After a short flight from the UK you’ll be met at Istanbul Atatürk Airport and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy your first glimpse of the city with a cruise on the Bosphorpus straight. Sip a sundowner as you sail along between the continents of Asia and Europe marveling at the skyline of minarets.

Start your day on a high with a guided tour of the grand Suleyman Mosque. Perching high on the third hill of Istanbul’s seven this beautiful Ottoman mosque dominates the skyline of the Golden Horn. You’ll literally follow your nose to the aromatic Spice Bazaar where you can pick up a cornucopia of flavours to take home. Round off your day getting lost in the largest and oldest covered market in the world, the Grand Bazaar. Meet artisans as you meander through the labyrinthine of lanes and haggle for souvenirs.

Today, you’re free to explore this intriguing city of minarets and mosques. You could start with a stroll by the mighty Land Walls of Theodosius which run from the waters of the Golden Horn to the Sea of Marmara. No visit to Istanbul is complete without a visit to Aya Sofya. Glittering with gold mosaics this imposing domed basilica is the ultimate Byzantine building. A glimpse inside the city’s Blue Mosque will reveal how this city landmark acquired its name. The Great Palace Mosaic Museum showcases pieces from the Byzantine period. Toast your last night with glass of raki in a meyhanes (Turkish tavern) on the banks of the mighty Bosphorpus.

Depart or extend your holiday in Istanbul. Stay on in Turkey and head to the ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations of Cappadocia or beautiful beaches at Bordrum.