DAY
1 - Arrival Day
Upon arrival in Istanbul you will be collected from the airport
and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure
as you begin to soak in the atmosphere of this amazing city. In the evening
your local guide will collect you and your culinary adventure will begin.
Dinner: Doga Balik
DAY 2 - Istanbul Classics
You are collected from your hotel and start the day with
a visit to Haghia Sophia, the most influential church of Byzantium.
Unequaled in size for a 1000 years, the magnificent interior is
testament to the unique east-west synthesis that is manifest in
Istanbul. Shimmering biblical mosaics juxtapose huge plaques bearing
the names of Islamic caliphs.
You then visit the Blue Mosque, another of the world's most important religious buildings. Built in the 16th century the mosque is unique for it's 6 minarets and celestial interior decorated with the famous blue Iznik tiles.
After lunch
explore the grand Topkapi Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultan's
from the 15th to the 19th century. With its impressive treasury,
exquisite harem, enormous kitchens, attractive courtyards and
pavilions housing huge collections of antiquities, Topkapi Palace
offers a true insight into the heart of the Ottoman Empire.
Lunch: Topkapi Palace Restaurant
Dinner: Galata House Restaurant
DAY
3 - Further Afield and Spicy
We start the day with a visit to the colourful 17th century Spice Bazaar and its surroundings. The narrow streets lined with shops here beautifully emphasize the atmosphere of old Istanbul. It is a joy to smell the fresh coffee, herbs and spices, to see the dazzling mixture of nuts, dried fruits, and a thousand varieties of Turkish delights all being sold as they have been for hundreds of years.
From here visit the delightful Rustem Pasha Mosque built by master architect Sinan in the 16th century. Its tiled interior, lavishly decorated with the finest Iznik tiles, is perhaps the best example in the city.
We then embark on a boat tour along the Bosphorus waterway separating Europe and Asia. This is a relaxing way to take in some major landmarks including the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, the Bosphorus Suspension Bridge and
the imposing waterfront villas of Istanbul.
After lunch we visit the Church of Chora with its
shimmering, gilded mosaics. Overlooked by many, this modest church
is a real gem and houses some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in
world. Then back to your hotel for a rest before dinner.
Lunch: Asitane Restaurant
Dinner: Galata Meyhanesi. Late Snack: Tantuni
DAY
4 (Optional Extra Day)
Today is your free day.
Explore the city yourself, lose yourself in shopping at the Grand
Bazaar, a mind-boggling labyrinth of over 4000 shops, immerse yourself
in the aromas of the Spice Bazaar or simply sit and watch
the world go by in one of Istanbul's atmospheric cafés. You
local guide will be at hand to take you out for lunch and dinner.
Lunch: Sultanahmet Kofte
Dinner: Balikci Sabahattin
DAY 5
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your outbound flight. |
 |
Galata House Restaurant
The Galata House Restaurant in the old Galata district of Istanbul
is steeped in atmosphere. The historic premises tell a remarkable
story. From 1904–1919 the building was used as a civil prison
for the British Empire and, later, a military police station during
the occupation of Istanbul from 1919-1923 by allied forces. Before
becoming a restaurant in 1999, the building saw use as private lodgings,
metal workshop, jewellery workshop and school dormitory.
The charismatic surroundings coupled with a creative menu consisting
of Turkish, Georgian and Russian dishes, served with immaculate precision
by the smiling owners, make for a truly remarkable dining experience.
Expect authentic stroganoffs, veal goulash, Georgian lamb stew with
tarragon and plum sauce, East Anatolian dumplings with various fillings,
and a selection of unusual entrees including; hot spicy cheese and
walnut puree, Russian crepes, beetroot leaf and walnut salad. This
place is totally unique. Prices start from £10 per person,
not including alcohol.
Galata Meyhanesi (Tapas and Raki House)
Located in a discreet side street in Beyoglu, Galata Meyhanesi is
a true Istanbul classic. The excellent food and service is accompanied
by live Gypsy music played masterfully by the resident band. The
atmosphere is electric, the music penetrates the soul and diners
respond with impromptu song and dance. This is a loud and hearty
affair, enhanced further with a few glasses of whacky Raki.
Let not the music and revelry distract you too much from the food
though, for every meze (tapas) dish that is brought to your table
is skilfully prepared and always hits the mark. The format is perfectly
simple too, just take your seat and they bring the food. No wasting
time looking at menus!! Prices from £20 per person, not including
alcohol.
Emine Ana - Mersin Tantuni
Tantuni is a kebab roll specialty from Mersin in Southern Turkey.
It consists of tiny cubes of beefsteak stir fried with a special
blend of spices, herbs and even wine. The lamb is rolled in thin
flat pitta bread with a little salad. This delicate bread is first
dipped briefly into the juices of the stew to soften it and infuse
it with flavour. The roll is served with hot pickled chillies. The
salty yogurt dink, Ayran, is the drink of choice.
Emine Ana is an Istanbul street food classic, popular with late
night revellers. Nothing beats this wrap after a few beers in Taxim.
But this affair is not to be confused with a UK döner kebab
shop, just keep an eye on the chef, he works with great skill, blending
the fresh ingredients and managing the flavours all night long.
Asitane Restaurant – Ottoman
Cuisine
The highly acclaimed Asitane Resturant serves traditional
Ottoman cuisine in a contemporary setting. The menu is inspired by
a document dating from 1539 of an Ottoman feast, therefore, it includes
dishes rarely found elsewhere.
Doga Balik – Fish and Meze (Tapas)
The rooftop Doga Balik is the perfect venue for
sea food fans. Together with great views over Istanbul, it boasts
a wide selection of fish and an amazing meze selection. The owners
also have a real fascination with herbs and present salad dishes
using over 35 different species of herbs including poppy, stinging
nettle, mustard plant, beetroot leaves, violet. Ideal for vegetarians. |
