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The Best Hotels in Istanbul

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Astride the glittering Bosphorus, Istanbul is the hotspot where worlds, cultures, religions, and empires collide. A unique fusion of East and West, ancient and modern, grit and grandeur. Old bohemian neighborhoods thrum with new-wave chefs and contemporary artists. Exquisitely restored Ottoman palaces and mansions now house an abundance of top-drawer hotels—some all faded grandeur from a former heyday, others highly polished with next-level spas and rooftop pool terraces, where sundowner DJ sets float over the call of the muezzin from minarets haloed at golden hour. For the latest spots worthy of a stay, consult Traveler 's edit of the best hotels in Istanbul.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

The Peninsula Istanbul Arrow

A 2024 Hot List hotel

Life in this city revolves around the Bosphorus, so naturally the hotel scene does too. Already, the Peninsula in the three-year-old mixed-use Galataport cruise terminal has become one of Istanbul’s hot spots, thanks to the rooftop restaurant Gallada, overseen by Fatih Tutak— Turkey’s only chef with two Michelin stars. Architect Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu has transformed four adjoining buildings into a sleek mash-up of past and present: the massive Bauhaus-era Lobby restaurant was once the port’s passenger terminal, while a newly constructed wing is home to large light-filled suites overlooking the river. Each of the 177 rooms is filled with the usual hallmarks and comforts of a Peninsula—monochrome palettes, thick Tai Ping carpets, and state-of-the-art technology—but it’s the spa where the brand’s ethos shines brightest. There’s an 82-foot-long indoor swimming pool as well as eight treatment rooms and a gorgeous sauna. This is Istanbul, however, which means the spa reaches its pinnacle with a purpose-built hammam—a shimmering, marble-lined space to rival the most established baths in the city. — Lale Arikoglu

Çırağan Palace Kempinski Arrow

A 2024 Gold List hotel

There are certain hotels that look like they have been lifted straight from a film set, and this one, with its vast, marble-floored lobby, regal palm trees and flawlessly uniformed bellhops, has a serious Wes Anderson feel. Originally built by a 17th-century sultan, the Çirağan Palace Kempinski is an Ottoman-era imperial palace overlooking the glistening Bosphorus. Weave through winding corridors to delve into rooms complete with four-poster beds, tulip-patterned headboards, velvet armchairs, marble bathrooms and red-and-cream-striped wallpaper. The palace’s other areas are similarly decadent: there’s riverside fine dining with magnificent Turkish dishes at Tuğra, a centuries-old Ottoman arch and the original palace hammam , tucked away behind a large wooden door with floor-to-ceiling marble and ornate carvings. As well as being an imperial residence, the hotel also hosted parliamentary procedures, royal courts and beauty pageants, and even served as a playing field for the Beşiktaş football team. All in all, it’s a blissful, storied escape in the middle of one of the world’s most historical cities. — Lale Arikoglu

Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus Arrow

For timeless elegance

Time swallowed the remnants of an abandoned property only to be resurrected years later in summer 2021 by the same team behind Mandarin Oriental’s Bodrum outpost . Nestled in Beşiktaş, this shorefront urban retreat is surrounded by a protected forest and waterside residences where you’ll find fewer tourists and more locals out on morning jogs—offering a pitch-perfect balance of crowd-free, yet still close enough to the buzzy Old Town.

The 100 rooms, brilliantly concocted by Tihany Design, capture the essence of Istanbul : tulip-shaped tiles adorn the bathrooms, Ottoman çintamani emblems are in the mini bar and tree of life-inspired motifs plaster the walls. Wood coverings accompany the yacht-style interiors, subtly tying in with the ones floating by just outside your room. Eighty of the rooms, which are spread across three floors, have widescreen Bosphorus views, allowing you to sleep in Europe and wake up to Asia with minaret towers graciously standing by iconic landmarks.

The dining scene here is as much for locals as hotel guests, with options ranging from refined Italian to Asian-Italian fusion, and Cantonese cuisine joining later in mid-2023—all of which come with shorefront seats on the terrace where the lucky ones can spot dolphins swim by. The terrace also houses two pools, with the third one in the spa and wellness center below ground. Speaking of the spa, there are 14 treatment rooms including head-to-toe marbled hammams. The masseuses for your deep-tissues were trained from Turkey and Indonesia and the facials feature products from Barbara Sturm. There’s also a gym studio with enclosed yoga, cycle, and reformer pilates spaces.

Six Senses Kocatas Mansions Arrow

For the super-spa treatment

Sitting pretty beside the Bosphorus, Six Senses’ Istanbul outpost has been created from two refurbished Ottoman mansions in the leafy, prosperous Sariyer neighborhood, a private boat ride from the centre. It’s deliciously elegant: creamy as lor cheese, inside and out. Vast windows let in beams of light, illuminating the soaring spaces of pale marble, delicately paneled walls and intricate cornicing, and allow Bosphorus views from the big brass beds in the best of the 45 rooms and suites. The sprawling spa opened late last year on a hill above the hotel, and has sensational views across the strait. Appropriately, treatments include East-meets-West options such as the traditional hammam (a full-on scrub down from a local therapist) and the Alchemy Bar workshop (making your own products using organic ingredients from the garden). Indeed, Istanbul’s unique east-west offerings are in evidence everywhere, from the ingredients in the two restaurants (pan-Asian and Italian) in colorful dishes artfully presented, the cultural experiences recommended by insiders, and the community-focused initiatives run by the hotel’s Earth Lab, which runs educational eco workshops for guests.

Soho House Istanbul, Beyoğlu Arrow

For groovy grandeur

A 19th-century Italianate palazzo-turned-US Consulate lends itself perfectly to the Soho House aesthetic. When it opened, Soho House Istanbul was the group’s most ambitious yet, and for many, it’s still the most beautiful, with all the original detail preserved: painted and paneled-oak walls, frescoed and embellished ceilings, intricate Art Nouveau ironwork, and marble staircases the color of tobacco. It’s an altogether grand, grown-up backdrop for the group’s clubby decor—midcentury furniture, armchairs in leather, velvet and cane— mixed up with elements from the locale: antique Turkish rugs, and hammams in the spa. Up top, the palazzo sprouts a green crop of trees offering sun-dappled shade over Apheleia Terrace, its brand-new rooftop restaurant, where Mykonos chef Athinagoras Kostakis has devised a menu of punchy Mediterranean mezzes with a Mexican twist. Fittingly it’s bang in Beyoğlu, the bohemian neighborhood where Orhan Pamuk set his novels, vibrant with restaurants and bars, independent galleries and boutiques.

Sumahan on the Water Arrow

For an architectural fix

In this city of a thousand palace hotels, Sumahan is a fresh take on a luxury stay: a strongly contemporary architectural reimagining of an 1820s waterfront distillery, which once turned bargefuls of figs into suma, the spirit used to make raki. The property has belonged to the same family for generations, and early this century owner Nedret Butler and her husband Mark, both architects , oversaw its transformation into a sophisticated hotel, with some help from their designer daughters. As a result, there’s a personal, homely feel to the place. Thirteen light, lofty rooms and suites (some with private hamam) are pared back—to what feels like relative Scandi parity in this much-embellished city—and named after local neighborhoods, every one with a view of the Bosphorus, where dolphins can be spotted in early summer; in winter, real fires are lit in every room. In the riverside garden, Adirondack chairs are set in the shade of palms and fruit trees and pink oleander.

Pera Palace Hotel Arrow

For jazz-age glamour

Pera Palace is to Istanbul what The Savoy is to London—a grande dame of the Belle Epoque, favored haunt of old Hollywood, royals and literati whose high heels and polished correspondents have clicked, clacked, and Charlestoned across its checkerboard marble floors ever since it opened in 1895. Queen Elizabeth II, Greta Garbo, Jackie Onassis, and Mata Hari have all stayed, along with various emperors, kings, and shahs—and, it goes without saying, Ernest Hemingway . Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express in Room 411—and indeed the hotel was built to accommodate passengers of the iconic train at the end of their journey. Rooms are trad, polished, and much-beswagged, with views of the Golden Horn or of Pera, once known as Little Europe. Afternoon tea in the sugar-pink patisserie is more English than the Savoy itself.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet Arrow

For a historic stay

The Four Seasons has not one but two palatial properties in Istanbul , on either side of the Golden Horn. Take your pick—both are glorious, their settings knock-out. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, created out of an Ottoman Palace, does breezy waterside glam to a T, and in summer, it’s hard to imagine a lovelier place to be than its terrace, all red and white striped cabanas between the blues of pool and sea. Over in Istanbul’s ancient heart, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet has a weightier romance about it. The historic building was once a prison which housed the dissident literati in the Ottoman era; now highly polished and deeply luxurious, its arresting facade painted a happy yellow, it’s hard to imagine ever wanting to escape. Modern Anatolian dishes are beautifully presented in the jasmine-scented courtyard garden. Rooms are generous; kilims, neoclassical furniture, and woven Turkish textiles replace the usual 4S creamy-classic palette. Its neighbors are the Blue Mosque , Topkapi Palace , and Hagia Sophia, whose minarets and domes tower over the hotel as though keeping a saintly eye on the incumbents.

Raffles Istanbul, Besiktas Arrow

For contemporary luxury

What’s this? A five-star Istanbul hotel with not a jot of faded Ottoman splendor to be seen… Yet Raffles is Istanbul through and through—a new moneyed side to the city that’s all gilt glass and Gucci, set as it is within the Zorlu Center (a sort of Dubai -does-Westfield on a giant scale) on a hilltop in Besiktas. Overstated glamour is the name of the game here. Vast crystal chandeliers dominate its sparkly atria and gourmet restaurants. Swimming pools glitter inside and out—in the extensive spa and in Lounge 6, a summertime rooftop pool bar showcasing long-reaching views and the work of the world’s leading cosmetic surgeons. The Long Bar is a wine-red Turkish take on the Singapore original which, as well as the signature Sling, shakes up uniquely Istanbul concoctions (the bourbon, cumin, and baklava Topkapi Palace, for example). There are 181 contemporary rooms and penthouse suites stacked in high-rise towers (all with butler service), the best with views across the city to the strait beyond. Rest assured, the helipad is heated in winter.

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Istanbul Luxury Vacations

The geographical link between Europe and Asia since it was founded as Constantinople in 330 AD, Istanbul has been a thriving, urban centre for centuries. At once both cosmopolitan and historic, the city delivers a goldmine of architectural treasures and monuments by day, and incredible world-class restaurants and five-star hotels by night. Istanbul is the perfect place to explore before embarking on a cruise and the best city on both continents to experience a traditional hammam spa.

For a city of 15 million, Istanbul never seems as crowded as it should be. That said, its immensely important historic sites are visited by another 12 million each year. Built-in the 6th century, the Hagia Sophia Holy Grand Mosque is perhaps the most important religious structure of all time, the largest church in the world for more than 1,000 years. Of the many mosques, Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) is the most beautiful, a

marvel of Ottoman architecture. The treasury rooms at Topkapi Palace, home of Ottoman sultans between 1500 and 1850, present a feast of artifacts – including the 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond. Dolmabahçe Palace is filled with gold, chandeliers, candelabras, and baccarat crystal throughout its 265 rooms. Grandeur aside, the Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest covered markets in the world, dating from 1461, its 3,000 stalls famous for jewelry, carpets, leather, embroidery, spices, and antiques. And the Spice

Market near the ferry docks yields superb coffee and everything your spice cabinet may be missing. Luxury shopping awaits on the Asian side of town along Bagdat Avenue, where small boutiques mingle with both high-end and mid-range international retailers. Visitors can also experience the city’s opulence with a cruise on the celebrated Bosphorus Strait, whose banks are lined with multimillion-dollar historical mansions.

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• City + Weekend Breaks

Lux City Break: a weekend in Istanbul, Turkey

• FIRST POSTED: 28th November 2014 | LAST UPDATED: 18th January 2021
• 11 minute read

Thinking of booking an Istanbul city break?

Returning to Turkey for a luxury weekend in Istanbul was high on my list. It is a perfect city break destination, or the perfect base for a longer holiday in Turkey.

For those of you who know me well, it is no secret that in my previous life (as a marketing director for a multinational company), I had a bit of fun and many opportunities to enjoy an Istanbul city break.

How to get to Istanbul from London

We arrived at Ataturk Airport very late on a Thursday night (and a little hint, for those of you who also fly BA regularly – Istanbul counts as medium haul and you clock in 160 tier points in Club Europe for under £500). I had pre booked a driver with Blacklane as a) I had heard great things about them, b) getting a taxi at the airport is a nightmare and get ready for the mayhem of people everywhere and c) there was a huge price difference for the same standard of car if booked directly with the hotel (at least twice the price).

Arriving at Istanbul is always an interesting experience – and do not forget that you cannot buy your visa on arrival as before. Make sure you apply for an e-visa online as soon as you can – and do not leave it til the very last minute like I have on a recent trip to Gocek . This way, you will ensure that you will have a great Istanbul city break or holiday.

Istanbul City Break: Thursday Evening

On this very long weekend, which fell between the traditional definition of a city break or a real holiday in Istanbul, we were to be based at the Four Seasons Sultanahmet , but due to the hotel being busy, we agreed to move over to its new Bosphorus location on the 3rd and 4th nights. Originally a jail, it has been converted to a little haven of luxury, keeping very much in touch in terms of style and decor with its location. I have stayed at many Four Seasons – in Los Angeles , Miami  and London , just to name a few.

We got to our room past 1am and were planning to go straight to bed, but were surprised with the most delicious welcome amenity, which featured not only a model of Istanbul’s most iconic bridge, but it came with a lot of bites and Turkish wine, which was even better than I last remembered it. So it would be fair to say we slept very well at our lovely suite. You can read my review of the Four Seasons Istanbul at Sultanahmet here.

Istanbul City Break: Friday

After a little over 7 hours sleep (needs must) and a spectacular traditional Turkish breakfast at the hotel (where I discovered that the man I love the most in the world and have known for almost 10 years has an obsession with honeycomb, which I never knew), we were met at the hotel by the Luxury Istanbul team who were to be our guides for the following two days. I love being shown around not as part of a larger group, with our own driver and someone who knows the city very well. We also had Ugur, the founder of the company as a bonus for the morning, who had designed a special itinerary for us (based on the time we had available, our personal interests and the weather, as they would for any client).

The weather forecast was looking quite horrendous for the upcoming 3 days, and Ugur decided we should move things around. We were starting out day on our private Bosphorus cruise on a yacht as the sun was shining (and that was not to happen again during our stay). Hakan, our guide and a 2-man crew also joined us, and fair to say, we loved it.

We went all the way to the Bosphorus bridge and returned to the port, clocking in quite a few landmarks on the way. The boat was very comfortable and spacious, and would be perfect for a group of friends visiting the city.

Once we got back into the city, I had a special stop to make in Nisantaci – and that would be to visit the showroom of one of the country’s up and coming jewellery designers, the lovely Melie, who is one of the approved gold sellers of Love Gold , a global initiative run by the World Gold Council. This obviously meant a great excuse for shopping, and you can read all about it in this article .

By this time, we had the choice to stop for lunch, or take advantage of the time and hit one of Istanbul’s landmarks, Topkaki Palace – whilst the world had lunch. You know me and crowds, so it was a very obvious choice. Hakan had obviously organised our day, and had pre-bought the entrance tickets, which meant no queues (and believe me, there were quite a few). It was really nice to just take the time and walk around the palace, and get some interesting information about it, without it being too much, if you see what I mean. Hakan understood how much detail we wanted, and made the whole experience very enjoyable.

After the visit, we made a quick stop for lunch, to a very simple restaurant which Hakan loved and we had lovely food and recharged our phones, which was absolutely necessary at this stage. We carried on the sightseeing, and made our way to Hagia Sophia, which is a great architectural beauty and an important monument both for Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum, meaning it is open for visitors at all times, it is a must see for first time and seasoned visitors. It has been many years since we last visited and we were very keen to go back.

No rest for the wicked, and before we knew it, it was almost 5pm – so we asked our driver to drop us off by the Galata Tower (more or less), where we were to meet Murat Guneri, our Istanbul Flytographer .

We picked a nice bar to wait for Murat and kept our fingers crossed for the rain not to begin, and let’s put it this way: we were half successful.

A couple of months ago, I was at home and managed to watch a re-run of Anthony Bourdain’s trip to Istanbul – the food he was eating, and the places where he was eating it at, really made me book the tickets and return to the city. One of the things he did was to eat mussels (with a rice stuffing and lemon) on the street. I am not one for street food, and my mother would absolutely kill me if she knew I had warmish seafood from a random place (this will be a true test to see if she really reads this blog. Watch this space). But I tell you what, they were delicious and so was the pomegranate juice from another stall.

I vaguely remember the Galata area, and we picked it on purpose as we would not necessarily cover it during the rest of the weekend (one of the advantages of getting to know locals), and we enjoyed the narrow cobbled streets and very cool shops, which lived side by side with more traditional establishments. I have always found Istanbul very trendy (which surprised me on my first visit in 2007), and was glad to see the trend continuing.

Getting a taxi back to the hotel so we could change into dry clothes and get ready for dinner was nothing short of a miracle. Cities like Istanbul definitely need Uber coming in and putting things right. Because it was raining, we were asked for double the fare, but once we realised we were talking about £10, we just caved and got in.

Dinner took place at Hamdi , which is quite an Istanbul institution – not because it is fancy, but because it is as traditionally Turkish as you can get, plus the views. It was recommended by a colleague of Mr. O, and we were quite happy with the choice available. After watching Anthony Bourdain, I wanted some ‘real food’ one night, and some very fancy food the other night. Dinner for two with wine was around 80 Euros.

We made our way back to the hotel, and enjoyed a lovely evening at the bar, with a nice dirty martini and got some decent sleep that night. Because we really needed it!

Istanbul City Break: Saturday

By 10.30 am and after another epic breakfast, we were ready to meet Hakan again and we had one thing in mind: visit the Blue Mosque properly and hit the Grand Bazaar, two landmarks you need to visit on any Istanbul city break. We did drive to the Blue Mosque and attempted to walk around, but the rain was relentless. The queue to get in was also ridiculous so we decided to leave it until next time we got back to town.

There was only one thing to do: keep dry and we decided that the bazaars were just what we needed. We were driven to the Spice Bazaar, which is not too far from where we had dinner the previous night, and literally just walked around. Hakan helped us understand the types of spices and what not, and we also found some honeycomb (remember, my husband’s favourite thing in the world which he never mentioned).

Hakan was keen to do some shopping himself, so we walked with him to the vendor where he usually gets his spices from. We got a bit overexcited and bought some to bring home (vacuum packed of course, but now very difficult to guess which is which, and something I need to figure out soon as I really want to use them). We also got a whole Turkish delight experience and actually bought way too many to bring home with us. Word of advice, don’t buy the ones made with sugar. We went for the handmade type, made with honey and everything pistachio, and although they were 3 times the price of the regular stuff, it was absolutely worth the money.

We also ventured into the Grand Bazaar, literally just to walk around and get dry. There wasn’t much else we could do, and to be honest, it was fine by me. An Istanbul city break with some breaks, as they say.

We bought a couple of bowls and a scarf or two, but literally stayed away from the gold, as I had learned the day before that you really do not know what you are getting, so it is pretty much pointless. Having Hakan with us certainly made things easier and it was bittersweet to say goodbye to him at the end of the morning. We had a great time with him, thought the experience was outstanding, and were also very impressed with the driver service who was always waiting for us whenever we needed it. Very good coordination and I could not recommend  Luxury Istanbul  enough.

Before we knew it, and a bit later than usual due to the overload of Turkish delights (we did eat like 10 each, I kid you not, but purely in the name of research), we made our way back to the hotel, where we were to check out and hand the luggage to the hotel, who would transfer it over to the other Four Seasons. However, we had made lunch reservations at a fantastic fish restaurant nearby, and decided to travel with the luggage.

Lunch took place at Balakci Sabahattin , which was wonderful. We started with the meze, and even ordered the stuffing of the street mussels just to see what it was like. Yummy. The grilled red mullets were out of this world and I would certainly go back. Lunch for two with wine, around 120 Euros.

After lunch, we made our way to the Four Seasons Bosphorus , and offered a completely different experience – much more modern and with incredible views, but sadly, due to the rain, we could not enjoy most of what the hotel had to offer.

Our room, which was on the main palace building, was lovely, but we could hardly see the views as the rain did not stop.

We had the whole afternoon ahead, and there was only one thing that interested me: the spa. And not for a regular massage, I was really looking forward to be scrubbed within an inch of my life and lose several layers of skin. This is what happens when you have a traditional Hammam experience, a must on any Istanbul city break.

I had had a few before, and they are very interesting – a bit hurts, but the other bits do not hurt at all. The Four Seasons version of it, in outstanding facilities, was the best I ever had – it lasted 90 minutes and cost around £150 per person.

There is a lot of water involved, a lot of washing, moisturising and a bit of massaging too. It is a fantastic experience and for obvious reasons, I could not take my phone in with me.

We spent the whole afternoon at the spa, and after a stop at the hairdressers (located next to it, who blow dried my hair in 8 minutes), we got ready for dinner.

I have kept in touch over the years with many colleagues from around the world, and Ozge was my favourite person in Istanbul. We have kept in touch thanks to Facebook and seeing her again was certainly special.

Needless to say I had her pre-approve all my Istanbul choices as she did on every trip I took to the city. I knew dinner would be somewhere fab, and her choice, Vogue , obviously did not disappoint.

As the weather was so poor, and the place was quite lively, we ended up staying there all night as traffic was horrendous. Honestly, I did not want to go anywhere else, except to try the hotel bar once we headed back.

Istanbul City Break: Sunday

Our Sunday was short but very sweet. We had odd flight times, and we had to leave the hotel at around noon, in order to make it on time to the airport.

So we slept late, enjoyed another nutritious Turkish breakfast at the Four Seasons and just relaxed. We tried to walk outside but that proved a bit slippery, so we stayed in our room. And wondered what we could be doing if the sun was shinning, as this pool was calling my name.

But our  Blacklane  driver was also waiting for us, which meant we got to the airport in time.

Our Istanbul city break was nothing short of magic. It is a fantastic city, very pleasant to the eye but with serious traffic issues. Everything runs in some sort of organised chaos, and that gives it its charm. We look forward to returning again and not wait another 6 years.

Thinking of booking an Istanbul holiday? It is surely Mrs. O approved. And if you fancy a bit of beach, you will love Gocek .

Pin for later

Disclaimer and Fact Box: a huge thank you to Four Seasons , Luxury Istanbul ,  Blacklane Limousines  and  Flytographer , who have hosted us on this trip. We had a fantastic experience with all companies and if you read this blog regularly, you know Mrs. O never lies.

Sleep: a night at the  Four Seasons Sultanahmet  or the  Four Seasons Bosphorus  costs from €295, excluding breakfast.

See: a private yacht cruise on the Bosphorus costs from €249/hour (min. of 2 hours), but takes 12 passengers. See  Luxury Istanbul ‘s website for more details. A one-day private guided tour, with driver, costs from €115 per person per day (based on two sharing).

Remember: a photoshoot with Flytographer costs $250 for a 30-minute shoot and $350 for a one-hour shoot.

Arrive: a business class transfer from the airport to our hotel (assuming a BMW 5-series car), costs €65 each way with  Blacklane .

Lux City Break: a Weekend in Paris, France

• FIRST POSTED: 10th June 2014 | LAST UPDATED: 11th December 2020

• Hotel Reviews

My hOtel: Four Seasons Istanbul at Sultanahmet, Turkey

• FIRST POSTED: 6th February 2015 | LAST UPDATED: 18th January 2021

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Luxury Travel Blog

Ideas to inspire your world: luxury, culture, food, travel, style, april 7, 2021, top 10 favorite attractions and things to do in istanbul.

On the Bosphorus Strait at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, legendary Istanbul is one of our favorite cities. With layers of history and iconic sites, incredible art and design, sophisticated dining and shopping, and luxurious waterfront hotels, Istanbul is a highlight of our private Turkey tours and a destination we try to visit as often as possible. Here are some of our top favorite highlights.

Many of our travelers enjoy watching boats, seeing the nightly light shows that illuminate the Bosphorus Bridge, taking scenic strolls along the waterfront and walking the Galata Bridge across the Golden Horn.

For travelers wanting a waterside resort experience, several of our favorite Istanbul palace hotels are on the Bosphorus, including the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus and the legendary Ciragan Palace Hotel.

Destinations:   Europe , Turkey

Tags:   ancient , cruises , food tours , foodie , history , Istanbul , Istanbul food tours , Istanbul tours , luxury hotels , mosques , ruins , shopping tours , Turkey , Turkey tours , Turkish rugs

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A luxury guide to Istanbul: Where to stay, where to eat and what to see and do

Kris Griffiths explores Turkey’s cultural capital ahead of its hosting the UEFA Super Cup, and finds its sporting and historical heritage hard to surpass in this part of the world.

There are only a few cities on Earth that straddle two continents, and they’re mainly on the threshold of Europe and Asia. Istanbul – Turkey’s largest city – is probably the most famous example, as it transcends its exclusive geographical quirk by being a showcase for how two contrasting cultures – East and West – can mingle as one and flourish.

After touching down at the country’s newest (and swankiest) airport – literally called Istanbul New Airport – I had only a couple of days to experience the best of it, and experience it I truly did, in both its newest football stadium and in the historical showpieces throughout the rest of the city. It would start with the best of the latter.

A night at the museum – Hagia Sophia

After checking in at the five-star Marmara Taksim hotel  on Taksim Square, my first evening gave me the rare pleasure of a peaceful night tour of what is regarded not only the most spectacular religious building in the city but one of the most important monuments of ancient civilisation across the globe. Many call it the ‘Eighth Wonder’ of the world.

Hagia Sophia means ‘Divine Wisdom’ in Greek (not ‘Saint Sophia’ as is the common mistake), which elucidates its earliest identity as an Orthodox Christian church, built in 537 AD, before it became an Ottoman imperial mosque and finally the important museum it is today.

For anyone awed by cathedrals and major religious buildings, they really don’t come as unique and awe-inspiring as this hybrid edifice, which exhibits to this day both Christian iconography and Islamic features – truly one of a kind.

And to offset all the ancient wonder, there is also the resident Instagram-famous cat ‘Gli’ who lives within its walls and is often happy to emerge for a cameo appearance – Barack Obama notably meeting the celebrity feline during his visit in 2009.

Yachting the Bosphorus

There’s nothing quite like indulging your inner Roman Abramovich of another sunny morning, and with a range of cruise options to choose from here you really can – and should – see in your day (or wind it down at sunset) in true style.

The Bosphorus is the sea channel that naturally separates the two continents, Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea in the north with the Sea of Marmara to the south. A slow cruise of its waters is one of the best ways to see both sides of the city in its full glory, from the peaks of Sultanahmet’s tourist sites (incl Hagia Sophia) to the famous Ottoman waterfront mansions.

My sail is punctuated with a stop-off at Maiden’s Tower : the ancient lighthouse that guards the southern end of the strait, and offers even better panoramas from the top of its viewing platform.

Besiktas stadium

It makes sense that Turkey has always chosen to play its football in Europe at both domestic and international levels rather than in Asia, as the country – and Istanbul in particular – is football mad, and deserving of the higher level of competition Europe brings. Few global fans can forget Turkey’s reaching the semi-final of the 2002 World Cup – a benchmark they have striven to re-achieve ever since.

One area of the game in which they are world-beating is stadium design, with Besiktas’ new Vodafone Park – which will host the UEFA Super Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool on 14th August – leading the way on technological advances.

I visit its virtual reality section where a headset takes you on an imaginary rollercoaster around and over the stadium with 360-degree views of the surrounding city; then the sound-proof room where you can re-live the once record-breaking 142-decibel volume of the Besiktas crowd as recorded by Guinness World Records (louder than a fighter jet at takeoff!).

Finally, entering the hallowed pitch area and a section of the stands with seat-screens so you can rewatch goals and referee decisions as many times as you like – really highlights what top-level football stadia today should look like.

Walking tour of central Istanbul

As with most city centres around the world the best way to explore is by foot, and for anyone into street photography Istanbul is a fertile location on that front.

My tour memorably takes me from the busy streets around the 700-year-old Galata Tower , which dominates the skyline north of the Golden Horn harbour, to the more bohemian Balat: a gentrified district of cobbled streets and vividly-coloured houses, where hip new cafes and art galleries sit alongside old-school street grocers and bric-a-brac shops.

If people-watching is your thing, make sure to explore and hang out in the latter, and if you can brave the queues for the former, you’ll be rewarded with a superlative view of the city atop the tower (unfortunately didn’t have the time for it on this occasion!).

Bomontiada complex

For my Saturday evening entertainment I discover this remarkable social hub in the Bomonti neighbourhood on the European side of the city, sited in what used to be a beer factory.

With its central courtyard surrounded by bars and eateries, and filled during my visit with spectators watching a live musician on a stage setup to the rear, it looks and feels like somewhere straight out of Shoreditch in East London.

The drinking vibe here is relaxed and sociable, and I end up in a bar called ‘ Populist ’ where the DJ ramps things up with 80s and 90s pop classics while my group chat over cocktails and the local Efes beer, before eventually taking to the ‘dance floor’ which is basically everywhere between the tables!

Also loved the old Volkswagen van parked up inside as a quirky furnishing – really wasn’t expecting to find somewhere like this in Istanbul.

Topkapi Palace

The next day, feeling a bit worse for wear, it’s time to visit one of the city’s most visited historical attractions.

Built between 1472 and 1478, Topkapi was the home of the sultans and the centre of Ottoman power for 400 years, and remains the subject of more colourful stories than most museums in this part of the world put together.

A tour of the palace’s grand pavilions, opulent treasury and sprawling harem provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who lived here through centuries past, before the resident sultans and courtiers moved on to the more ostentatious European-style palaces built on the shores of the Bosphorus.

Another deluge of fantastic photo opportunities to be had throughout the complex, particularly on the balustraded terrace overlooking the blue strait.

Turkish cuisine

Based heavily on grilled meats and fish, alongside fresh vegetables, breads and dips, Turkey’s national cuisine is as nutritious as it is delicious, and you won’t find many better showcases for it than here in Istanbul.

My weekend embraced visits to Murver , a new restaurant on the top floor of the Novotel Bosphorus with another gorgeous view of the peninsula; then lunch at Sahrap , opened by the eponymous celebrity cook Sahrap Soysal in the upmarket Pera district; and finally Kilimanjaro in the trendy Bomontiada, housed atmospherically in an old beer factory building and overlooking the buzzy central courtyard. In each restaurant the food and wine (and beer in the latter) were flawless.

If anything attracts me back to the city to experience a longer stay, this memorably healthy cuisine would be near the top of the list, if not top!

As with Istanbul itself, it is that real sense of tradition and authenticity within a modern and liberal setting which is one of its biggest trump cards, and one that leaves you hankering for more.

Kris was a guest of the Turkish Culture & Tourism Board, flying with Turkish Airlines who run a daily service from Heathrow and Manchester to Istanbul New Airport; and stayed at the five-star Marmara Taksim hotel  on Taksim Square, with outdoor swimming pool and rooms overlooking the Istanbul cityscape, including Besiktas stadium and the Bosphorus. For further information on all aspects of visiting go to goturkeytourism.com or hometurkey.com/en

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Top 10: most luxurious hotels in Istanbul

Monday newsletters  always feature  top 10 travel lists  to inspire.

Today (September 21, 2015): Top 10 best luxury hotels in Istanbul.

A fusion of age-old glories and a cool, contemporary 21st-century culture, the magnificent metropolis of Istanbul is the only city on the planet to sit across two continents, Asia and Europe, with a narrow strait – the Bosphorus – in between them. It has been the capital of three great empires, the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and for more than 1,600 years over 120 emperors and sultans ruled the world from here. Today, it is Turkey’s cultural and financial epicenter. With its myriad of world-famous mosques, glorious palaces, exquisite museums and colorful eateries, it’s also very popular with tourists. Be inspired to travel Istanbul in style with my top 10 list of the most exclusive hotels in this fascinating city where East meets West.

There is more information below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite Istanbul hotel in the comments section , or take my  poll  below!

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10. W ISTANBUL

A proud blend of hip and historical, and a glittering tower amidst gilded domes and minarets, the W Istanbul is located in   the center of the historic Akaretler Row Houses, an upscale neighborhood filled with restaurants, cafes, and design & art galleries. The 140 guestrooms and suites of this Turkish design hotel were recently refurbished and carry the soul of both history and contemporary luxury, featuring Marmara marble, Ottoman patterns, and lighting to experiment along with your mood. Rooms and suites with gardens, terraces or cabanas are adorned with flat screen TVs, the signature W bed and stylish luxuries.  

• Hotel website :  W Istanbul

9. SUMAHAN ON THE WATER

Sumahan on the Water boutique hotel is situated in Çengelköy, on the waterfront of the Bosphorus on the Asian-side of the city. The 5 star hotel is a restored nineteenth century Ottoman distillery, where the high-proof ingredient was produced for Rakı, the famous Ottoman tipple. It’s a small luxury hotel that integrates high quality design with a respectful presence within its historical setting. In essence the Sumahan experience is about modern comfort in an ancient and spectacular context with a friendly and personal service. It is a contemporary architectural treasure, a heaven for escape and a gateway to Turkish culture.

• Hotel website :  Sumahan on the Water

8. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL ISTANBUL AT SULTANAHMET

In an ancient city bounded by the mystic waters of the Golden Horn, Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus, the Four Seasons Istanbul at Sultanahmet is housed in a century-old neoclassical Turkish prison with bold ochre-tinted walls. The hotel’s prime location means that it is just steps from Istanbul’s most important landmarks in Istanbul’s Old City, being the 6th-century St. Sophia, the 15th-century Topkapi Palace and the 17th-century Blue Mosque. The hotel’s 65 guest rooms and suites hint at their ancient (and infamous) past, all the while celebrating the rich culture of Turkey with faience tiles, Ottoman antiques, tapestries, and intricate carpets.

• Hotel website :  Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
• Tip : enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, fresh fruits, and $100 USD food and beverage credit).

7. SHANGRI-LA BOSPHORUS

The Shangri-La Istanbul is ideally located in the financial and entertainment district of Besiktas, between the Dolmabahce Palace and the Maritime Museum, boasting breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait. In all of the 186 spacious rooms and suites, the two restaurants and one bar, and the signature CHI Spa, you will find a tasteful combination of Asian-inspired elements (reflecting the brand’s roots) and Turkish luxury. All rooms come with complimentary high-speed Internet access and many provide exquisite views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait.

• Hotel website :  Shangri-La Bosphorus
• Tip : enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food and beverage credit).

6. SOHO HOUSE ISTANBUL

In 1873, Ignazio Corpi, a powerful Genoese shipbuilder in what was then known as the European quarter of Constantinople, commissioned a palatial residence bearing his family’s name. Following Iganzio’s death, it served as the U.S. embassy and residence, and then the US consulate general from 1937 to 2003. In 2014, Soho House began extensive restoration work on the Palazzo, returning it to its former glory. The building now functions as a private club and a 87 room hotel, with furnishings sourced from local artisans, the design bridges Eastern and Western styles. Don’t forget to visit the stunning rooftop pool!

• Hotel website :  Soho House Istanbul

5. CIRAGAN PALACE KEMPINSKI ISTANBUL

The numerous royals and heads of state staying at the Çırağan Palace are continuing a long tradition: in a previous life, this grandiose property on the European side of the Bosphorus was a residence for sultans. The regal feeling is most pronounced in the Palace suites, whose vaulted ceilings, elegant antiques and textiles evoke the opulence of the Ottoman Era. On-site dining options include Tugra, whose classic Turkish cuisine is considered among Istanbul’s finest. All restaurants and many rooms have sweeping views of the Turkish metropolis and stretch out across the Straits toward Asia.

• Hotel website :  Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
• Tip : enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and afternoon high tea service with one glass of Prosecco in Gazebo Lounge, once during stay ).

4. PARK HYATT ISTANBUL – MACKA PALAS

The luxury five-star Park Hyatt Istanbul Maçka Palas combines elegance with distinctive regional character and historic art deco architecture with innovative interior design. The five-star city centre hotel has 90 generously sized luxury rooms and suites that present traditional Turkish patterns and icons in contemporary scale and composition. The hotel is within walking distance of many upscale designers, fashion houses, as well as ultra-trendy bars and restaurants, making it an ideal location for leisure and business travellers.

• Hotel website :  Park Hyatt Istanbul – Macka Palas
• Tip : enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, local wine & fruit in room upon arrival, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, $100 USD food and beverage credit, and complimentary book of “Istanbul – City of Two Continents” by John Cleave).

3. RAFFLES ISTANBUL

A beacon above the Bosphorus and discretely positioned in the stunning Zorlu Center, the Raffles Istanbul mixes natural elements with angular architecture in a sublime combination of ancient and modern. The hotel’s 132 guest rooms and 49 suites are divided into eight categories, from Deluxe Rooms to the Raffles Suite. Every space provides sweeping, panoramic views across the city, airy interiors, and signature Raffles butler service. You can relax by the gorgeous indoor pool and dine on gastronomic delights at two signature restaurants, two bars and lounges, and a patisserie. It’s truly dramatic.

• Hotel website :  Raffles Istanbul
• Other accolades : Raffles Istanbul also features in my list of the  best new hotels of 2014 .

2. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL ISTANBUL AT THE BOSPHORUS

Located along the Bosphorus, in one of Istanbul’s most naturally beautiful neighbourhoods, the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosporus is a former 19th-century palace transformed into a hotel sanctuary of luxury and comfort. The 145 guest rooms and 25 suites are an airy fusion of traditional Ottoman architecture and contemporary furnishings. The pillared underground swimming hall (with classical music playing underwater) and hammam are not to be missed! Watching the sunset from the expansive white tile terrace or from the outdoor pool with a glass of wine is unforgettable.

• Hotel website :  Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bospohorus
• Other accolades : The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus also features in my top 10 lists of the  world’s most luxurious large city hotels , the world’s best urban resorts , and the best luxury hotels in Turkey .
• Review : read  here  my review of the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus.

1. ST REGIS ISTANBUL

Nestled in the heart of Nisantasi, the spectacular St. Regis Istanbul is surrounded by the exclusive district’s shops, dining, art, and entertainment. Mere steps away are such destinations as Macka Park, the convention center, the city center, and the Bosporus. The property has two signature restaurants: an intimate rooftop terrace venue and an eclectic French brasserie. The hotel’s 118 sumptuous accommodations – including 10 suites, one of them being designed by Bentley – boast a unique identity of discrete luxury, timeless elegance, and compelling grace. All guests enjoy the elevated level of bespoke service of the St. Regis Butler.

• Hotel website :  St Regis Istanbul
• Other accolades : St Regis Istanbul also features in my lists of the  most anticipated hotel openings of 2015 , the  most amazing city hotels in Europe , the best luxury hotels in Turkey  and  Europe’s best hotel rooftops .
• Review : read  here  my review of the St Regis Istanbul.

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• Mar 9, 2022

The Magic of Turkey: Istanbul Luxury Travel Guide

One of the most diverse and historically significant countries in the world, Turkey is a great cultural melting pot. Its unique geographical location allows you to experience the best that Europe and Asia have to offer. On this journey we take you first to Istanbul , once the center of Ottoman Empire and Turkey’s most populous city, then to the fairytale lands of Cappadocia and a final exploration of the city of Olympos , set in Turkey’s magnificent blue waters and also known as Turkish Riviera.

Words by Markin Abras (part 1 of 2)

Why turkey.

First of all, Turkey is home to eighteen World Heritage Sites, including sixteen cultural sites, making it one of the most historically significant countries in the world. Its rich history, combined with marvelous cuisine, modern infrastructure and cultural diversity, makes Turkey one of our top travel recommendations.

Istanbul sunset by Osman Koycu

Hagia Sophia Mosque by Halil Ibrahim Cetinkaya

Discover the remains of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires while enjoying the magnificent views of Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait. Get lost in the winding paths of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and travel back in time by experiencing the 1,500-year-old Hagia Sophia. Travel outside Istanbul and explore breathtaking landscapes, towering mountains, ancient sites, the crystal blue waters of the Aegean Ocean and a variety of rich cuisines and flavors.

WHEN TO VISIT

April through May and September through October have the best weather, with temperatures averaging 68°F to 86°F. The summer months, June through August, are hot and considered high season in Turkey as locals enjoy their summer holidays.

The Turkish Lira is the official currency of Turkey and all major credit cards are accepted. We recommend that you exchange money, especially for taxi fares and small purchases.

Image by Meg Jerrard

Travel tips.

American citizens need an e-visa, which can be easily applied for online 24/7 at www.evisa.gov.tr . The visa is approved within approximately 72 hours and is valid for 3 months. Make sure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your expected date of entry into Turkey.

Entry into Turkey requires a PCR and/or antigen test 72 hours prior to your departure. A health questionnaire, the Turkey Entry Form, must also be completed ( https://register.health.gov.tr ). Once this is completed, a code, also known as HES, will be emailed to you. Print it out and/or take a screenshot with your phone, as you will need to show it when boarding your flight and at some entry points in Turkish tourist destinations.

If returning to the US, a COVID -19 antigen or PCR test is required at least 3 days prior to your departure date. This is required even if you are fully vaccinated. COVID tests are readily available at most hotels.

GETTING THERE: TURKISH AIRLINES

Traveling to Turkey has never been easier. Turkish Airlines offers weekly non-stop flights from Miami International Airport to Istanbul. Long-haul travel to Istanbul is made comfortable with Turkish Airlines’ state-of-the-art aircraft and world-class service.

FLY IN LUXURY

Experience world-class service, sky-haute cuisine, luxurious amenities and supreme comfort with Turkish Airlines Business Class.

TURKISH AIRLINES

Discover Turkey , including more than 120 countries, with Turkish Airlines for a unique travel experience. Book a plane ticket, hotel or car visiting the website below or calling customer service.

https://www.turkishairlines.com

1 (800) 874-8875

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With an advanced seat control system, you can adjust your seat to your exact needs. The fully reclining seating system can be adjusted to a variety of positions and transforms into a comfortable bed. Other notable features include a comprehensive entertainment system, a reading lamp, a power supply, and an adjustable and rotating dining table. An in-seat massage function is also available on some aircraft.

Customize your dining experience by visiting Turkish Airlines’ mobile app or website up to a week before your flight. Choose from an array of freshly prepared dishes, but be sure to make your selections at least 48 hours before your flight. Award-winning in-flight service, prepared by Turkish Do&Co, prepares traditional Turkish cuisine and other world cuisine. Top-notch service is provided throughout the flight, including the main course served to you by the on-board chef.

A Versace Amenity Kit, blanket, water bottle, pair of slippers, socks, dental care kit, Denon noise-canceling headphones and complimentary Wi-Fi await you at your seat. The extra baggage allowance, priority check-in and access to Turkey Airlines lounges make Turkish Airlines Business Class a preferred choice.

A must-visit: Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge at Istanbul Airport has enhanced the airport lounge experience like no other airline. With over 60,000 square feet, you’ll find private suites with showers, numerous relaxation areas, Parisian café-style tables, live cooking stations and self-serve drink stations with alcohol, nuts and a variety of desserts. There’s also a business center, children’s area and even a library.

Image by Gorkem Gecim

Destinations.

Istanbul offers a treasure trove of cultural and historical riches, having hosted many notable civilizations. In fact, Istanbul served as the capital of the Romans, Byzantines and Ottoman Empires for 16 centuries. Moreover, Istanbul lies across two continents - Europe and Asia making a city on two continents. With its 2,500 years of history combined with a lively atmosphere, Istanbul is a city you must visit.

Major attractions include historical mosques, palaces and the Grand Bazaar, the largest old covered bazaar in the world with over 3,000 shops. Istanbul is home to a vibrant nightlife, food, specialty shops, artisans and cultural sites. Our favorites sites to visit include Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Galata Tower, Istanbul Archeology Museum, Dolmabahçe Palace and the Carpet Museum. A boat trip on the Bosphorus, the narrowest strait in the world connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, is a popular day excursion.

To get off the tourist path, head to one of Istanbul’s neighborhoods, which offer a variety of shops and restaurants. Taksim, Galata, Beyoğlu, Karaköy, Beşiktaş, Ortaköy, Kadıköy (on the Asian side of Istanbul), Sultanahmet and the waterfront stretch of Bebek are all worth a visit. Bebek is one of the best areas for low-key and ideal dining overlooking the Bosphorus.

Stay in Luxury

Raffles Istanbul

Levazım, Zorlu Center, Koru Sokağı

34340 Beşiktaş, İstanbul, Turkey

(800)768-9009

www.raffles.com/istanbul

Located in the upscale shopping and residential center of Zorlu, Raffles Istanbul is an ultra-luxurious 5-star hotel offering world-class accommodations and service. Its unique location offers panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait and it is just 2.5 miles from Taksim Square and 3.5 miles from numerous historical sites including the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace.

With 136 sophisticated guest rooms and 49 suites, Raffles Istanbul stands out from other hotels with its contemporary, elegant design and state-of-the-art facilities. In addition, there are 66 fully-serviced one and two bedroom residences. Guests enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, en-suite bathrooms with televisions, tea and coffee making facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi and an easy-to-use sophisticated multimedia panel system that allows you to control your in-room entertainment system. Residence guests enjoy a 24-hour butler service that can take care of all your needs.

Attention to every detail is the hallmark of Raffles and one of the reasons why it has won numerous awards including Forbes Travel Guide 5- Stars Award and World Luxury Awards for its culinary destinations.

Home to Istanbul’s largest spa, Raffles Spa, is the ultimate sanctuary for your body and mind. It spans 32,200 square feet and features seven treatment rooms, VIP spa suites, indoor and outdoor pools, vitality pool, 2 Vichy showers, 4 saunas and steam rooms, Jacuzzi, 3 hammams, relaxation rooms and a fully equipped gym with personal trainers.

For special events, Raffles offers 10 meeting rooms to suit your needs. All facilities are equipped with the latest technologies and the ballroom can accommodate up to 1,200 guests. A dedicated staff is available to manage all logistical aspects of your event such as business meetings, seminars, weddings and special occasions.

Other notable features include the Raffles helipad - ideal for a seamless arrival. The Raffles Club, a private lounge, offers a range of exclusive services such as use of meeting rooms, complimentary limousine service, special discounts on airport transfers and numerous personal services such as massages, clothes ironing and more.

There are 2 restaurants on the premises. Isokyo serves Pan-Asian cuisine with a contemporary flair in an elegant and intimate setting. It serves a variety of classic dishes such as sashimi, Dim Sum and more. Oshi Sushi, wild Sea Bass served with Sichuan Sauce, beef tenderloin with soy glaze and Tumeric Tempura Soft Shell Crab are delicious choices. For dessert, be sure to try the Coconut Panna Cotta with a hint of lemongrass, served with coconut mango sauce. Rocca Restaurant serves modern Turkish cuisine and is the place where an excellent breakfast is served daily. Rocca is famous throughout Istanbul for its Sunday Brunch with a range of delicacies such as the lobster rolls. Long Bar and Lounge 6 , featuring a terrace overlooking Istanbul is also available.

For more information, visit: www.raffles.com/istanbul/dining/rocca/

Bebek Hotel Istanbul, by the Stay

Cevdet Paşa Cd. No. 34

34342 Beşiktaş, İstanbul

(0212) 970 78 36

www.thestay.com.tr/bebek-hotel-by-the-stay.aspx

Penthouse Bosphorus Suite

The Bebek Hotel by the Stay is located in Istanbul’s poshest and trendiest neighbourhood, right on the banks of the Bosphorus. The adults-only boutique hotel has a rich past, having been a popular retreat for holiday seekers since the 1950s. Today, Bebek Hotel has become a popular destination for an arts and entertainment scene.

The grandiose Turkish hotel by the sea has 22 suites - city, corner and Bosphorus rooms. All suites were designed by renowned architect Mahmut Anlar and feature original art deco elements, wood paneling, turquoise carpets and modern furniture. Marble bathrooms, king size beds, air conditioning, LED flat screen TV, mini bar, tea and coffee set are also provided in all suites. Private balconies with stunning views of the Bosphorus are available in the Bosphorus Suites.

For an unforgettable stay, book the Penthouse Bosphorus Suite for a minimum of 2 nights and enjoy a complimentary airport transfer upon arrival. Also noteworthy are the original artworks by local artists displayed in all suites and in the hotel lobby.

FOOD & DRINK

The Bebek Hotel has two restaurants and a rooftop bar. Bebek Terrace Restaurant sits on a large terrace overlooking the Bosphorus and serves Mediterranean and international dishes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily. Non-hotel guests are welcome, but reservations are required. Dragon Restaurant , Turkey’s oldest Chinese restaurant, serves Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine. Decorated in Chinese Art Deco style, the restaurant also offers a direct view of the Bosphorus. Last but not least, the rooftop bar Bebek Hotel is a chic, fashionable and lively destination and is considered the place to be in Istanbul. Enjoy signature cocktails with breathtaking views of the Sea of Marmara and live entertainment. Open seasonally from May to September.

For more information and reservations: www.thestay.com.tr/bebek-hotel-by-the-stay/dining/bebek-terrace-restaurant.1.aspx.

(+90) 538-487-1846

The Stay Bosphorus

Yıldız, The Stay Bosphorus

Ortaköy Salhanesi Sk. No:1/A

34349 Beşiktaş, İstanbul

(0212) 970 78 30

www.thestay.com.tr/the-stay-bosphorus-hotel.aspx

This Ortakoy Ottomanstyle hotel, located on the edge of the Bosphorus, is part of The Stay’s growing list of properties. Showcasing 19th century architecture with modern design, the old antique mansion has been carefully restored. Located in the old town of Ortakoy, it is central and within walking distance to numerous shops, restaurants and close to Bosphorus Bridge.

The hotel has 26 rooms and 12 suites. Choose a room with a balcony so you can enjoy a great view of the Bosphorus. For an even more magnificent stay, the Executive Bosphorus Suite offers not one but two balconies. All rooms have high ceilings designed to preserve the original features of the hotel and include free WiFi, air conditioning, minibar, TV, tea maker, Nespresso coffee maker and other amenities such as water bottles.

Stay Bosphorus also offers a fitness center, car rental, business center, and dogs weighing less than 17 pounds are welcome for an additional fee.

There is no full restaurant on site, but numerous restaurants are within walking distance, including the popular House Café next to the hotel. Traditional Turkish Breakfast, featuring a selection of Turkish delicacies such as cheeses, olives, sausages, breads and spreads, is served in the hotel’s lounge between 7:30am and 11am.

Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

Bosphorus Grill at Çırağan Palace Kempinski

Yıldız, Çırağan Cd. No: 32

(0212) 326 46 46

www.kempinski.com/en/istanbul/ciragan-palace/dining/bosphorus-grill

For an unforgettable dining experience, reserve a table at one of Çırağan Palace Kempinski’s renowned gastronomical sites. The 17th century palace is the only Ottoman imperial palace and hotel located on the Bosphorus.

The Grand Hotel has 310 rooms, including 20 suites and 11 suites in the historical palace. It also houses 5 well-known culinary destinations including the award-winning Tugra Restaurant , Gazebo and Bosphorus Grill , where we had the opportunity to experience it. The 47 and Le Fumoir are popular places to relax and enjoy sensational cocktails.

Bosphorus Grill serves international cuisine with stunning direct views of the Bosphorus, including views of the Maiden Tower and the Bosphorus Bridge. The family-friendly restaurant can seat up to 100 guests and has a stylish ambience.

The Beetroot Gazpacho with warm lobster, avocado and mascarpone cheese and the Salmon Gravlax, served with baby artichoke confit, are notable starters. For main courses, Beef Medallion, mushroom with sweet potato puree and Thracia Lamb Chops with smoked eggplant, lilac onion and apricot jam are delicious choices. Inquire about the catch of the day, cooked to perfection and served with buttered vegetable quinoa. Finally, try a variety of sweet delicacies such as walnut baklava, kuş goezue, şoebiyet, kazandibi and bread kadayıf. If you are a chocolate lover, choose the black forest cake, nut sponge, cherry, chocolate cream topped with créme Chantilly.

The Magic of Turkey: Part 2 (click here)

Images provided by each mentioned venue on this story. Special thanks to Richard Peters Photograph y for the "Istanbul" gift image.

Exploring the enchanting streets of Istanbul is truly a journey into magic and wonder. As someone who values both luxury travel and smart spending, I highly recommend checking out https://www.autobidmaster.com/en/locations/usa/alabama/copart-alabama-ctu/  for those looking to elevate their adventures without breaking the bank. Their offerings, like Copart Alabama CTU, provide an excellent opportunity to find quality vehicles for exploring Turkey's diverse landscapes at your own pace. From historic sites to breathtaking views, Istanbul awaits – and Autobidmaster can help you get there in style.

Great article, thanks for sharing! Istanbul Travel Agency

• LUXURY TURKEY TOURS
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Luxury Istanbul Tour Package

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Luxury Istanbul Tour

• Luxury Istanbul and Bodrum Tour Package
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• Luxury Istanbul Yacht and Charter Service
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• Turkey Private Jet Flight Service

Luxury Istanbul Old City Tour

• Luxury Princes’ Island Tour
• Luxury Self Guided Istanbul Tour
• Luxury Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul
• Luxury Ephesus Tour from Istanbul
• Luxury Bosphorus Cruise
• Testimonials

Day 1: ISTANBUL  

Welcome to Istanbul! Where the continents meet. Meet at Istanbul Airport: Once you arrive at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, after the luggage claim, you will be greeted by a Romos Travel tour guide. And you will be informed about the tour schedule for the following days.

Transfer with a private vehicle to the hotel : You will be taken to your hotel, and after check-in, you will have time for leisure, and the rest of the day is yours. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 2: ISTANBUL  

Private Istanbul Old City Tour with The Whirling Dervish Show Pick up from the hotel by your guide to start the  Private Old City Tour . Your  private, professional tour guide  will be introducing the ancient sights of Istanbul.

Today you will explore the following  highlights of Istanbul .

Hippodrome : An ancient Roman and Ottoman square where the chariot races were held. Within the square is some Roman remains, an Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, and Constantine Columns.

The Blue Mosque : An Ottoman Imperial mosque built by Sultan Ahmet I in 1609-1616 CE, famous for the blue Ottoman tiles.

Topkapi Palace : The Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II built the palace after the conquest of Constantinople. Topkapi Palace was the home of the royal family and the headquarters for the Ottoman Empire’s administrative center.

Grand Bazaar  (Covered Market): The largest and oldest functioning shopping center in the world. The Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II built the Grand Bazaar in the 15th century. The market consists of 5,000 stores, 66 streets, 24 gates, and much more eye-pleasing architecture. Your guide will be more than happy to assist you in finding your masterpiece of Turkish art upon your request.

Whirling Dervish Show:  A whirling dervish show is a captivating and mesmerizing performance that showcases the ancient mystical tradition of the Sufi order known as the Mevlevi Order. Originating in 13th-century Turkey, the whirling dervishes are renowned for their graceful spinning, which represents a spiritual journey toward divine unity and enlightenment.

After the  Istanbul Private Old City   Tour and the Whirling Dervish Show , we are driving back to the hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 3: ISTANBUL

Private Bosphorus Cruise Tour & Turkish Bath Pick up from the hotel by your guide to start  Private Bosphorus Cruise and the Old City Tour . Your  private, professional tour guide  will be introducing you to the Bosphorus. You are starting with 2 hours Bosphorus tour on a private boat.

Today you will be exploring the following  highlights   of the Bosphorus :

Spice Market  ( Egyptian Bazaar): The Ottomans built the market in the 17th century. Unlike the Grand Bazaar, the Spice market is much smaller but full of beautiful fragrances of mixed spices, herbs, and traditional sweets. It consists of around 100 stores, 2 streets, and 5 gates.

Bosphorus Cruise with a private boat : The channel divides Istanbul into two continents and stretches about 32 km between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Along the  Bosphorus,  there are many settlements to see, such as great Palaces, hotels, yali (private houses), etc. While you are on the boat, you will see the highlights of the Bosphorus including the  Dolmabahçe Palace ,  Ortaköy Mosque ,  Çırağan Palace ,  Bosphorus Bridge ,  Rumeli Fortress ,  Küçüksu Palace ,  Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge  ( the second bridge on the Bosphorus),  Maiden’s Tower  to name a few.

Hagia Sophia : Once the largest cathedral of Christianity when it was built in 532-537 CE by the Roman Emperor Justinian; later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans.

Turkish Bath:  We are having the traditional Turkish Hammam after the Old City Tour with a pampering process that starts with a detoxifying Turkish bath treatment that will transport you to a place of tranquility and rebirth.

After the  Bosphorus Cruise – Old City Tour and the Turkish Bath , we are driving back to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 4: ISTANBUL Private Transfer to the Airport You will be picked up from the hotel and then transfer with a private vehicle to the airport for your International flight.

After completing the amazing 4 Days Luxury Istanbul Tour, Romos Travel wishes all guests a very healthy and wonderful life ahead…

Luxury Istanbul Tour Details

Departure and Return Location

Istanbul Airport & Sabiha Gokcen Airport or Istanbul Cruise Port – Can be supplied depending on your International flight details.

Private Service

• Airport Meet & Greet
• Chauffeured Airport Transfer to Hotel by Private Vehicle
• Entrance fees, mentioned in the itinerary
• Chauffeured Vehicle During Tours
• Private Professional Tour Guide at Tours
• Chauffeured Transfer from Hotel to Airport by Private Vehicle
• Private Yacht for Bosphorus Cruise
• Accommodation with Breakfast Istanbul : Marriott Sisli / The Marmara Pera 
• Turkish Bath with Standart Service
• Whirling Dervish Show
• 7/24 support by a licensed local tour operator . ‘ Private Istanbul Tour ‘ is operated by a local and licensed tour operator that you directly book your service via a local tour operator. There is no middleman, no commissioner, or 3rd party travel agency.

Luxury Service

• VIP Airport Meet & Greet
• VIP Chauffeured Airport Transfer to Hotel by Private Vehicle
• VIP Chauffeured Vehicle During Tours
• VIP Chauffeured Transfer from Hotel to Airport by a Private Vehicle
• Private Yacht to Bosphorus Cruise
• Accommodations in Deluxe Rooms with Breakfast Istanbul : W Hotel Besiktas / Grand Hyatt Taksim
• Turkish Bath with Ottoman Luxury Service
• 7/24 support by a licensed local tour operator . ‘ Luxury Istanbul Tour ‘ is operated by a local and licensed tour operator that you directly book your service via a local tour operator. There is no middleman, no commissioner, or 3rd party travel agency.

High-End Service

• Top-Notch Airport Meet & Greet
• Chauffeured Airport Transfer to Hotel by a Top-Notch Vehicle
• Top-Notch Chauffeured and Vehicle During Tours
• Selective Private Professional Tour Guide at Tours
• Chauffeured Transfer from Hotel to Airport by a Top-Notch Vehicle
• Top-Notch Yacht for Bosphorus Cruise
• Accommodation in King Suite Room with breakfast Istanbul : Fours Seasons Bosphorus or The Peninsula Hotel
• Turkish Bath with Elixir of Hammam
• 7/24 Support by a private personal contact from the tour operator’s office . The ‘ Top-Notch Istanbul Tour ‘ is operated by a local and licensed tour operator that you directly book your service via a local tour operator. There is no middleman, no commissioner, or 3rd party travel agency.

Choose a Service

—Please choose an option— Private Service Luxury Service High-End Service

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Luxury Istanbul Tour Pictures

Luxury Istanbul Tour Map

Frequently Asked Questions about the Luxury Istanbul Tour Package

Q: What is included in the Luxury Istanbul Tour Package?

A : The Luxury Istanbul Tour Package typically includes accommodation in a luxurious hotel, private airport transfers, guided tours of the city’s main attractions, luxury transportation, and exclusive experiences such as a private yacht cruise or a hot air balloon ride. The exact things that come with the package may depend on your inquiry.

Q: How long is the Luxury Istanbul Tour Package?

A : The length of the Luxury Istanbul Tour Package can vary depending on the package you choose. Typically, the package ranges from 3 to 7 days. However, Romos Trave offers customized itineraries, allowing you to choose the length of your stay in Istanbul.

Q: What are some of the main attractions included in the Luxury Istanbul Tour Package?

A : The Luxury Istanbul Tour Package typically includes visits to Istanbul’s top attractions, such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and Spice Bazaar. Additionally, some packages may include exclusive experiences such as a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia or a private yacht cruise on the Bosphorus.

Q: Is airfare included in the Luxury Istanbul Tour Package?

A : Airfare is usually not included in the Luxury Istanbul Tour Package. However, some travel agencies may offer a package that includes airfare as well. It’s important to check with the tour operator or travel agency to confirm what’s included in the package.

Q: What is the cost of the Luxury Istanbul Tour Package?

A : The cost of the Luxury Istanbul Tour Package can vary depending on the package you choose and your inquiry. Typically, the cost ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 per person, with higher-end packages offering more exclusive experiences and luxury accommodations.

Q: Is the Luxury Istanbul Tour Package suitable for families with children?

A : The Luxury Istanbul Tour Package can be suitable for families with children, and the package is family-friendly. Some packages may offer activities and attractions that are not suitable for children, while others may include kid-friendly experiences.

Q: Is the Luxury Istanbul Tour Package suitable for solo travelers?

A : The Luxury Istanbul Tour Package is totally suitable for solo travelers.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Istanbul?

A : The best time of year to visit Istanbul is during the spring (April to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and the crowds are fewer. However, Istanbul can be visited year-round, and each season has its own unique charms.

Q: Is it safe to travel to Istanbul?

A : Istanbul is generally considered a safe city to visit. However, as with any destination, it’s important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in tourist areas where pickpocketing and petty theft can occur. It’s also important to keep up with your tour guide and be mindful of any potential safety concerns.

Q: What should I wear while visiting Istanbul?

A : Istanbul is a modern and cosmopolitan city, but it’s also a predominantly Muslim country, and it’s important to dress modestly and respectfully, particularly when visiting religious sites. It’s recommended to dress conservatively, covering shoulders and knees, and avoiding revealing clothing while visiting the mosques. However, in tourist areas such as Istiklal Street, more casual attire is acceptable.

Q: What language is spoken in Istanbul?

A : The official language of Istanbul is Turkish. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and many people, particularly those working in the hospitality industry, speak some English.

Q: What currency is used in Istanbul?

A : The currency used in Istanbul is the Turkish lira (TRY). However, many tourist attractions and restaurants may also accept euros or US dollars.

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Istanbul?

A : Visitors from many countries, including the United States and most European countries, do not require a visa to enter Turkey for stays of up to 90 days. However, it’s important to check the latest visa requirements for your country before you travel.

Q: Can I customize the Luxury Istanbul Tour Package to my preferences?

A: Romos Travel offers customized itineraries, allowing you to choose your preferred experiences and attractions. It’s important to check with us to confirm what customization options are available.

Q: How do I book the Luxury Istanbul Tour Package?

A : You can book the Luxury Istanbul Tour Package through Romos Travel, which offers the package. You can make an online booking on the website or by calling. However, we recommend sending us an email.

Q: How will I meet you at my travel destination?

Meet-and-greet information will be shared after confirmation of your tour package. Romos Travel has representatives at the airport on 7/24.

Q: Has there been any contact number during my travel?

Yes, you will have a 7/24 available contact number.

Q: Are you a travel agency and licensed?

LuxuryTourTurkey.com is operated by Romos Travel, which is a fully licensed and registered local DMC tour operator in Turkey with offices in Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale.

Q: What type of vehicle was used during the tours and transfers?

Luxury Tour Turkey owns Mercedes Vito (VIP) and Mercedes Sprinter-type vehicles for tours and transfers.

Q: Can I revise tour packages offered online?

Yes, tour packages are calculated for fixed days and itineraries; however, you can revise them as you request.

Q: What type of hotels are used in my Turkey tour package?

Luxury Tour Turkey only uses 5* and branded/chain hotels with the best locations, whose Tripadvisor and Trustpilot scores are superb.

Q: Are online prices valid?

Yes, online tour package prices are valid for 2024

Q: What is the booking / confirmation process?

After the tour is finalized by you and the Luxury Tour Turkey tour operator, Deposit payments will be requested from your side. Following the deposit payment, the invoice will be sent the next day. (After the approval of the finance team.) -After the approval of the deposit, Further details such as Your International flight arrival and departure details, Passport copies for domestic flight tickets, and hotel’s fast-track check-in (Passports sent to hotels for fast-track check-in so that you don’t need to wait at the reception) -After further details are sent by your side, the tour operator will send your tour confirmation within 5 business days, including your domestic flight tickets and meet-and-greet details, as well as your tour assistant’s contact number, which is available 7/24.

Q: Will I get any invoices after the deposit payment?

Yes, the tour operator will send your invoice the next day after the deposit is paid by your side. The finance team of Luxury Tour Turkey needs to get approval from the bank, which takes ‘1 business day’. 

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us via info @ luxurytourturkey.com +90 537 473 99 46 (Whatsapp Available) +90 537 473 99 56 (Whatsapp Available)

Luxury Tour Turkey on INSTAGRAM

LUXURY TOUR TURKEY TESTIMONIALS

KATHERINE MOTLAGH 28 SEP 2023 – Dallas

We booked a luxury tour of Turkey with Romos Travel. The service and responsiveness from this travel agency were outstanding. The vacation was well organized and exceeded our expectations. The team went out of their way to accommodate our requests and attended to every detail. The hotel accommodations were great, specifically the Gamirasu Cave hotel, followed by fantastic activities such as balloon ride, and Turkish bath in addition to many site visits along the way. Our visits were paired with authentic food and restaurants recommendations and reservations as needed.

We travelled to many countries and Özçan is easily one of the best guides. He is patient, resourceful, punctual, interested in his clients and invested in their enjoyment. Özçan shared an ocean of interesting information about sites we visited and was flexible to organize our days at our request.

The gift of personalized memory plate was a very nice final touch. It was a great trip thanks to Romos travel.

My wife, my daughter, and I had an amazing time in Turkey, such a wonderful experience with a very knowledgeable tour guide: Hakan, he was incredibly kind, helpful, and supportive in all aspects, we love his knowledge so much, especially my daughter, (he learned some Turkish words from him) he was always making sure we have an unforgettable experience and was always paying close attention to every detail so we couldn’t miss anything and enjoy everything around us. We were delighted with all the gifts we received from Romos Travel. Then you thank you, thank you!!!

Romos travel agency representative was incredible and always there to support and answer questions promptly to prepare our adventure; we have made an amazing turkey trip with amazing highlights. He was accommodating and understood our needs right away, and everything he suggested was just perfect for us. We are very sure we will use Romos as our travel agency shortly!

In these unprecedented times, Hakan has been a perfect example of what good customer service should be. He is a wonderful representative of Romos Travel. I have had many issues while generating my turkey trip. Hakan was always available via phone and email to answer my every question and help me at every turn. Kudos to Hakan!

I’m writing from the United States and would like to express my deepest appreciation for the wonderful Ender at Romos Travel that kept my spirits up when I was desperate to find a way out of the United States during COVID-19. He is an outstanding professional and bright light. Thank you to Ender; he helps me in each procedure, and I postpone my trip to 2021.

My wife and I recently enjoyed a private tour of Turkey, Istanbul, and Bodrum with packagetourturkey.com. Their turkey specialist, Mr.Hakan, did an excellent job of working with us on the planning. His advice was spot-on. The hotels he recommended worked perfectly for us. Competent and professional agents met us at each stop. All our tour guides and drivers were wonderful. We traveled in a private minivan-Mercedes Vito and flights via Turkish airlines. We would definitely use Romos again and recommend Mr. Hakan to anyone who wants to plan an extraordinary visit to Turkey.

We have traveled extensively over our 21 years of marriage with particular attention to upscale travel. A couple of years ago, we found Romos Travel and had them create a trip through Greece and Turkey for us. They handled our trip so professionally that we reached out to them again to arrange a tour of Egypt and Jordan travel. May 2021 they have postponed due to covid for us. We would only use Romos Travel company in the future. They’re honorable, exceedingly gracious, and perfect for creating a memorable vacation experience. Thank you to all at Romos Travel.

VALERIE J. 16 JULY 2022 – N.Carolina

I did a proposal cruise, and the arrangement was absolutely amazing, especially the photographer who was very enthusiastic. All in all an amazing and memorable experience!

Written April 12, 2023

Very good knowledgeable guides with pleasant personalities and fluent command over English language. Entirely professional in their dealings. Very responsive on WhatsApp and guide well to plan well. We used them for a private yacht sunset Bosporus cruise, full day old Istanbul private tour and another half day Sulemaniya mosque and Grand Bazar tour. Two Different guides. Both excellent

Written August 27, 2020

The guide has a good knowledge and experience. He took a full tour to Fatih center where is blue mosque,Top kopi and ayat Allah Sofia

Written June 14, 2019

Professional, friendly, witty, spot on. We enjoyed the knowledge and expertise of Ozgen, a very cool guide, with an excellent sense of humour and high domain of the English language. Highly recommended!

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With Luxury Tours, you can see the best of Istanbul

Istanbul is a city that is rich in history and culture, and it offers a plethora of experiences for visitors to enjoy. Whether you are interested in exploring its stunning architecture, immersing yourself in its vibrant food scene, or discovering its centuries-old traditions,  Istanbul  has something for everyone.

If you want to experience the best of Istanbul in style and comfort, then a luxury tour is the perfect way to do so. From  luxurious day tours to multi-day packages , Istanbul has a range of luxury tour options to cater to your needs. We’ll talk about some of the best  luxury tours in Istanbul  in this blog post.

Luxury Guided Istanbul Tour

If you are looking for a comprehensive tour that covers all the must-see sights and experiences in Istanbul, then a  luxury Istanbul tour  is the perfect option for you. Most of the time, these tours last for several days and include visits to famous places like the  Blue Mosque ,  Hagia Sophia , and the  Topkapi Palace .

On a luxury tour of Istanbul, you can often try the local food, relax in a traditional Turkish bath, and take part in hands-on activities like cooking classes and ceramics workshops.

Luxury Istanbul Tours

For those who prefer a more customized and personalized experience,  luxury Istanbul tours  offer a more tailored approach. You can choose your own schedule and activities on these tours, which makes them perfect for travelers with specific interests or preferences.

Whether you want to explore the city’s art scene, indulge in shopping at high-end boutiques, or savor the best local street food, a luxury Istanbul tour can be tailored to suit your needs. You can expect a smooth and stress-free trip if you have a dedicated  guide and private transportation .

Istanbul Luxury Tours

If you’re short on time and looking for a  day tour  that offers a glimpse of Istanbul’s highlights, then an  Istanbul luxury tour  is a great option. These tours typically last for a few hours and cover popular attractions such as the  Grand Bazaar , the  Spice Market , and the  Bosphorus .

With an Istanbul luxury tour, you can expect VIP treatment from start to finish, with a knowledgeable guide to provide insider information and answer any questions you may have. You’ll also get to ride in a luxury car and get special access to some of the city’s best sights.

Luxury Istanbul Day Tours

For travelers who are looking for a day trip option from Istanbul, a  luxury Istanbul day tour  is an excellent choice. Most of the time, these tours take you to nearby places like the charming seaside town of  Sile  or the beautiful  Princes’ Islands .

A luxury Istanbul day tour offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the city’s lesser-known destinations away from the crowds of tourists. With a private guide, you can find hidden gems, taste local food, and learn about the culture of the areas around Istanbul.

Istanbul is a city that has so much to offer, and a luxury tour is an excellent way to experience it in style and comfort. From multi-day packages to  bespoke day tours , Istanbul has a range of  luxury tour options  to cater to your needs. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, a luxury tour is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of this incredible city.

Istanbul is one of the most fascinating and vibrant cities in the world. With a rich history, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture, there is something for everyone in this dynamic metropolis. If you’re looking to experience Istanbul in the most luxurious way possible, a luxury tour package is the perfect way to go. Here are some of the best  luxury Istanbul tour packages  and  private tours in Istanbul .

Turkey Luxury Travel

Luxury tour istanbul.

One of the best ways to explore Istanbul in luxury is with a  private tour . There is a tour operator, Romos Travel, that offers customized  tours of Istanbul , allowing you to see the city’s top attractions in style. From  private guided tours  of the  Hagia Sophia  and the  Blue Mosque  to cruises along the  Bosphorus , a  luxury tour of Istanbul  will give you an unforgettable experience.

Private Istanbul Tours by Luxury Istanbul

If you’re looking for a truly exclusive experience, consider a private tour with  Luxury Istanbul . They offer a wide range of private tours in Istanbul, all of which are tailored to your interests and preferences. Luxury Istanbul (Romos Travel) will create a customized tour that meets all of your needs, whether you want to see the city’s historic sites, enjoy its delicious food, or enjoy its lively nightlife.

Luxury trip to Istanbul

For those who want to experience  Istanbul in ultimate luxury , a  luxury trip  to the city is the perfect option. With a luxury trip, you can stay in some of the city’s most opulent hotels, dine at the finest restaurants, and enjoy exclusive access to the city’s top attractions. Whether you want to explore the city on your own or with a private guide, a  luxury trip to Istanbul  is the perfect way to experience the city in style.

Private Tours of Istanbul

if you’re planning a trip to Istanbul  and want to experience the city in the most luxurious way possible, there are many tour packages and private tours that can make that happen. Whether you want to explore the city’s top landmarks, indulge in its cuisine, or experience its nightlife, a  luxury tour of Istanbul  is the perfect way to do it. So, book your tour today and get ready for an unforgettable trip to this amazing city!

Istanbul is a city that has captured the hearts of millions of visitors with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landmarks. For those who want to experience this magnificent city in the lap of luxury, there are plenty of options available. From the grandeur of the Old City to the modern sophistication of the city’s  luxury hotels , Istanbul has something to offer everyone. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the  best luxury tours  that  Istanbul  has to offer.

The  Luxury Discover Istanbul Tour  is a unique experience that will take you on a journey through the city’s most iconic landmarks. This  private tour  is perfect for those who want to experience Istanbul’s rich history and culture while enjoying the comforts of  luxury travel . The tour includes a private guide who will take you on a journey through Istanbul’s most historic neighborhoods, including  Sultanahmet ,  Topkapi Palace , and  Hagia Sophia . You’ll also get to experience Istanbul’s famous bazaars, where you can shop for souvenirs and unique treasures.

Luxury Travel Istanbul

Luxury Travel Istanbul is a company that specializes in providing high-end travel experiences to its clients. From luxury accommodations to private tours,  Luxury Travel Istanbul  offers everything you need to make your visit to Istanbul unforgettable. They offer a variety of tour options, including  private yacht tours on the Bosphorus ,  hot-air balloon rides  over  Cappadocia , and even helicopter tours of the city.

For those who want to experience the grandeur of  Istanbul’s Old City  in luxury, the  Luxury Istanbul Old City Tour  is the perfect option. This private tour takes you on a journey through the heart of the city, where you’ll see iconic landmarks like the  Blue Mosque , the  Grand Bazaar , and the  Topkapi Palace . Along the way, you’ll be able to try the city’s world-famous food and enjoy the comforts of a  luxury trip .

Luxury Tours Istanbul

Luxury Tours Istanbul is a company (Romos Travel) that offers a wide range of luxury tour options in Istanbul. Whether you want to explore the city’s rich history or experience its modern culture,  Luxury Tours Istanbul  has a tour option for you. Some of their most popular tours include private tours of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, private access to the city’s best museums, and even private cooking classes where you can learn how to make traditional Turkish food.

Istanbul is a city that offers something for everyone, and for those who want to experience it in luxury, there are plenty of options available. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history or experiencing its modern culture, there’s a luxury tour option that will suit your needs. From  private yacht tours  to  private cooking classes , the options are endless. So, if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience in Istanbul, consider booking a luxury tour and getting ready to be pampered in the lap of luxury.

Luxury Istanbul VIP

Istanbul, the cultural and economic capital of Turkey, has a long and storied history that has left an indelible mark on the city’s landscape and culture. Today,  Istanbul  is a bustling metropolis that combines the ancient and the modern in a unique and captivating way. With so much to see and do, it’s no surprise that visitors to Istanbul are seeking out luxurious and exclusive experiences.

If you’re looking for the ultimate  luxury Istanbul  experience, then consider the  luxury Istanbul VIP  experience. With this exclusive service, you can enjoy the very best that Istanbul has to offer in style and comfort. The luxury Istanbul VIP experience is the best way to get to know the city’s vibrant culture. It includes personalized tours of the city’s most famous landmarks and VIP access to the best restaurants and nightlife spots.

Luxury Istanbul

Istanbul is a city that’s rich in history, culture, and beauty. From the stunning architecture of the  Hagia Sophia  to the bustling bazaars of the  Grand Bazaar , there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. If you’re looking for a luxury Istanbul experience, then you won’t be disappointed.

One of the most popular ways to experience  luxury in Istanbul  is to stay in one of the city’s many high-end hotels. From the Four Seasons Istanbul at the  Bosphorus  to the Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, you’ll find a range of luxurious accommodations to choose from. And with amenities like private terraces, Turkish hammams, and gourmet restaurants, you’ll be able to relax and unwind in style.

Turkey Luxury Services

When it comes to luxury services in Turkey, you’ll find a range of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a  private yacht charter  or a  bespoke tour of Istanbul ‘s most iconic landmarks, there’s a luxury service that’s perfect for you.

One popular  luxury service in Turkey  is a private jet charter. With this service, you can travel in style and comfort to any destination in the country. Whether you’re visiting Istanbul or exploring the stunning Turkish coastline, a  private jet charter is the ultimate way to travel.

Luxury Tours in Istanbul

Unique luxury istanbul.

While Istanbul offers a range of luxury experiences, there are also some truly unique ones that you won’t find anywhere else. For example, you can enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the stunning  Cappadocia  region, where you’ll soar over stunning landscapes and ancient cave dwellings.

Another unique luxury experience in Istanbul is a  private cruise on the Bosphorus . With this experience, you’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise along the waterway that separates Europe and Asia, taking in stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks along the way.

In conclusion, whether you’re looking for a luxury Istanbul VIP experience or a unique  luxury Istanbul  adventure, you’ll find a range of options to choose from. Istanbul has a plethora of luxurious experiences to offer, ranging from high-end hotels and  private yacht charters  to  hot-air balloon rides  and  private cruises .

Discover the Beauty of Istanbul with Private Luxury Tours by Istanbul Tour Guide

Istanbul, the city where East meets West, is a destination that offers a wealth of history, culture, and beauty. Whether you are interested in exploring stunning architecture, sampling delicious Turkish cuisine, or experiencing vibrant local life, Istanbul has something for everyone. To get the most out of your trip to Istanbul, consider booking a  private luxury tour  with a  professional Istanbul tour guide . In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of private Istanbul tours by luxury  Istanbul tour guides  and the different l uxury tour packages  available in  Turkey .

Why Hire a Luxury Istanbul Tour Guide for a Private Istanbul Tour?

• Personalized Experience : With a private luxury tour, you can tailor the itinerary to your specific interests and needs. Your tour guide will take you to the places that you are most interested in and provide you with personalized insights about the city and its culture.
• Comfort and Convenience : With a luxury tour, you can enjoy the comfort and convenience of a private vehicle with a professional driver and skip the long lines at popular attractions. Your tour guide will also take care of all the logistics, including tickets, reservations, and transfers so that you can relax and enjoy your trip.
• Insider Knowledge : A luxury Istanbul tour guide has extensive knowledge about the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems. With their insider knowledge, you can discover authentic Istanbul and its lesser-known attractions and learn about the local culture and traditions.

Luxury Tour Packages in Turkey

• Istanbul Luxury Tour : This package includes a private guided tour of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. You can also check out the local neighborhoods, try some delicious Turkish food, and relax in a traditional Turkish bath.
• Cappadocia Luxury Tour : Cappadocia is a unique destination known for its stunning rock formations, hot air balloon rides, and underground cities. With a luxury Cappadocia tour, you can explore the region’s natural wonders, stay in a luxury cave hotel, and experience the local culture and cuisine.
• Ephesus Luxury Tour : Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world and a must-visit destination in Turkey. With a luxury Ephesus tour, you can explore the city’s ruins, including the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, and the Great Theatre, and learn about the city’s rich history.

Private luxury tours by Istanbul tour guides offer a unique opportunity to discover the beauty and culture of Istanbul and Turkey in comfort and style. With personalized itineraries, insider knowledge, and luxurious accommodations, you can have an unforgettable experience that will leave you with cherished memories for a lifetime. Book your private luxury tour of the magical city of Istanbul today and get ready to go on a journey of discovery and adventure.

Istanbul Luxury Private Tours

Experience Istanbul like never before with our luxury private tours. Step into the world of opulence as you journey through the historic sites and enchanting landscapes of this timeless city. We meticulously curate every aspect of your trip, offering unparalleled access to lavish experiences, from fine dining at exclusive restaurants to private viewings at Istanbul’s most prestigious museums. Accompanied by a knowledgeable, bilingual guide, you’ll travel in style and comfort, all while immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Istanbul’s culture and history. Our tours are not just about sightseeing; they’re about experiencing the luxury that Istanbul has to offer.

Istanbul Private Tours

Discover Istanbul on your own terms with our private tours. Tailor-made to suit your preferences, these tours allow you to explore Istanbul at your own pace, away from the usual hustle and bustle of group tours. Whether you’re drawn to the magnificent Ottoman architecture, the vibrant bazaars, or the diverse culinary scene, our experienced guides are dedicated to making your journey uniquely yours. Offering flexible itineraries and personal attention, our Istanbul private tours create a personalized travel experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories of this mesmerizing city.

Guided Istanbul Tours

Venture into the heart of Istanbul with our guided tours. Guided by seasoned experts well-versed in the city’s history and culture, these tours are designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience of Istanbul. Explore renowned landmarks like the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and the Hagia Sophia while your guide vividly brings to life the rich narratives woven into the fabric of these ancient sites. Our guided tours cater to travelers of all interests and ages, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a first-time visitor. Enjoy a seamless and enlightening journey through Istanbul, uncovering its many treasures and hidden gems.

LUXURY TOUR TURKEY

We are the team of Luxury Tour Turkey which is located in Istanbul. Fully licensed and accredited. As a brand of Romos Travel, we are pleased to share our experience and abilities over luxurytourturkey.com, where you can find top-notch services and quality tours designed for luxury travelers.

Luxury Destination Management Company in Turkey (DMC), officially titled Romos Travel Agency, registered tourism agency number 13114 by the Ministry of Tourism.

Private Tours Turkey or Luxury Tours Turkey, people often asked the difference between private tours and luxury tours in Turkey.

Luxury Tour Turkey.com would like to point out the major benefits of Luxury tours over Private tours .

First of all, you get to do on a private tour exactly what you want to do every minute of every day. Have an excellent staff in the planning process. Discussing, Interacting with your favorite hotels, favorite styles for touring, and the type of sites you want to see. You are going to do what you want to do in a private style.

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Accredited By TURSAB Association of Turkish Travel Agencies License Number: 13114

Accredited By ITO  Istanbul Chamber of Commerce – Registration No: 1252892

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The 5 Best Luxury Hotels In Istanbul, Turkey

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There is something about Istanbul that draws the crowds, with international tourists totaling nearly 44.6 million in 2022 alone. The city wows with its stunning setting along the Bosphorus and Golden Horn, the history, the ancient bazaars dating back to the days of the Silk Road, the many cafés and restaurants, and the juxtaposition of modern, old, European, and Asian.

Istanbul is used to catering to illustrious international visitors; after all, it has always been a trading hub. If you are after a stay with a bit of luxury, superb service, and unique views and locations that take your breath away, Istanbul can certainly come up with the goods.

While nearly every brand of luxury hotel has a property in Istanbul, there are some that are better than others, for often just small and particular reasons. So, here are my personal favorite luxury hotels in the city, tried and tested and chosen for their pampering potential, their location, and their history. They all reflect Istanbul in their own way, offering something special for a memorable stay.

Top 5 Best Luxury Hotels In Istanbul, Turkey

• Pera Palace Hotel
• Four Seasons Sultanahmet
• Kempinski Ciragan Palace
• Raffles Istanbul
• The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

Best Luxury Hotels In Istanbul, Turkey

1. pera palace hotel.

The Pera Palace Hotel lies in the heart of the Beyoğlu (Pera) district, on the so-called modern side of Istanbul. It’s steps away from the Galata Tower and the famous shopping street Istiklal Avenue. The Pera Palace is in a league of its own, a historic hotel that boasts the first elevator in Turkey, still functioning today. Every guest is allowed to ride up to their floor once upon arrival to experience the historic mode of transportation but not to exhaust it completely. 

The Pera Palace has welcomed heads of state and so many famous names that most rooms have names rather than numbers to remember those who stayed here before. I stayed in the Greta Garbo room, oozing with subdued elegance suitable for a movie legend. Probably the most famous guest, though, was Agatha Christie, who wrote parts of Murder on the Orient Express in her room, making the Pera Palace a literary landmark in Istanbul .

Staying here is special. The extraordinarily nattily dressed doormen welcome you like royalty, and history is palatable at every corner. The beds, with their crisp cotton, are the best I have ever slept on. Believe me when I say that I, in fact, tried to find out where the mattress and bedding were sourced from. Sadly, they seemed to be bespoke, so I probably saved myself a lot of money.

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2. Four Seasons Sultanahmet

When is a prison, not a prison? When it has been reinvented as a luxury hotel so lovely that you’d love to stay confined within its walls for a fair while. In the middle of Istanbul’s oldest district and the city’s most visited sites — the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sophya), Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace — and everything else right outside your hotel, this is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay for first-time visitors to Istanbul. 

On the same stretch of land as the Sultan’s main palace right next door, it is not surprising that the views from the roof terrace are to die for. They offer a 360-degree view across the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, Galata, the Sea of Marmara with its Princes’s Islands, and more. The rooms and suites are not at all reminiscent of the former cells but comfortable, sumptuously decorated, and spacious. But for utter peace and quiet, opt for a room facing the wonderful courtyard gardens rather than the street. And for that extra bit of Turkish style and luxury, some suites offer a personal little marble hammam and your own private steam room.

3. Kempinski Ciragan Palace

When your view is of the waters of the Bosphorus twinkling and the little Ortakoy Mosque snuggling underneath, then really, the hotel is nearly secondary. But this is the Ciragan Palace, the Palace of Light, and former second or third home of the Sultans of Constantinople. The property certainly matches the view. I have been lucky enough to have stayed in some amazing hotels around the world, but this one is right at the top. 

Its newly renovated rooms and facilities — designed by local star-designer and Ottoman history expert Serdar Gulgun — and restaurants are stylish with the perfect mix of Ottoman design and modern touches.

That said, there is a separate block, the original old palace itself, where you really can channel your inner Sultan. The Sultan’s Suite, for example, has welcomed celebrities such as Oprah and comes complete with a hammam, living room, bedroom suite, guest room, and a telescope placed so you can zoom in on all the boats sailing past.

The Ciragan Palace’s rooms and suites come in all shapes and sizes, but you need to opt for one with Bosphorus views, preferably the deluxe room with a double balcony, such as room 159. And with the scrumptious pistachio Turkish delight in your room, together with various other snacks refreshed daily, you will never want to leave. But should you want to, the market around the Ortakoy Mosque and its ferry stop are within easy walking distance, connecting you with old, new, and Asian Istanbul sights.

4. Raffles Istanbul

What we as tourists and travelers often forget, especially in Istanbul, is that a city is not only made up of its historic sights. Istanbul is not just an ancient destination, but also a vibrant modern city with people going on with their daily lives, shopping, eating, and doing business. They rarely ever visit old Istanbul. Enter the Raffles Istanbul. It is located in the Besiktas neighborhood, high on a hill looking across the Bosphorus and the city, alongside the high-end Zorlus Centre.

The hotel itself is a modern high-rise, allowing for amazing views across to the Asian side with its gigantic Turkish flags fluttering, its bridges, and the sleek television tower. The rooms and suites are luxury pure, with every suite equipped not only with dressing rooms, bathrooms of unreal proportions, and living, office, and sleeping spaces but also an original Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman to recline in and look out across the city panorama. If you opt for a corner room or suite — such as suite 2002 on the 20th floor — you get a balcony that wraps around the entire corner for endless lounging.

5. The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

Despite having been a luxury destination in Istanbul for more than 20 years now, the Ritz-Carlton Istanbul is still going strong today, continuously winning accolades. I first stayed there shortly after it opened, which seems like a few lifetimes ago, but I am pleased to say that the sheen has certainly not worn off since. Located in the Dolmabahce neighborhood — just a little uphill from the Dolmabahce Palace and within easy walking distance of shopping around Taksim Square — the hotel is slightly off the beaten path but still perfect for exploring.

Located on the top floors of a tall building, the views are superb, and none are better than those from the rooftop pool. The rooms and suites are a perfect mix of understated elegance but with a colorful dash of Ottoman sumptuousness. While some look out across the Bosphorus, in this case, the city views are superb, too. Add an absolutely enormous spa and Turkish bath area , plus the never-waning Ritz-Carlton service, and you are in for a treat.

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Images courtesy of KAYAK

A travel writer and guidebook author for the last 20 years, Ulrike's work has been seen in National Geographic , BBC , The Independent , Australian Women's Weekly , The Telegraph , The Australian , Fodor's , France Today , CNN Travel , Lonely Planet , Travel + Leisure , CNTraveler , numerous inflight magazines, and many others.

She has written three books for Moon Travel Guides: 'Living Abroad in Australia' (3rd edition), 'Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef', and the shorter version 'Spotlight Sydney' and are all available in print and as e-books.

Having lived in seven countries (Germany, UK, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Australia, and France) to date and traveled to more than 100, she specializes in writing about travel, art and architecture, expat living, and life and style.

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A privileged touch to your holiday! Luxury Istanbul is the premier address in Turkey for exclusive travel services; combining comfort and authenticity in the Turkey's captivating destinations. As being specialists in luxury tailor-made holidays; it is perfect for those times when you are looking to spoil yourself with a romantic getaway or special experience. This is where you will find high quality, exclusively private, and personalized travel choices to meet your individual or corporate travel needs for your vacation in Turkey. Having the most skilled professionals team in the field of tourism, correctly understand customer needs to propose correct luxury options. Our long-established rapport with the Turkey's best hoteliers and other service providers ensures us to get competitive prices with the best conditions. We are here to help you make the right decision and committed to delivering a high level of expertise and attention to detail for our guests who are in search of their next trip. You can contact our Luxury Travel consultant regarding your special request. Furthermore details; please ask for a free consultation LuxuryTravel [@]

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Thank you very much again for the excellent service you have provided us with during our event in Istanbul. I organized a rather large conference which lasted over a week in Istanbul with Top Executives and the service we have received was fantastic. They are simply a very professional company and offer super customer service.

After a busy meeting day, we are picked up at our hotel by good conditioned bus to drive to our booked dinner cruise tour. The trip itself has been the highlight of our international meeting. Illuminated Istanbul by night was fantastic and worth seeing. The service has been very quick and attentive, we had good drinks and meal. Thank you for seamless day.

Thanks once again for your assistance and excellent service during the Turkey tour of our VIP guests. The trip itself has been the highlight of our international meeting. Illuminated Istanbul by night was fantastic and worth seeing. The service has been very quick and attentive, we had good drinks and meal. Thank you for seamless day.

We had a great time with Mr Murat. He was a much better guide than we could have expected. His knowledge of Istambul's history is excellent. He consulted with us before each location including the choice of restaurant. His english was also excellent. I Thanking you for such a great tour of Istanbul.

It was a pleasure meeting you and spending some time with you. Judy and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in Istanbul. Fatih was an outstanding tour guide. His knowledge and care for us was very much appreciated. Thank you for the lovely Calligraphy plate. Thank you again for making Istanbul my favorite place of the tour.

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A Luxury Guide to a Long Weekend in Istanbul

When night falls and the crescent moon hangs with the stars over the water, the party begins.

By Elite Traveler

Istanbul — the honeyed sound rolls off the tongue like a mystical spell. Gilded domes, glittering minarets, aristocratic pavilions and sultans’ palaces rise amidst a vibrant, über-cool metropolis. An intoxicating fusion of warm spices and Middle Eastern flavors scent the air of an outstanding, contemporary culture, alive with all the bustling background notes of a 21st-century city.

Magnificently Turkish, it’s the only destination on the planet whose footprint spreads across two continents. One embellished slipper firmly planted in Asia, the other testing the cooler waters of Europe, separated by the majestic Bosphoros, seemingly a narrow strait yet a great slice of ocean flowing through the center of this throbbing, colorful city.

This impressive central waterway never fails to thrill with its ever-changing panorama of passing ships — from working oil tankers, grimy tramp steamers and fishing caïques to gleaming yachts, gin palaces, flashy motor launches and slick ocean liners. The mercurial mood of the Bosphorus remains a constant backdrop to the magic of Istanbul. When night falls and the crescent moon hangs with the stars over the water, the party begins.

[See also: The 12 Best Restaurants in Istanbul to Try This Year]

What to See

The magical waters of the Bosphorus divide the city between the romantic ideals of Europe and the intoxicating hubbub of Asia. Along these shimmering shores mighty empires have risen and fallen, palaces have crumbled, myths born and voyages begun. With so much to see, where do you begin?

Topkapi Palace is a typical tourist stop, but also the cultural symbol of imperial Istanbul. Built by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in 1459, Topkapi Palace showcases the heart and pride of the historic Turkish empires. The sultan’s harem, royal gardens, peeling frescoes, religious relics and tiled mosaics are all breathtaking in the context of their own historic beauty. The glittering jewel house isn’t bad either yet, sadly, nothing’s for sale at any price!

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Istanbul Modern is the contemporary art museum, set in a stylishly restored warehouse in the old dock district of Tophane. Check out the permanent exhibitions, conceptual installations, cinema, art library and photographic exhibitions that chronicle the changing face of a diversely enchanting Istanbul. There’s also a splendid restaurant with a terrace on the Bosphorus offering an astounding view of the city.

Hagia Sophia is undoubtedly one of the most important and imposing religious buildings in the world; the gravity-defying domed basilica remains an architectural wonder, providing the blueprint for countless Ottoman-era mosques. Sparkling with gold mosaics, Hagia Sophia is surely the ultimate, must-see Byzantine building in Istanbul.

Built more than 1,000 years after Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is a divine statement of voluptuous domes and gorgeously spindly minarets. The interior space gleams with the dreamy hue of blue Iznik tiles from which its name derives. The trip by ferry to the fine arts Sakip Sabanci Museum is half the fun. Set in a sumptuous private villa, the often-overlooked museum is one of the best in the city. It has touring exhibitions (recently Picasso and Rembrandt) along with its own collections concentrated on exquisite Ottoman calligraphy. Plan your visit in time for lunch on a terrace overlooking the strait.

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Istanbul Tour Studio , a boutique travel agency, can create perfectly designed experiences across the city, including any and all of the sites mentioned above. The company offers both customized and turnkey travel options covering everything from daily tours to multiple-day private itineraries.

If you do one thing: The Basilica Cistern

Subterranean depths and a sunken palace known as the Basilica Cistern are not for everyone, yet this marvel of Byzantine engineering remains unmissable. Invisible beneath the streets of Istanbul, it’s an urban fascination in the bowels of a 1,500-year-old building supported by 336 ancient columns. Look for the twin blocks carved into snake-haired Medusas, and the lazy carp idling in the shallow waters.

Images: Shutterstock

Where to Stay

Raffles suite at raffles istanbul.

For something completely different, Raffles Istanbul offers exquisite, top-of-the-line luxury with an alternative vibe, starting with its unexpected location in the vibrant business district. A soaring symbol of modern, self-confident Turkey, Raffles makes a serious statement with quirky art, glass corridors, sinuous sculptures and a liquid lobby of limpid pools. Sophisticated and startlingly sleek, Raffles has removed itself from the traditional Ottoman/Byzantine blueprint and styled itself up into a totally different orbit. The Raffles Suite is super-spacious and amazingly light, with wall-to-wall windows offering amazing views across the multifaceted city. It is elegant, individual and perfectly appointed with a grand piano for celebrated company.

From $30,900 per night. Contact [email protected] , +90 212 924 0200, raffles.com

Sultan Suite at Çırağan Palace Kempinski

For sheer opulence alone, with its breathtaking grandeur and spirit of imperial Istanbul, the impressive Çırağan Palace Kempinski remains an unequaled experience on the Bosphorus hotel scene. The Sultan Suite on the second floor is one of the most luxurious hotel suites in the world: It offers panoramic views of the iconic Bosphorus from its palatially appointed windows. Traditionally Turkish in its indulgent yet contemporary style, the sumptuous suite oozes sheer, classical elegance. This is where sheiks and sultans mingle with the stars, and European royalty consider it the only place to stay.

From $34,345 per night. Contact [email protected] , +90 212 326 4646, kempinski.com

The Atik Pasha Suite at Four Seasons Bosphorus

with its neoclassical symmetry, is best worshipped from across the water, set apart from any opposition by its stunning waterfront terrace, and dramatically lit by night with a romantic floodlight of flaming torches. Flawless service, hand-painted ceilings, rivers of pale marble and a plush neutral palette throughout reflect the promise of chic pampering at Istanbul’s latest Four Seasons. The Atik Pasha Suite shines as the star of the show, resplendent as a jewel in the Four Seasons crown. Grab a glass of champagne, throw open the windows and gaze across the Bosphorus strait to the city’s Asian shores.

From $20,600 per night. Contact [email protected] , +90 212 381 4051, fourseasons.com

Where to Eat

You can’t possibly eat your way around Istanbul in one visit, but it’s well worth a try. Driven by the cultural and culinary influences of ancient Greeks, Romans, Venetians and the Ottomans, it’s no surprise that the gastronomic scene in Istanbul is equally vibrant and colorful; diverse with aromatic Asian dishes, Mediterranean mezze and European classics along with the omnipresent variations of the local köfte.

Breakfast is a huge deal in Istanbul, usually taken banquet-style with trays of freshly baked flatbreads to soak up the array of delicacies on offer, some off the radar yet worth leaving your hotel to experience.

It’s not your regular fresh fruit and a skinny latte, but often lemony rice-stuffed mussels, salty white cheeses, muhammara (an addictive red pepper and walnut spread), bal kaymak (a delicious clotted cream with honey) and kuru fasulye (a white-bean stew in fruity olive oil and tomato sauce: Turkey’s unofficial national dish, served at breakfast or any time of the day). Look for fresh figs the size of a baby’s fist, and eat eggs scrambled with tomato and chilies alongside condiments of pickled everything.

Tugra Restaurant  at Çırağan Palace Kempinski hotel has loads of atmosphere, live music and some of the finest food in the city — world-class cuisine, with traditional Ottoman-style palace dishes for the venerable purist and a contemporary take for the more modern palate. Aqua is a fine-dining restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul with an imaginative fusion of Turkish and Italian influences. Expect impeccable dining with outstanding service, great food and even greater waterfront views.

For vertiginous value alone, nowhere tops  Mikla ,  owning its lofty location atop the fashionable, 18-story Marmara Pera hotel. Hailed as the most ambitious and revered restaurant in the city, and consistently receiving rave local and international reviews, Mikla is now showcasing its new Anatolian kitchen — that’s traditional Turkish and Kurdish cuisine conceived with mind-blowing flair.

Image credits: Eric Laignel, Shutterstock

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Why Istanbul Is One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024 — and What's New — According to T+L's Editor in Chief

Istanbul, which was earlier this year named the best city in Europe by Travel + Leisure readers, is now one of the best places to go in 2024. Editor in chief Jacqui Gifford shares what's new, why the hotel scene rivals Paris, and how to plan your trip.

todamo/Getty Images

Come sunset, there is only one place to be in Turkey’s style capital : settled comfortably by the Bosphorus, chilled cocktail in hand.  

The sky was turning a blush pink, the seagulls hovering above the water like ivory drones as we took our seats at Gallada, an oasis-like restaurant from chef Fatih Tutak. Opened in July to rave reviews, it crowns one of the four buildings that comprise the new Peninsula Istanbul — itself a much talked-about addition to the Karaköy neighborhood. Ferries, cargo ships, and party boats packed with revelers coursed up and down the strait, where 40,000 vessels traverse the waters annually. Music blasted from the pleasure cruises — an occasional distraction, but one easy enough to forgive. Everyone was ready to shake off the languor of the hot afternoon and welcome in the shade of night.

Courtesy of The Peninsula Hotels

Soon enough, a steady stream of influencers (executives in crisp shirts, fashion types in the latest Gucci) started to saunter in, and the restaurant was just as humming as the party boats. Our party of three, by contrast, included two bleary-eyed parents and a starving 8-year-old. In addition to Gallada, the 38-year-old Tutak operates Turk , the only Michelin two-starred restaurant in Turkey, and has become something of a celebrity in the food world. We ordered a Heinz variety of Tutak’s signature dishes, which blend Turkish and Asian flavors and take inspiration from the Silk Road. To start: a wood-fired potato pide accompanied by smoked bone marrow butter, and fried eggplant with burnt yogurt, tokat onions, and pepper oil. And multiple orders of crispy beef dumplings, umami bombs dunked in spicy butter and fragrant yogurt. There were lamb kebabs with vinegar onions and grilled Mersin red prawns with a delicate sweetness to balance the savory meat. It all paired beautifully with (ironically enough) the “Hong Kong” cocktail – a heady mix of Sichuan-infused tequila, Sichuan oil, galliano, yuzu, and vanilla. We left at 10 p.m., long past our bedtime; the influencers stayed well into the night, at their epic waterfront perch.  The Bosphorus may physically divide Europe and Asia, but it spiritually unites visitors and locals, who both gravitate to its shore and to its scenery. It gives Istanbul a purpose, a way to gather and evolve. Nowhere is this more evident right now than at the Galataport: a $1.7-billion hub that stretches for three-quarters-of-a-mile along the strait, and includes an underground cruise terminal, shopping area, pedestrian promenade, and art museum. 

The Peninsula is the linchpin . Stitched together by three landmark buildings from 1910, 1912, and 1937, plus one addition, the 177-room hotel, which opened in February 2023, quickly turned heads. The crisp service, the walkable location, and the top-tier amenities give it an edge. After touring the Hagia Sophia, we lounged by the serene pool, which overlooks the 1,486-year-old site and other jewels such as the Topkapi Palace. The sprawling, subterranean spa has one of the best private hammams in the city. The intuitive, tablet and touchscreen panel-enabled guest rooms feel residential, cocooning, thanks to Zeynep Fadillioglu, a female interior designer known for her work on Istanbul’s Sakirin Mosque. 

EMRE DORTER/Courtesy of The Peninsula Hotels

The hotel’s shiny new toys are all the more remarkable when you consider that the lobby and atrium, with its art deco flourishes (note the marble water feature, toward the back) once welcomed thousands of cruise ship passengers, starting in 1940. The other two buildings that flank it had past lives, too — the 1912 guest wing, “Rihtim Han,” was once a naval hospital.

“This area is a gift to the city, because this part had been hidden from the public for many years, as it was an official port,” said Arzu Kaprol, a local designer who fashioned most of the trim staff uniforms, using artisans from the Grand Bazaar. “Now with this new structure, the area is being given back to the public. On the weekends we are witnessing thousands of people enjoying the waterfront, freely.”

Kaprol’s caftan-packed shop can be discovered five minutes away on foot, in the Paket Postanesi : an airy domed building from 1911 that served as a customs office, passenger lounge, and post office. Compared to the sensory overload of the Grand Bazaar, a maze if there ever was one, it’s an excellent place to browse, unhurried. The boutique Juju Mood offers charms, bangles, stylish amulets; Atelier Rebul, a heritage cosmetics company dating to 1895, specializes in luxurious candles and fragrances. At the nearby Tophane-İ Amire Culture and Art Center , “Golden Opulence,” an exhibition celebrating 500 years of Turkish craft, fashion, and technique, sponsored by fashion house Beymen, runs from December 6-15, with plans to travel across the country. 

Jacqui Gifford/Travel + Leisure

Another center for Turkish heritage and culture is the Renzo Piano-designed Istanbul Modern , a five-story structure opened in June. The old museum was housed in a not-so-attractive customs warehouse, demolished as part of the Galataport rehabilitation. (For several years, the Modern was moved to temporary housing in Beyoğlu). Piano, for this latest iteration, took inspiration from the Bosphorus, creating sight lines to the water on the upper floors and a reflecting pool on the rooftop. The compact, welcoming museum focuses on Turkish contemporary art, with photography being a standout: a current exhibition includes 22 oversize photos from filmmaker Nuri Bilge Ceylan. The Restaurant Modern, with its sweeping waterfront terrace, makes the whole experience even more approachable.

“[The Galataport] was built not just for tourists,” explained Sinan Sökmen, the founder of Istanbul Tour Studio, a luxury travel agency. “Everyone goes with a different purpose. I go for eats and drinks; some go shopping.” Sökmen, who has been a guide for 15 years, now arranges bespoke experiences, including rowing along the Golden Horn and street photography tours. He worked in the port in 2014, when it was basically “desolate.” He told me that he was excited to see this era of “adaptation and renovation,” noting that the 86-year-old MSFAU Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture , which reopened in 2020, is another welcome change to the area. “The city is certainly old, there is nothing much we can do about that,” Sökmen added with a smile. “But all these clashes and contrasts make it special.”

Courtesy of Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

Istanbul’s luxury hotel scene, one could argue, now rivals London or Paris. Up the coast, Çirağan Kempinski Palace , a 17th-century sultan’s residence and longtime society darling, just got a glow up. There are two new restaurants (the waterside Akdeniz by Esra Muslu is a highlight) while the rooms nod to Ottoman history with touches that are subtle, not too showy (think Cintemani-patterned headboards, marble-inlaid furniture). In Beşiktaş, the two-year-old Mandarin Oriental, Bosphorus , draws a well-traveled international crowd, with on-point contemporary rooms and a Michelin-approved outpost of Hakkasan. The four-year-old Six Senses Koçtaş Mansions in residential Sariyer is more boutique, with just 43 jewel-box-like rooms spread across two 19th-century homes once owned by a minister of justice. The Four Seasons Istanbul at Sultanahmet , voted by Travel + Leisure readers as the best hotel in the world , reemerged in 2022 after a two-year renovation. It is housed in a former jail; for all its on-trend glitz and glamor, there are still prisoners’ etchings in the walls, giving guests a surprising, tangible connection to the past.

Meanwhile, rumors are swirling that an Orient Express hotel will come to Karaköy, not too far from the Peninsula – how very Agatha Christie. Indeed: for all the polished hotels, the modern art, the Michelin-caliber restaurants, Istanbul still can feel like a throwback to another, simpler time. Up early one morning, I peered out our hotel room window and saw several fishermen standing with their rods at the ready, passing time with ease. Friends sat casually chatting on benches to start their day, as I suspect they might have done a century ago — or even long before that.

How to Plan a Trip to Istanbul

T+L A-lister Jonathan Alder can book Istanbul and a wider Turkey itinerary. He also highly recommends booking a VIP arrival service and IGA Pass at Istanbul Airport, a world-class facility opened in 2018. “It will truly help, as you are whisked away by buggy saving the very long walks,” said Alder. “Shopping is also an experience here, so do come early to enjoy."  Contact Jonathan Alder at [email protected]. Of course, be sure to pack carefully for any trip to Turkey .

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• Accommodation

'I stayed in one of the most unique holiday home rentals in the NSW wine region'

By Chloe Longhetti | 17 hours ago

I'm going to be honest - I've never stayed in a converted train carriage before or even an overnight sleeper train.

For this city-slicker, the closest I've ever come to sleeping on a train over the years would be on the work commute after a long day - and I've maybe once fallen asleep - in my seat - while catching the Eurostar .

So, when I was invited to stay at The Station in the idyllic NSW Hunter Valley for 9Travel, in Pokolbin to be exact, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect - but I was excited nonetheless.

READ MORE: Five budget Aussie holiday spots you can visit and avoid the crowds

READ MORE: The perfect destinations for a multi-generational family holiday

The idea of it certainly piqued my interest - it features converted train carriages on land - and boy, it did not disappoint.

Just over two and a half hours away, it was an easy drive north from Sydney to the Hunter Valley on one of the last weekends of winter.

What I walked into with my plus-one, my partner, blew me away.

The Station is a mix of creativity, uniqueness, utter luxury and cosiness all in one.

My partner and I stayed at The George, two freshly-converted vintage train carriages with a unique outdoor area connecting the two.

To get to The George, we drove through the sprawling 25-acre property on a winding driveway and past a series of converted carriages.

The black and white "beware of trains'' sign on the grounds got a chuckle out of us both.

Inside the old train carriages

They each have some great names, including The Franklin and The Queen Mary, and are renovated with their own eye-catching unique styles and placed on the land.

There are different sized carriages - accommodating 2-10 people and more carriages on site that are coming soon.

The George, which we stayed in for two nights, can accommodate up to ten people - it boasts five charming beds, two bathrooms and a powder room - which featured a quirky ''all aboard" sign on the wall.

There's no doubt The George would be a perfect stay for guests all year-round, but with the cooler weather of the Hunter region outside for us, it was the perfect cosy winter escape.

READ MORE: Hotel review: The Calile takes its 'urban resort' status to the next level

The carriages also had a spacious kitchen, dining room, and lounge room, air conditioning, and even old touches of the original trains, including wooden doors and a gold restored handbrake.

Outside, underneath the pergola and lights, was another large dining area complete with green ferns, and a BBQ.

On the grass was a small fire pit, perfect to cosy up next to with a wine in hand from one of the many cellar doors in the region.

While the carriages look small from the outside - and some might classify them as tiny homes - we soon learned that looks can be deceiving.

Inside, they feel incredibly spacious, no doubt thanks to the high ceilings and windows running up and down the carriages.

But you certainly knew you were in a train carriage - the carriage with the bedrooms and bathrooms had a thin walkway just like they used to in the old days - but it also felt like you were staying in some seriously luxurious digs.

Things to do in the Hunter Valley

Being right in the heart of Pokolbin, The Station is in close proximity to some of the best wineries, cellar doors and restaurants.

Local attractions include the Hunter Valley Gardens, the famous cheese shops, chocolate shops.

The location also provided easy access to a nearby Highland Games festival at Saltire Estate that drew in hundreds if not thousands of spectators.

All in all, I would definitely recommend a stay at The Station - as it's one of the best and unique experiences I've ever had and beats a typical hotel or accommodation any day.

It almost has an off-the-grid feel, being on an expansive property - but what you experience is sheer luxury.

The writer was a guest of Booking.com.

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