Istanbul & Marmara

Main international gateway — two airports

The city on two continents and the natural start of almost every group program. Byzantine and Ottoman monuments, the Bosphorus and the bazaars — with Bursa, Iznik and the Gallipoli–Troy area within easy reach.

Best time: All year — spring and autumn are ideal
Suggested stay: 2–4 nights
Access: Main international gateway — two airports
Airports: IST · SAW

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Places to visit

Highlights we include most often in group programs — Istanbul & Marmara.

Hagia Sophia

Sixth-century Byzantine masterpiece, church and mosque for 1,500 years.

Blue Mosque & Hippodrome

Sultanahmet Mosque with its six minarets, next to the Roman Hippodrome.

Topkapı Palace

Seat of the Ottoman sultans, with the Treasury and the Harem.

Basilica Cistern

Underground Byzantine water reservoir with the Medusa heads.

Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar

Historic markets for carpets, jewellery, spices and Turkish delight.

Bosphorus cruise

Private boat between Europe and Asia, past palaces and waterfront mansions.

Bursa & Iznik

First Ottoman capital and the city of the Council of Nicaea.

Gallipoli & Troy

WWI battlefields and the legendary city of Troy near Çanakkale.

Good to know for groups

Old-city hotels keep walking distances short; coaches park outside the historic zone.
Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque close to visitors during prayer times — we plan around them.
A private Bosphorus boat works well for groups and for welcome or farewell dinners.