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Turkey

Signature City Istanbul

Program No. 18720RJ
From Byzantine art to ancient Greek architecture, from medieval knights to Ottoman sultans, discover the many wonders of Istanbul as you explore 17 centuries of history with scholars.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Program
At a Glance
Duration
8 days
Program Begins
Istanbul
Program Concludes
Istanbul
Meals
15 ( 6B, 5L, 4D )
Activity Level
Istanbul is the only place on earth where you can experience two continents, 17 centuries and the customs of dozens of ethnic groups within the confines of a single city. Discover the magical and legendary in Istanbul through presentations on Byzantine history and art, Ottoman architecture and the evolution of the bazaars, along with visits to its great monuments: Hagia Sophia — the grand former cathedral of the Byzantine Empire — the Roman Hippodrome and Topkapi Palace, seat of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Further immerse yourself in history and cultural grandeur as you spend six nights at the elegant Pera Palace Hotel, an accommodation for passengers on the Orient Express and iconic figures such as Agatha Christie, Queen Elizabeth and Ernest Hemingway.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Visit and learn about the world-famous Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
  • Enjoy a private study cruise on the Bosphorus and marvel at the waterfront palaces, mansions and fortresses.
  • Experience the grand property of the Pera Palace Hotel, whose history goes back to the reigns of the Ottoman sultans.
General Notes
Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
Profile Image
Zeynep Kuban
Dr. Zeynep Kuban is an assistant professor of architecture at Istanbul Technical University, one of the most prominent educational institutions in Turkey. Her special area of interest is architectural history. Dr. Kuban’s lectures to Road Scholar participants share her wonderful insights on the creation of one of the world’s most architecturally fascinating cities from early Roman times to the 21st century.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Vehbi Baysan
Vehbi Baysan
Vehbi Baysan earned a Ph.D. in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Manchester — Institute of Science and Technology in 2004. An instructor at Koc University from 2004-06, he is now director of the international office and a lecturer at Yeditepe University. Dr. Baysan has been teaching courses on contemporary Middle East and late-Ottoman history.
Profile Image of Aysegul Vaizoglu
Aysegul Vaizoglu
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 Mahir Pasha
Mahir Ali Pasha
Mahir has been a certified group leader for over 25 years, and is also an English and tourism administration teacher at the university level. He has degrees in tourism management and teaching. He loves to walk, exercise and watch basketball; he coaches for his son's basketball team.
Profile Image of Kazim Uzunoglu
Kazim Uzunoglu
Kazim Uzunoglu started his travel career as a licensed national guide in Turkey in 1987. He studied economics at the University of Virginia but decided to stick to the travel business. After many years of leading educational programs around Turkey, he switched to the organizational side of the operation in 2004 and started running Baltac Tourism and Travel, the program provider for Road Scholar in Turkey. His hobbies include riding motorcycles around the world, vintage cars and motorcycles, photography, and rock and roll music.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to four hours on crowded city streets and bazaars. Stairs in some buildings and on motorcoaches.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (12 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.






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