Istanbul
5 weeks exploring this magical city of history and culture
accommodation - our stay
Pera Palace Hotel - This historic hotel began hosting the Orient Express passengers back in 1895 and has lasted the fall of the Ottoman Empire and two world wars. On arrival be sure to take a ride to your room in the first electric elevator in Turkey. Staying here during our time in Istanbul truly felt like home away from home sipping coffee each morning on our balcony with views over the Bosphorus, ever changing stunning flower displays in the Kubbeli Lounge (famous for it’s afternoon teas) bites & sunset cocktails on the Orient Terrace. The Pera Palace sits amongst the buzzing streets, cafes and well known restaurants of Beyoğlu.
eats & drink
Ulus 29 - a stand out favourite – amazing service, food and views.
Sunset Bar & Grill - an upscale restaurant with international and Turkish cuisine - overlooking the Bosphorus with with amazing views.
Jash Istanbul - Best Armenian restaurant. This gem is hidden away in the streets of Cihangir - a wonderful locals vibe.
Zubeyir Ockbasi - Amazing traditional Turkish food cooked on barbeque in front of you.
Cecconi’s - Northern Italian restaurant - dine in the restaurant or in amongst the olive trees in the garden. Housed in the courtyard of Palazzo Corpi.
Gallada & Topside Bar - Soak up the vibrant atmosphere while enjoying flavours of ancient Silk Road cuisine from Türkiye through Central Asia to China.
Aheste - Turkish & middle eastern meze - lovely cosy setting in an old Water Tower.
Bebek Hotel Terrace Restaurant - Great chic lunch or dinner restaurant - dine on the terrace with fabulous Bosphorus views.
Lucca - from breakfast to dinner this chic well known restaurant, often frequented by celebrities is located in the trendy area of Bebek and serves traditional foods along with a great selection of cocktails.
Karakoy Gulluoglu - If you like Baklava this is the best! The Güllü family have been making baklava since the 1800’s and this is known as the first address of baklava in Istanbul.
Ernest’s Bar - One of our favourite bars in the Beyoğlu area - famously named after Hemingway and also serves great Thai food.
Yeni Lokanta - Contempary Turkish Cuisine - the tasting menu has a great selection
lifestyle
Basilica Cistern - Built in the 6th Century this is the largest of hundreds of cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul.
The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) - Built between 1609 - 1616 this is one of the most visited and iconic monuments of the Ottoman era.
Bosphorous Bridge - Take a walk across the famous Bosphorous Bridge connecting the Asian and European side - a bustling feel with restaurants, fishermen with their lines & boats.
Galata Tower - Originally built as a watchtower, this 14th century landmark sits in the Beyoğlu district.
Sirkeci Train Station - A fascinating historical station located on the European side, this station was once the last stop of the Orient Express.
Grand Bazaar - One of the largest and most famous covered Bazaars in the world, a fascinating must visit. Get lost in the myriad of narrow paths of shops selling vintage jewellery, textiles, antiques and plenty of food & Turkish coffee.
Spice Bazaar - A true spectacle of scents, flavours & colours.