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TURKEY

Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul: Seat of Three Empires

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Road Scholar
Program #18720RJ

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10 Days | 9 Nights
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderately Challenging
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While all of our learning adventures offer extraordinary value, our "Best Value" programs were rated by our participants themselves who thought their dollar went particularly far.
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Love to learn in a small-group setting? This collection of programs has at most 10-24 participants.
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.
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If you’re looking for a more flexible schedule with ample independent time and several meals on your own, then our FLEX learning adventures are made for you.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Elevation Note
Istanbul is at sea level.

 Equipment Requirements
Comfortable walking shoes recommended.

Itinerary for May 14 — May 23, 2013

Expand all
Day One: Tuesday, May 14 - Departures 
Evening: Depart on overnight flights from the U.S.

Close [ x ]
Type: Five-Star Hotel

 Description: Palazzo Donizetti Hotel, named after the musician Giuseppe Donizetti who lived in Beyoglu in the times of the Ottoman Empire, is a new hotel.The building that was traditionally used as a guesthouse carries footsteps throughout the years, and lives today combining both elegance and comfort.Glorious Italian Carrera marbles, antique Italian venetian colors, stained glass lighting in addition to high ceilings with classic motifs and golden foils were used in the hotel. Palazzo Donizetti's 105 year old antique elevator also presents a nostalgic Beyoglu experience.

Contact info:
Asmali Mescit Sok. No: 55
Beyoglu, Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey
phone: + 90 212 249-5151
web: www.palazzodonizetti.com

Room amenities: Working Desk, Free Wi-fi Internet Access, 24 hour Room Service, 32 inch LCD Full HD Television, Interactive TV System, Coffee-Tea set-up, Minibar, Safe-box (large enough to contain a laptop), Pillow Menu, Daily Newspaper Service and Turn Down Services are provided in our rooms.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: 180 Euro/tax & breakfast incl.
Participants need to contact Baltac Tourism at info@baltactours.com. VISA or MasterCard is required.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Two: Wednesday, May 15 - Arrivals, Welcome and Program Overview 
Morning: Arrivals.

Lunch: Your choice to explore local fare.

Afternoon: Arrivals. Program overview and welcome at the hotel.

Dinner: Welcome Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Palazzo Donizetti

Meals Included: Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Five-Star Hotel

 Description: Palazzo Donizetti Hotel, named after the musician Giuseppe Donizetti who lived in Beyoglu in the times of the Ottoman Empire, is a new hotel.The building that was traditionally used as a guesthouse carries footsteps throughout the years, and lives today combining both elegance and comfort.Glorious Italian Carrera marbles, antique Italian venetian colors, stained glass lighting in addition to high ceilings with classic motifs and golden foils were used in the hotel. Palazzo Donizetti's 105 year old antique elevator also presents a nostalgic Beyoglu experience.

Contact info:
Asmali Mescit Sok. No: 55
Beyoglu, Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey
phone: + 90 212 249-5151
web: www.palazzodonizetti.com

Room amenities: Working Desk, Free Wi-fi Internet Access, 24 hour Room Service, 32 inch LCD Full HD Television, Interactive TV System, Coffee-Tea set-up, Minibar, Safe-box (large enough to contain a laptop), Pillow Menu, Daily Newspaper Service and Turn Down Services are provided in our rooms.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: 180 Euro/tax & breakfast incl.
Participants need to contact Baltac Tourism at info@baltactours.com. VISA or MasterCard is required.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Three: Thursday, May 16 - The Byzantine Heritage of Istanbul 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: A professor from the Istanbul Technical University School of Architecture introduces "Byzantine History and Art." Afterwards, set out to discover Hagia Sophia on a guided visit.

Lunch: In a restaurant in the old city.

Afternoon: Continue to the Underground Cisterns, the Hippodrome and the Archeological Museums.

Dinner: In a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Palazzo Donizetti

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Five-Star Hotel

 Description: Palazzo Donizetti Hotel, named after the musician Giuseppe Donizetti who lived in Beyoglu in the times of the Ottoman Empire, is a new hotel.The building that was traditionally used as a guesthouse carries footsteps throughout the years, and lives today combining both elegance and comfort.Glorious Italian Carrera marbles, antique Italian venetian colors, stained glass lighting in addition to high ceilings with classic motifs and golden foils were used in the hotel. Palazzo Donizetti's 105 year old antique elevator also presents a nostalgic Beyoglu experience.

Contact info:
Asmali Mescit Sok. No: 55
Beyoglu, Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey
phone: + 90 212 249-5151
web: www.palazzodonizetti.com

Room amenities: Working Desk, Free Wi-fi Internet Access, 24 hour Room Service, 32 inch LCD Full HD Television, Interactive TV System, Coffee-Tea set-up, Minibar, Safe-box (large enough to contain a laptop), Pillow Menu, Daily Newspaper Service and Turn Down Services are provided in our rooms.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: 180 Euro/tax & breakfast incl.
Participants need to contact Baltac Tourism at info@baltactours.com. VISA or MasterCard is required.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Four: Friday, May 17 - The Ottoman Heritage of Istanbul 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: A presentation on Ottoman architecture serves as an introduction to your visit of the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, the second-largest mosque of Istanbul. Visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque for its exquisite tiles. Built from 1609 - 1616, it is the largest and the the national mosque of Turkey.

Lunch: In a restaurant in the old city.

Afternoon: Continue to the Topkapi Palace, primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years of their 600-year reign, from 1465 to 1853. At the height of its existence as a royal residence, the palace was home to as many as 4,000 people. The palace collections include Ottoman treasure, jewelry and the most holy relics of the Muslim world.

Dinner: On Nevizade Street, an alley of “meyhanes” popular with the locals.

Evening: Enjoy the vibrant local nightlife on the streets around your hotel.

Lodging: Palazzo Donizetti

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Five-Star Hotel

 Description: Palazzo Donizetti Hotel, named after the musician Giuseppe Donizetti who lived in Beyoglu in the times of the Ottoman Empire, is a new hotel.The building that was traditionally used as a guesthouse carries footsteps throughout the years, and lives today combining both elegance and comfort.Glorious Italian Carrera marbles, antique Italian venetian colors, stained glass lighting in addition to high ceilings with classic motifs and golden foils were used in the hotel. Palazzo Donizetti's 105 year old antique elevator also presents a nostalgic Beyoglu experience.

Contact info:
Asmali Mescit Sok. No: 55
Beyoglu, Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey
phone: + 90 212 249-5151
web: www.palazzodonizetti.com

Room amenities: Working Desk, Free Wi-fi Internet Access, 24 hour Room Service, 32 inch LCD Full HD Television, Interactive TV System, Coffee-Tea set-up, Minibar, Safe-box (large enough to contain a laptop), Pillow Menu, Daily Newspaper Service and Turn Down Services are provided in our rooms.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: 180 Euro/tax & breakfast incl.
Participants need to contact Baltac Tourism at info@baltactours.com. VISA or MasterCard is required.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Five: Saturday, May 18 - On the Bosphorus 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Discover Dolmabahce Palace, the second palace of the Ottoman Sultans, situated on the Bosphorus. Then board a boat for a private cruise on the Bosphrous.

Lunch: In a waterfront seafood restaurant.

Afternoon: Stroll at leisure through Ortakoy, a seaside pedestrian area popular with residents and take in the boutiques, restaurants and coffeehouses.

Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.

Evening: Stop by the Whirling Dervish center to witness the ritual of the Sufis.

Lodging: Palazzo Donizetti

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Close [ x ]
Type: Five-Star Hotel

 Description: Palazzo Donizetti Hotel, named after the musician Giuseppe Donizetti who lived in Beyoglu in the times of the Ottoman Empire, is a new hotel.The building that was traditionally used as a guesthouse carries footsteps throughout the years, and lives today combining both elegance and comfort.Glorious Italian Carrera marbles, antique Italian venetian colors, stained glass lighting in addition to high ceilings with classic motifs and golden foils were used in the hotel. Palazzo Donizetti's 105 year old antique elevator also presents a nostalgic Beyoglu experience.

Contact info:
Asmali Mescit Sok. No: 55
Beyoglu, Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey
phone: + 90 212 249-5151
web: www.palazzodonizetti.com

Room amenities: Working Desk, Free Wi-fi Internet Access, 24 hour Room Service, 32 inch LCD Full HD Television, Interactive TV System, Coffee-Tea set-up, Minibar, Safe-box (large enough to contain a laptop), Pillow Menu, Daily Newspaper Service and Turn Down Services are provided in our rooms.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: 180 Euro/tax & breakfast incl.
Participants need to contact Baltac Tourism at info@baltactours.com. VISA or MasterCard is required.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Six: Sunday, May 19 - Ancient Walls and the Golden Horn 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Enjoy a unique opportunity to walk along the ancient walls of Istanbul, including the Yedikule Fortress and Dungeons. See the Church of Chora, situated along the walls.

Lunch: In a restaurant in the old city, by the ancient city walls.

Afternoon: Visit Eyup Mosque, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the iron Bulgarian Church.

Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Palazzo Donizetti

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Close [ x ]
Type: Five-Star Hotel

 Description: Palazzo Donizetti Hotel, named after the musician Giuseppe Donizetti who lived in Beyoglu in the times of the Ottoman Empire, is a new hotel.The building that was traditionally used as a guesthouse carries footsteps throughout the years, and lives today combining both elegance and comfort.Glorious Italian Carrera marbles, antique Italian venetian colors, stained glass lighting in addition to high ceilings with classic motifs and golden foils were used in the hotel. Palazzo Donizetti's 105 year old antique elevator also presents a nostalgic Beyoglu experience.

Contact info:
Asmali Mescit Sok. No: 55
Beyoglu, Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey
phone: + 90 212 249-5151
web: www.palazzodonizetti.com

Room amenities: Working Desk, Free Wi-fi Internet Access, 24 hour Room Service, 32 inch LCD Full HD Television, Interactive TV System, Coffee-Tea set-up, Minibar, Safe-box (large enough to contain a laptop), Pillow Menu, Daily Newspaper Service and Turn Down Services are provided in our rooms.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: 180 Euro/tax & breakfast incl.
Participants need to contact Baltac Tourism at info@baltactours.com. VISA or MasterCard is required.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Seven: Monday, May 20 - The Crafts and Bazaars of Istanbul 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: A guided visit explores a hidden gem - the Rustem Pasha Mosque, famous for its colorful 16th-century tiles, then move through the Spice Bazaar, on to the Grand Bazaar, where artisans sell their handcrafts, silver and jewelry. Hear a lecture on hand made carpets and learn more about this art.

Lunch: In a restaurant at the Bazaar.

Afternoon: Free Time

Dinner: In a local restaurant.

Evening:

Lodging: Palazzo Donizetti

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Five-Star Hotel

 Description: Palazzo Donizetti Hotel, named after the musician Giuseppe Donizetti who lived in Beyoglu in the times of the Ottoman Empire, is a new hotel.The building that was traditionally used as a guesthouse carries footsteps throughout the years, and lives today combining both elegance and comfort.Glorious Italian Carrera marbles, antique Italian venetian colors, stained glass lighting in addition to high ceilings with classic motifs and golden foils were used in the hotel. Palazzo Donizetti's 105 year old antique elevator also presents a nostalgic Beyoglu experience.

Contact info:
Asmali Mescit Sok. No: 55
Beyoglu, Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey
phone: + 90 212 249-5151
web: www.palazzodonizetti.com

Room amenities: Working Desk, Free Wi-fi Internet Access, 24 hour Room Service, 32 inch LCD Full HD Television, Interactive TV System, Coffee-Tea set-up, Minibar, Safe-box (large enough to contain a laptop), Pillow Menu, Daily Newspaper Service and Turn Down Services are provided in our rooms.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: 180 Euro/tax & breakfast incl.
Participants need to contact Baltac Tourism at info@baltactours.com. VISA or MasterCard is required.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Eight: Tuesday, May 21 - The Modern Face of Istanbul 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Depart to the Modern Art Museum for a discussion on Modern Turkey and its quest to become a member of the European Union. A guided visit of the museum follows. Then, board the local passenger ferry and cross to the Asian side of Istanbul.

Lunch: In the open kitchen of renowned Ciya restaurant, learn about Turkish regional cuisine then sample of variety of dishes.

Afternoon: Cross the Bosphorus Bridge back to the European side. Visit the modern, newly developed areas of Istanbul; Nisantasi and Etiler. Ascend the medieval Galata Tower, built in 1348, to take in the panoramic sunset views of the old city.

Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Palazzo Donizetti

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Close [ x ]
Type: Five-Star Hotel

 Description: Palazzo Donizetti Hotel, named after the musician Giuseppe Donizetti who lived in Beyoglu in the times of the Ottoman Empire, is a new hotel.The building that was traditionally used as a guesthouse carries footsteps throughout the years, and lives today combining both elegance and comfort.Glorious Italian Carrera marbles, antique Italian venetian colors, stained glass lighting in addition to high ceilings with classic motifs and golden foils were used in the hotel. Palazzo Donizetti's 105 year old antique elevator also presents a nostalgic Beyoglu experience.

Contact info:
Asmali Mescit Sok. No: 55
Beyoglu, Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey
phone: + 90 212 249-5151
web: www.palazzodonizetti.com

Room amenities: Working Desk, Free Wi-fi Internet Access, 24 hour Room Service, 32 inch LCD Full HD Television, Interactive TV System, Coffee-Tea set-up, Minibar, Safe-box (large enough to contain a laptop), Pillow Menu, Daily Newspaper Service and Turn Down Services are provided in our rooms.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: 180 Euro/tax & breakfast incl.
Participants need to contact Baltac Tourism at info@baltactours.com. VISA or MasterCard is required.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Nine: Wednesday, May 22 - The Blue Mosque 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Free time on your own.

Lunch: Your choice to explore local fare.

Afternoon: Free time on your own.

Dinner: Celebrate your in-depth exploration of Istanbul at a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Evening: Choose to stay and listen to the music with the local people or return to the hotel.

Lodging: Palazzo Donizetti

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day Ten: Thursday, May 23 - Departures. 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Departures.

Meals Included: Breakfast


Free Time Opportunities


Istanbul
Military Museum and Naval MuseumThe Naval Museum contains over 4,000 items including boats from the Ottoman period, plates written by famous scribes on naval matters, flags, maps including the Piri Reis maps and other objects from Turkish naval history. Approximately 10,000 weapons and armor belonging to Turks and other nations are displayed in the Military Museum. There are 17 different halls organized under the following categories: Weapons, Tents, Clothing, World War I, Republican Era, Canakkale Battles, War of Independence, Ataturk and Martyrs. The Turkish Military Band Mehter holds concerts from 3 to 4 p.m. when the museums are open. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: 3 YTL.
For additional information, visit: www.dzkk.tsk.mil.tr/muze/English/Ana_Sayfa.htm
Pera MuseumRecently opened museum housing a private family collection of old and contemporary Turkish art. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m to 6 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays. Entrance fee: Adults: 7 YTL. Discount for 60+ years old.
Turkish Bath (Galatasaray)No visit to Istanbul is ever complete without a visit to a Hamam, or Turkish Bath. Galatasaray Hamam is conveniently located close to the hotel. Open daily: For men: 5 a.m. to midnight, for women: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For additional information, visit: www.atamanhotel.com/bath.html
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•8 nights of accommodations
•19 meals: 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
•2 Expert-led lectures
•23 Field trips
•1 Performances
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