagare-recommended restaurant.
After breakfast, enjoy a guided visit to one of the city’s many impressive art or history museums. Alternatively, you can choose to visit a rug showroom for a weaving demonstration and exclusive shopping experience. In the afternoon, experience a private boat tour down the legendary Bosphorus River. You will be able to take in the beautiful chalets that line the river and breath-taking views of historical sites like the minarets silhouetted by sunset.
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Business travelers, honeymooners and families all love Istanbul’s reigning queen of hospitality.
The 65-room Four Seasons continues to be the most prestigious address in the Old City.
Located on the banks of the Bosphorus, the Shangri-La boasts lavish public spaces and zen accommodations.
The bohemian yet sophisticated rooms at the Soho House feel like a very cool friend’s apartment, but the property offers such pampering amenities as a spa, bar and rooftop pool.
Although the Four Seasons Bosphorus draws the most elite crowds these days, the Çiragan Palace Kempinski is still a top choice for those who desire a grand resort–like atmosphere right on the water.
Across the park from the Hagia Sofia is the early-17th-century Sultanahmet, or Blue Mosque. Famous for its scandalous six minarets (only the Prophet’s mosque at Mecca was allowed that many) and blue Iznik tiles, which inspired its nickname, the building...
A magical way to see Istanbul is from the water. While there are commercial group day cruises, the best way to enjoy the sights is on a private charter, which can depart directly from one of the Bosphorus hotels (if...
The final sight on Sultanahmet’s holy trinity tour is the Basilica Cistern or “Sunken Palace,” a subterranean well that is located southwest of the Hagia Sophia. The cistern, known as Yerebatan Sarayi in Turkish, was first constructed by Constantine then...
Built between 532–537, during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, when the city was Constantinople, the Hagia Sofia had the largest dome in the world for a thousand years until it was eclipsed, in 1436, by Florence’s Duomo. Once one...
Istanbul is home to some of the most exciting markets and bazaars in the world and also boasts a long culinary tradition. For those interested in food, tours can be arranged that visit the historic Spice Bazaar and food markets...
There are so many options for shopping within Istanbul that it can often be hard to find exactly what you are looking for. Whether you are interested in hunting through the best of Istanbul’s famed bazaar or seeking out high-end...
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A trip here can easily be combined with these amazing destinations and more. Contact our team to craft the perfect itinerary.
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