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With one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, Istanbul is truly a crossroads of ideas and cultures. Having served as the capital of three universal empires at borders joining two continents, Istanbul mixes influences and traditions from East to West. Discover Istanbul and live through ancient history by visiting the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empire. Here lie natural treasures combined with timeless artifacts form an amazing landscape. Start your tour with Byzantine architecture and visit St. Sophia Church, the pride and glory of the empire. Continue your tour with the famous Blue Mosque, recognized for its unique blue shaded tiles and design. After a short history lesson, visit the impressive Byzantine Hippodrome and the famous Bazaar of over 4000 shops. One of the tour attractions is Topkapi Palace, the former residence of sultans. Drive through the Intercontinental Suspension Bridge and see the Asian side of Istanbul. During the group tour visit Beylerbeyi Palace, the white marble summer residence of Ottoman Sultans. After lunch enjoy a cruise by boat on Bosphorus, the strait that separates two continents.
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Activities |
Hotel |
Day 1
Istanbul
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- Istanbul: Transfer - Private - Airport (with Assistant) - Vehicle/Assistant/Driver
- Kensington Cares - 1
- Welcome Package
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Antik (3*) (B)
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Day 2
Istanbul
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- Shared - St. Sophia Church, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar Tour (with Lunch) - Coach/Guide
- Dinner (not included)
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Antik (3*) (B)
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Day 3
Istanbul
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- Shared - Bosphorus Tour & Cruise (with Lunch) - Coach/Guide
- Dinner (not included)
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Antik (3*) (B)
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Day 4
Istanbul
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- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
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Depart (B)
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| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
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Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.
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Itinerary
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Day 1
Istanbul Istanbul (Byzantium, and later Constantinople) is the world's 3rd largest city and Turkey's cultural and financial center. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, and is therefore the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. In its long history, Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. Enjoy a private airport transfer today with a car/driver and airport assistant. Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, plane tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip. A theme hotel, the Antik (4*) features four floors each representing a different period of Istanbul's history. Each floor of the hotel carries a name of the city as it was known at different times throughout the ages. Floors and rooms were designed to reflect the culture and art of their named civilization while providing all modern ammenities expected of a fine hotel. Overnight at Antik (3*). |
Istanbul |
Kensington Cares |
The Antik Hotel in Istanbul |
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Day 2
Istanbul Enjoy a full day tour of Istanbul with other travellers and see the most important sights. Visit the St. Sophia Church, the pride and glory of the Byzantine architecture (excluding the Gallery floor); the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles; Byzantine Hippodrome, where once chariot races were held; and the Grand Bazaar, world’s largest covered bazaar with 4000 shops. After lunch (included in the tour price) visit Topkapi Palace, the famous residence of the Sultans (The Harem section is not included in the tour). The tour ends at your hotel. Overnight at Antik (3*). |
Hagia Sophia |
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Day 3
Istanbul Enjoy a full day tour in a group setting. The guide will pick you up from your hotel. In the morning a visit to the Spice Market, where locals still shop for herbs and spices coming from all over the world. Cross the Bosphorus by driving through the Intercontinental Suspension Bridge to go over the Asian side of Istanbul. Visit Beylerbeyi Palace, the white marble summer residence of Ottoman Sultans, used in the 19th century. After lunch, enjoy a cruise by boat on the Bosphorus, the unique winding strait separating two continents. (order of visits can change) Overnight at Antik (3*). |
Istanbul Skyline and Bosphorus View |
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Day 4
Istanbul Airport transfer with your private car and driver. Depart from Istanbul airport - end of itinerary. Overnight at Depart. |
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Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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'98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'
