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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At a Glance

Delve deeper into the ancient and contemporary cultures of Turkey. From the Istanbul Archaeology Museum and the lavish Dolmabahce Palace to Istanbul’s Modern Art Museum and bustling squares — experts immerse you in the real Istanbul, bringing to life the city’s heritage of cultural fusion.

Program Extension

To take this extension, enroll in this main program first.

The Best of Turkey: A Journey by Land and Gulet

Go off the beaten path as you explore the Turkey seldom seen by tourists. From a private Sufi and Zikr ritual to expert-led walks and sailing excursions, this adventure has it all.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to one mile a day; some uneven terrain.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Marvel at the exquisite Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great and Sarcophagus of the Mourning Women at the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.
  • Visit the Dolmabahce Palace, the second palace of the Ottoman Sultans built in mid-19th century.
  • Gain an insight into Turkey’s contemporary art scene at the Istanbul Modern Art Museum.

General Notes

This program may only be taken as an extension of "From Legends to History: Turkey's Legacy of Civilizations and Culture" (#12828). Because of the special nature of this program, we request that you call us to enroll. Please call toll free at (800) 454-5768, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Sami Ozcini
Sami Ozcini has shared his love for Turkey — and his home city of Istanbul — with Road Scholar participants for more than 12 years. His on-site lectures bring a different perspective to understanding and appreciating the rich history and legacy of Istanbul. A graduate of Marmara University, Sami has a degree in English literature and enjoys traveling throughout Europe, Australia and the U.S. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and acting as a referee for amateur football games in Istanbul.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Sami Ozcini
Sami Ozcini View biography
Sami Ozcini has shared his love for Turkey — and his home city of Istanbul — with Road Scholar participants for more than 12 years. His on-site lectures bring a different perspective to understanding and appreciating the rich history and legacy of Istanbul. A graduate of Marmara University, Sami has a degree in English literature and enjoys traveling throughout Europe, Australia and the U.S. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and acting as a referee for amateur football games in Istanbul.
Profile Image of Yasemin Akhun
Yasemin Akhun View biography
“Seeing people gradually becoming good friends with each other and myself is the best part of being a Road Scholar Group Leader,’’ says Yasemin Akhun. Since 1998, Yasemin has been leading educational adventures in Turkey, introducing lifelong learners to archaeology, music and local culture. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, tasting and cooking food from different cultures, and listening to Turkish classical music.
Profile Image of Senol Ogru
Senol Ogru View biography
Senol Ogru enjoys sharing the cultural treasures of Turkey with lifelong learners from around the world. After studying English language and literature at Istanbul University, he became a licensed excursion leader in 1992 and began to lead archaeological and historical walks. He has been sharing his expertise with Road Scholar participants since 1997, and in his free time enjoys photography, cinema and music.
Profile Image of Aysegul Vaizoglu
Aysegul Vaizoglu View biography
Born in Istanbul, Aysegul Vaizoglu left a successful career in the export business to pursue her interests in travel, archaeology and her “urge” to work outdoors. With a proficiency in English and German, she began leading educational excursions for visitors around the world, and enjoys sharing the treasures of Turkey with others. Aysegul has degrees in business administration from Bosphorus University in Istanbul and Michigan State University. In her free time, she enjoys Cuban-style salsa dancing.
Profile Image of Yunus Ozdemir
Yunus Ozdemir View biography
Yunus Ozdemir was born in 1978 in a small town on the Aegean coast of Turkey. He graduated from Akdeniz University in 2005 and holds a degree in classic archeology. He then went on to complete his master's degree in cultural heritage and management. Yunus has been actively leading educational travel groups since 2005. His special interest is hiking, and he is one of the creators of the Carian Trail, a 100-mile long scenic hiking route in southwestern Turkey.
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.
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4 days
3 nights
8 meals
4 B 3 L 1 D
DAY
1
Archaeological Museum, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
Istanbul
B,L,D
Armada Hotel Istanbul

Activity note: Walking up to 3 miles on cobblestone streets in the old city of Istanbul

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Following breakfast, meet with your guide to embark on your guided day of touring. Start the day by visiting the Archeological Museums of Istanbul that houses some magnificent artifacts, especially the exquisite Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great and Sarcophagus of the Mourning Women. Also located in the same complex, you will also visit the Museum of the Ancient Orient to see some artifacts from the ancient Mesopotamian, Hittite and Egyptian periods.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restuarant.

Afternoon: After lunch, continue on to visit the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, displaying the most exquisite examples of early Turkish and Islamic pottery, carpets, calligraphy, stonework and textiles. Visit the seldom visited yet stunningly beautiful Sokullu Mosque and return to the hotel in late afternoon. Dinner at the hotel.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Free evening

DAY
2
Dolmabahce Palace, Grand Palace of Ottoman Sultans
Istanbul
B,L
Armada Hotel Istanbul

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles and climbing a few flight of stairs at the Palace

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. Visiting this Palace will provide a better insight to the socio-economic and cultural changes that the Ottoman Empire was going through in 19th century.

Lunch: Lunch in Ortakoy at a local gozleme restaurant

Afternoon: After visiting the Palace, you will drive to Ortakoy, a charming district on the Bosphorus frequented by young people and artists. After strolling through this colorful seaside district, drive to the Galata Tower, to catch a glimpse of the old city from the top of this 14th century tower. Rest of the day free on your own.

Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore local fare.

DAY
3
Modern Art Museum, Ferry to Kadikoy
Istanbul
B,L
Armada Hotel Istanbul

Activity note: Walking up to 3 miles on cobblestone streets in the busy streets of Kadikoy bazaar

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Start the day with a visit to the Modern Art Museum of Istanbul, to gain an insight to the modern art scene in contemporary Turkey. Here you will see the evolution of Turkish modern art starting with the later periods of the Ottoman period, all the way to our time. Rest of the day free on your own.

Lunch: Lunch at a well known restaurant specializing in culinary delights of Anatolia

Afternoon: Take the local commuter ferry and cross the Bosphorus to Kadikoy. Walk around the lively bazaar of this neighborhood and get a sense of life on the Asian side of the city. Take the ferry back to the old city. Rest of the day free on your own.

Dinner: Dinner on your own.

DAY
4
Program Concludes
Istanbul
B

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Transfer to Istanbul airport for flights home.






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