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.
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.
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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
8 days
7 nights
What's Included
15 meals (
6B, 5L, 4D
)
3 expert-led lectures
17 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Activity Note
Transatlantic flights, possible changing of flights at various airports and walking between terminals during connections.
Day
2
Arrive Istanbul, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Istanbul
Meals:
D
Stay:
Pera Palace Hotel
Activity Note
Extended amounts of walking on arrival at Istanbul Airport. If entitled to a transfer, walk to Gate #14 after clearing passport control and customs to find your greeter. Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Please remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
After arriving at the hotel, checking in, and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation meeting. Orientation: 6:00 p.m. In our meeting room at the hotel, the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. The Group Leaders for our Road Scholar programs in Turkey serve as Study Leaders as well as managers of logistics. They are licensed and certified by the Ministry of Tourism for proficiency in Turkish history, culture, archeology, mythology, current affairs, and more. In addition to lectures and field trips, they will often give presentations on topics such as these during long transfers. Program-related travel and transfers will be via comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz buses. Meals will generally offer foods representative of their regions. Depending on the accommodations, some will be multi-course plated meals while others will be buffets with numerous choices. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the Agatha Restaurant located on Level -1 at the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Architecture, Hagia Sophia, Underground Cisterns, Hippodrome
Location:
Istanbul
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Pera Palace Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 6 miles, under 1 hour total riding time. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day and standing during field trips; cobblestone streets, two flights of stairs in/out of Underground Cisterns. At mosques, all participants will need to take off shoes; ladies will need to cover heads with a headscarf.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will be joined by a professor from the Istanbul Technical University School of Architecture who will give us a presentation on urban development of Istanbul from an architectural perspective. After the lecture, we will board the bus and ride to the old city, then set out on a walking field trip to explore extraordinary Hagia Sophia, once the greatest church in Byzantium and a great mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. We will learn from our Group Leader about the unique architecture as we stand in awe at its size and dazzling beauty. Hagia Sophia in Istanbul symbolizes the fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Built in 537 under Emperor Justinian, it was the world’s largest cathedral for centuries, later converted into a mosque after 1453. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, embodying religious, political, and architectural significance.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in the old city.
Afternoon:
Next, with our Group Leader, we will explore the Underground Cisterns built in 532 by Emperor Justinian to provide water for the city. The cistern was built using 336 recycled columns and could hold up to 100,000 tons of water. Constructed in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I, the Basilica Cistern was designed to supply water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and nearby buildings. It represents one of the most advanced water management systems of the Byzantine Empire, showcasing strategic planning and architectural sophistication. We will also walk through the remains of the ancient Hippodrome and learn about the existing monuments from Byzantine times including the obelisk brought from Egypt and the Serpentine Column brought from the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. The Hippodrome was not just an arena—it was the beating heart of Byzantine Constantinople, where politics, sport, ceremony, and culture converged. Today, its surviving monuments remind us of Istanbul’s role as a crossroads of civilizations. We’ll ride back to the hotel after our field trips.
Dinner:
At a restaurant in walking distance from the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Great Architect Sinan, Istanbul Mosques, Whirling Dervishes
Location:
Istanbul
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Pera Palace Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 10 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time on the motorcoach. Walking about 3 miles throughout the day and standing during field trips; cobblestone streets. At mosques, all participants will need to take off shoes, ladies will need to cover heads with a headscarf.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Mimar Sinan (c. 1488-1588) is regarded as the greatest architect of the Ottoman Empire. He is credited as chief architect of hundreds of mosques, madrasahs, baths, tombs, palaces, bridges, and more. His career spanned nearly 50 years, during which he oversaw the construction of hundreds of structures—mosques, bridges, palaces, madrasahs, and baths. Sinan’s vision established a new architectural tradition, blending Byzantine influences (like Hagia Sophia) with Islamic aesthetics, symmetry, and engineering innovation. We will ride to an unloading zone and begin our field trip to explore Suleymaniye Mosque, built by Sinan for the sultan known as Suleiman the Magnificent. It is regarded as Sinan’s “apprenticeship work” and is a monumental complex with mosque, hospital, library, and soup kitchen. Its vast dome and harmonious proportions symbolize imperial grandeur.. For our next field trip, we will go to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known worldwide as the Blue Mosque for its exquisite Iznik tiles. Inaugurated in 1617, this spacious mosque has dominated the Istanbul skyline for 400 years. It remains an active mosque, blending religious devotion with monumental statecraft, embodying the Ottoman Empire’s grandeur at its height. It represents the fusion of faith and artistry, where Islamic spirituality meets Ottoman aesthetics.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in the old city.
Afternoon:
We will continue to explore some of Istanbul’s most notable mosques. The lovely Rustem Pasha Mosque, often described as a miniature Blue Mosque, was designed by Sinan who passed away before it was completed in 1563. It was commissioned by Rustem Pasha, the Grand Vizier and son-in-law of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Though smaller than Sinan’s monumental mosques, it reflects his mastery of proportion, harmony, and urban integration. The mosque is world-famous for its extraordinary Iznik tiles, covering walls, columns, and mihrab with intricate floral and geometric patterns in vivid blues, reds, and greens. It represents the peak of Ottoman decorative arts, turning a place of worship into a jewel-like sanctuary.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
We will ride to attend a “whirling dervish” ceremony and learn about Sufism.
Day
5
Topkapi Palace, Harem and Lecture on Contemporary Turkey
Location:
Istanbul
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Pera Palace Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 6 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day and standing for extended periods (up to 90 minutes in total) during field trips; generally even terrain, occasional stairs in palace.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Led by our Group Leader, we will begin our day with a field trip by bus to the Topkapi Palace, one of the most important symbols of Ottoman imperial power, culture, and governance, serving as the political and ceremonial heart of the empire for nearly 400 years. It served as the primary residence of Ottoman sultans and the administrative center of the empire until the 19th century. Decisions shaping the empire’s destiny—from military campaigns to diplomatic relations—were made here. We will also visit the Harem which symbolized dynastic continuity, where the sultan’s family lived under strict hierarchy and tradition. Topkapi contains exquisite examples of Ottoman architecture, calligraphy, tilework, and decorative arts. Its collections include priceless treasures: the Topkapi Dagger, the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, and sacred Islamic relics such as the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak and sword. The palace complex integrates mosques, kitchens, libraries, and gardens, reflecting the empire’s holistic vision of governance, faith, and daily life.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will return to the hotel to attend a lecture on Contemporary Turkey given by a professor from a local university. Rest of the afternoon and the evening free on your own at lesiure.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
On your own at leisure or to discover the lively neighborhood around the hotel
Day
6
Dolmabahce Palace, Modern Art Museum, City Walls, Fener
Location:
Istanbul
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Pera Palace Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 15 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking about 3 miles throughout the day and standing during field trips; generally even terrain, occasional stairs. At mosques, all participants will need to take off shoes, ladies will need to cover heads with a headscarf.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we will start our day with a visit to the Dolmabahce Palace, the second palace of the Ottoman Sultans in Istanbul. Dolmabahçe Palace is a symbol of Ottoman modernization, European influence, and imperial grandeur, marking the empire’s transition into the modern age. It reflects the Ottoman Empire’s desire to embrace Western architectural styles while maintaining traditional Ottoman elements. The palace was the administrative center of the empire until the early 20th century and later hosted the founding father of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who spent his final days here in 1938. Next, we will visit the Modern Art Museum, located on the Bosphorus waterfront at the new cruise ship terminal. This new museum is significant as Turkey’s first museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art, symbolizing the country’s cultural transformation and its dialogue with global artistic movements. The museum’s design itself is a statement of modernity, blending cutting-edge architecture with Istanbul’s historic skyline. Its collections include Turkish modern art from the 20th century, contemporary works, photography, and international exhibitions, creating a dialogue between local and global art scenes.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in the old city.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will set out on the bus for a field trip to the city walls. We will walk a short distance along these walls and learn about the conquest/fall of the city in 1453. The city walls of Constantinople are among the most remarkable defensive structures in world history, symbolizing resilience, imperial power, and the city’s strategic importance. The walls only fell in 1453, when the Ottomans under Sultan Mehmed II used gunpowder artillery to breach them, marking the end of Byzantium and the rise of Ottoman Istanbul. With our Group Loader, we will then move on to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George. The Patriarchate is the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, currently considered the spiritual leader of over 300 million Orthodox Christians globally. It plays a vital role in preserving Orthodox traditions, liturgy, and theology, while also fostering dialogue with other Christian denominations and world religions. It is active in interfaith dialogue, environmental advocacy, and global peace initiatives, often referred to as the “Green Patriarchate” for its ecological leadership. Later on in the afternoon, we will enjoy a neighborhood walk in the Balat and Fener districts that were once the Jewish and Greek quarters of Constantinople. These neighborhoods still retain their colorful and diverse character and symbolize multicultural coexistence, resilience through centuries of change, and Istanbul’s layered identity. They remind visitors that Istanbul is not only about monumental palaces and mosques but also about living communities shaped by diversity.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy the cuisine of your choice. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus Study Cruise
Location:
Istanbul
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Pera Palace Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a privately chartered boat requiring going up/down a few steps and taking care embarking and disembarking. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; generally even terrain. Crowded conditions, especially at bazaars. Steep flight of stairs to reach the lunch restaurant located on the first floor of the Spice Bazaar.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will take the bus to the amazing Grand Bazaar and stroll with the Group Leader through its maze-like streets dating back to the 15th century. There are now about 4,000 small shops and vendors for all kinds of crafts, textiles, handmade arts, and jewelry. Its labyrinthine design, domes, and ornate gates embody Ottoman urban planning and architectural style. Beyond commerce, it served as a social and cultural meeting point, where merchants, travelers, and locals mingled. There will be an opportunity to attend a lecture by an expert instructor on the history of handmade Turkish carpets and kilims.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in the Spice Bazaar.
Afternoon:
Next, with the Group Leader, we will explore the Spice Bazaar, constructed in 1663 and second in fame only to the Grand Bazaar. Traditionally famous for spices, herbs, teas, dried fruits, and medicinal plants, it supplied households and kitchens across the empire. It also sold gold, jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs, reflecting Istanbul’s diverse economy. The bazaar embodies the sensory richness of Ottoman culture, with aromas, colors, and flavors creating a unique atmosphere. We will end the day with a study cruise on the Bosphorus, the natural waterway that separates Istanbul, linking the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. We will see opulent palaces, mansions, ancient fortresses, and modern suspension bridges. The Bosphorus is significant as a strategic waterway, cultural icon, and symbol of Istanbul’s transcontinental identity. It embodies the city’s role as a meeting point of empires, trade, and traditions, while continuing to shape its modern life and global importance.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
8
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Location:
Istanbul
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to Like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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