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Turkey

Extension: Istanbul: Ancient City - Modern City

Program No. 16878RJ
Extend your adventure in Istanbul to gain deeper insight into the story of the city as you visit museums, palaces, religious sites and grand monuments.
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Program ExtensionSmall Group
Length
4 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,099
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
4 days
3 nights
What's Included
8 meals ( 4B, 3L, 1D )
10 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
3 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Walking up to 4 miles on cobblestone streets in the old city and occasionally uneven sidewalks. Extended periods of standing while visiting museums.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:
Start your day with a visit to Galata neighborhood. Crowned by its iconic medieval tower, Galata is a historic district known for its cobbled streets, bohemian vibe, and artistic heritage. Nearby, Istiklal Street pulses with energy—a bustling pedestrian avenue lined with shops, cafes, galleries, and 19th-century architecture. Together, they reflect Istanbul’s fusion of old and new, offering a vibrant mix of culture, commerce, and cosmopolitan charm in the heart of the city. Visit the Galata Tower, originally built in 1348 by the Genoese as a watchtower. It offers panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus. Over centuries, it served as a fire lookout and military post. Today, it stands as a cultural icon and popular tourist attraction. Return to the old city around lunch time.
Lunch:
Lunch at a local restuarant in the old city
Afternoon:
After lunch, continue on to visit the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, located at the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople. The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in Istanbul showcases exquisite carpets, calligraphy, manuscripts, woodwork, and ceramics from the Seljuk, Ottoman, and other Islamic periods. Housed in the historic Ibrahim Pasha Palace near the Blue Mosque, it offers a rich journey through Islamic aesthetics, daily life, and cultural heritage. Also visit the Archeological Museum that houses some magnificent artifacts, especially the exquisite Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great and Sarcophagus of the Mourning Women. Founded in the late 19th century by Osman Hamdi Bey, the museum not only preserves invaluable archaeological treasures but also symbolizes the Ottoman Empire's early efforts to protect and celebrate cultural heritage. Its architectural grandeur and extensive collections make it an essential destination for understanding the rich historical tapestry of Istanbul and the broader region.
Dinner:
Dinner on your own to explore the local fare
Evening:
Free evening
Activity Note
Walking up to 4 miles and climbing a few flight of stairs at the Dolmabahce Palace. Uneven sidewalks and cobblestone streets on public squares
Breakfast:
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, after breakfast, you will first visit the Dolmabahce Palace, the second palace of the Ottoman Sultans built in mid-19th century. Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul symbolizes the Ottoman Empire’s final era of grandeur and Westernization. Built in 1856, it replaced Topkapi Palace as the imperial residence, blending Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles. It hosted six sultans and later became a key site in the Turkish Republic—Mustafa Kemal Ataturk died there in 1938. Its opulent design and Bosphorus location reflect both imperial ambition and national transformation, making it a cultural and historical landmark. Continue on to Ortakoy, a vibrant Bosphorus-side neighborhood, known for its iconic mosque, lively square, and cultural diversity. Once a hub for Ottoman trade, it now blends history with modern charm—featuring art galleries, cafes, and weekend markets. Its scenic waterfront and architectural elegance make it a beloved local and tourist destination.
Lunch:
Lunch in Ortakoy at a local restaurant
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, proceed to the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, Turkey’s premier museum for modern and contemporary art, located on the Bosphorus. Designed by Renzo Piano, the museum reopened in 2023 with expansive galleries, a cinema, library, and educational spaces. It showcases Turkish and international artists, bridging local creativity with global movements. Founded in 2004, Istanbul Modern plays a vital role in Turkey’s cultural evolution, offering dynamic exhibitions and programs that reflect the country’s artistic identity and contemporary spirit.
Dinner:
Dinner on your own to explore local fare.
Activity Note
Walking up to 5 miles on cobblestone streets in the busy streets of Kadikoy bazaar and on the narrow streets of Balat and Fener
Breakfast:
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:
After a lesiurely breakfast at the hotel, take the local commuter ferry to Kadikoy, on the Asian side of the city. Walk the streets of the Kadikoy Bazaar, a lively, open-air market in Istanbul’s Asian side that blends tradition with modern flair. It offers fresh produce, seafood, spices, antiques, and artisan goods. Locals flock here for its authentic atmosphere, street food, and eclectic shops, making it a cultural and culinary hub of everyday Istanbul life.
Lunch:
Lunch at a well known restaurant specializing in culinary delights of Anatolia
Afternoon:
After lunch, take the ferry back to the European side and enjoy a walk in Balat and Fener districts. Balat and Fener are two of Istanbul’s most atmospheric neighborhoods, nestled along the Golden Horn. Once home to Jewish and Greek Orthodox communities, they brim with colorful Ottoman-era houses, historic churches, and synagogues. Narrow cobbled streets wind past vintage shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. The area reflects the city’s multicultural past and creative revival, making it a favorite for photographers and history lovers alike. Balat and Fener offer a soulful blend of heritage and bohemian charm.
Dinner:
Dinner at the hotel restaurant
Breakfast:
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:
Transfer to Istanbul airport for flights home.
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