Holidays in Istanbul

Discover how old meets new in Istanbul on this tour of the city’s four ‘must-see’ historic sights. Take in the iconic Sultan Ahmet, or Blue Mosque, a stunning feat of Ottoman architecture. Then visit the 6th-century Hagia Sophia, once one of the world’s largest Christian basilicas and now a magnificent museum. Marvel at the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapi Palace, before perusing the thousands of shops forming the legendary Grand Bazaar – one of the world’s largest covered markets.

Dramatic floodlit mosques and bejewelled belly dancers are the dazzling sights that await on this memorable Istanbul by night experience. On your evening out in Istanbul, you will be picked up from your hotel and privately transferred to a first-class restaurant for dinner. Your sumptuous four-course meal includes a Turkish dessert, before shimmying belly dancers and an Anatolian cultural folklore group perform for your entertainment.

Breathe in the intoxicating aroma of spices and herbs in the Egyptian Bazaar, then take an invigorating cruise on the Bosphorus for outstanding views of amazing Istanbul. Your adventure begins with a visit to the 17th century Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most vibrant and atmospheric attractions. Then board your boat for a captivating cruise on the Bosphorus, taking in stunning Istanbul sights. You’ll sail past the famous Dolmabahce Palace and 15th-century Rumelihisar Fortress, along with magnificent mosques and mansions.

The only city in the world with a foot in both Europe and Asia, uniting both eastern and western cultures – Istanbul is truly unique. The former capital of Turkey is a treasure trove of relics from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, merged with a buzzing modern metropolis. Enjoy fantastic views of the city from the top of a double decker bus on this guided tour, and hop on and off at selected stops en route.

Visit ANZAC Cove, the site of the bloody First World War battle between Allied and Turkish troops, on this moving day trip from Istanbul to Gallipoli. Thousands of soldiers tragically perished during the infamous Gallipoli campaign of 1915. See the Turkish and Allied trenches at Johnstone’s Jolly, then the memorial at Chunuk Bair, site of one of New Zealand’s epic stands on the Gallipoli peninsula. There will also be a visit to the poignant Lone Pine Cemetery and Memorial.