The fascinating city of Istanbul is located where the European Continent meets Asia, where East meets West.
Constantinople, as it was known, was the capital of the Christian Byzantine Empire for over a thousand years surpassing its model Rome to become the most important city in the Mediterranean. The city was also the capital of the Moslem Ottoman Empire for five hundred years. Discover one of the most exciting historical
cities in the world.
A respect for heritage is also evident in Istanbul's
well-preserved historic buildings and monuments. Visit the
Topkapi Palace, the hub of the Ottoman empire. Its pavilions are
filled with imperial treasures ranging from heavily bejewelled
objects to artifacts from Mecca; its beautifully decorated harem
quarters are sizable yet still manage to feel claustrophobic.
Curriculum Focus
Accommodation
STS Groups are accommodated in two or three star hotels.
Fly from London to Istanbul. Our tour includes the services of a guide, all entrance fees and use of an air conditioned coach where required. STS can quote for other tours to Turkey on request.
Sample Itinerary - 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS TO TURKEY BY AIR
Day 1 — London to Istanbul by Air. Meet your coach and guide. Depending on the arrival time of the flight, there may be time for a short orientation tour of the city.
The fascinating city of Istanbul is located where the European Continent meets Asia. Constantinople, as it was known, was the capital of the Christian Byzantine Empire for over a thousand years surpassing its model Rome to become the most important city in the Mediterranean. The city was also the capital of the Moslem Ottoman Empire for five hundred years. Discover one of the most exciting historical cities in the world. Overnight Istanbul.
Day 2 — Spend a full day in Istanbul. Visit the Topkapi Palace and museums. This vast palace built in 1453, with its many courtyards, treasures and harem was the home of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years. See the Blue Mosque completed in 1616 – famous for its beautiful interior tiles. Continue to the Hippodrome, where the chariot races took place in Roman times. The Yerebatan or Basilica Cistern is a fascinating underground Byzantine Cistern, built by Justinian in 532. A forest of columns supports the roof.
Ayasofya is the symbol of Byzantine Constantinople. Built as a church by the Emperor Justinian, it became a mosque in the fifteenth century and is now a museum housing fine Byzantine Mosaics. Visit the Archeological museum. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3 — Visit the Old City Walls. Istanbul's City Walls are one of the most impressive remains of the cities Byzantine past with eleven fortified gates and 192 towers. Continue to Kariye (Chora) Museum – the old church of the St Savior in Chora with superbly preserved Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.
Enjoy a boat trip on the Bosphorous. Visit the Spice Bazaar with its exotic food and spices. Continue to the World famous Grand Bazaar, the oldest and largest covered market in the world. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 4 — Depart after breakfast and transfer to the airport to connect with your return flight to London.
Meal Arrangements
Full Board: First Meal - Evening meal on Day 1.
Final Meal - Breakfast & packed lunch final day. (Meal order may vary with flight times).
Free Back-Up Material
STS Guide to Turkey and a map.
Guides & Entrance Fees
Entrance fees are included and the tour is accompanied by a guide.
Other Information (subject to change)
The order of the tour may be subject to change. Tourist visas must be purchased on arrival in Turkey, in sterling cash. Currently £10 per person for British passport holders - subject to change (other nationalities please refer to Turkish Consulate).
Air Travel 
Email a friend
Turkish Tours
