4 Day Istanbul Study Trip Itinerary: Explore History, Culture & Academic Heritage

(Lunch & Dinner included)

Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen (SAW), you will be greeted by your TravelShopBooking representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

13:00 Hotel Pick-Up – Begin your first journey through Istanbul’s Old City.

Highlights of the Day:

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque – A timeless icon of Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) – Famous for its blue İznik tiles and six elegant minarets.

Basilica Cistern – Discover the underground reservoir with its legendary Medusa heads.

Lunch Break at a traditional restaurant, tasting authentic Turkish dishes.

Evening Welcome Dinner & Orientation – Enjoy a warm introduction to Istanbul’s history and culture.

After dinner, return transfer to your hotel . Overnight in Istanbul

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

08:30 Hotel Pick-Up after breakfast.

Morning Visits:

Topkapi Palace – Walk through the opulent halls of the Ottoman sultans, including the Harem and Imperial Treasury.

Hagia Irene Church – The first church built in Constantinople, now a unique museum.

Lunch Break – Enjoy Turkish street flavors such as Simit, Döner, or Pide.

Afternoon Exploration:

Grand Bazaar – Wander through over 4,000 shops of carpets, jewelry, and ceramics.

Spice Bazaar – Breathe in the aromas of saffron, Turkish coffee, and local delights.

Evening Program:

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise – Sail between Europe & Asia, passing Dolmabahce Palace, Maiden’s Tower, and Ottoman mansions.

Tea, coffee, and Turkish sweets served onboard.

After the cruise, return transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul

Please Note: Hagia Sophia is closed on mondays, Topkapi Palace closed on tuesdays, Grand Bazaar closed on sundays. If your tour is on one of these days we would offer you to visit Underground Cistern instead of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi palace museum, instead of Grand Baazar you will visit Spice Bazaar

(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

08:30 Hotel Pick-Up after breakfast.

Morning Program:

Visit Bogazici University or Istanbul University.

Guest Lecture by a Professor on Ottoman & Byzantine History, International Relations, or Turkish Arts.

Student Meet-Up – Share experiences with local students and gain cultural insights.

Lunch Break at a student café – Try Manti (Turkish dumplings) & Lahmacun (flatbread).

Afternoon Visits:

Istanbul Archaeology Museums – Marvel at artifacts from Troy, Mesopotamia, and the Hittites.

Museum of Islamic Art – Discover Ottoman calligraphy, manuscripts, and ceramics.

Evening Cultural Experience:

Calligraphy & Ebru (Water Marbling) Workshop – Learn Ottoman art techniques.

Optional: Turkish Night Show with folk dances, live music, and belly dance.

After the program, return transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul

(Breakfast included)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning free for last-minute shopping at the Egyptian Bazaar or Arasta Bazaar.

Optional visit to the Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts.

Private airport transfer to IST or SAW for your departure flight.

Farewell Gift: Each participant receives a Turkish souvenir to remember the trip.