SPOUSES AND PARTNERS PROGRAM

*Spouse/Partner Tours are booked with our on-line registration. Click here to go the Registration page.

Spouses/Partner Tour #1 – October 15th - Living Istanbul

Walking from the Hotel to Taksim Square, we will stroll down Istiklal Street, a pedestrian street which is dominated by restaurants, cafes, bars, galleries, theatres, and shops. It is a lively place morning, noon and night. The guide will point out shopping highlights that you will be able to return to on your own at a later time. The Flower Passage and Fish Market are two notable sites along the way. We will stop for a Turkish coffee or tea and a simit. After the break, we will board the bus for a transfer to Old Town for a walk around the ancient quarters where you will attend a Turkish carpet demonstration. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

After lunch there are two options to choose from: Option one is taking part in a traditional Turkish bath. This is an experience you will remember forever. This authentic bath (hammam), with a history of 400 years, was used by the Sultan and his Harem. Relax on a heated marble platform, until it’s time for your massage and scrub. After you’ll feel cleaner than you have ever been and your skin will be softer than a baby’s. Option two is spending a couple of hours touring around the historical sites of Old Town. Sites include Hagia Sophia, Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and the Roman cistern Yerebatan.

Shopping

Turkish Bath

Spouses/Partner Tour #2 – October 16th - A Labyrinth of Shopping

The morning is spent at the Grand Bazaar. This is the world’s first indoor shopping mall, comprised of more than 58 streets and 4,000 shops. Many trades have their own streets and you will find Turkish arts and crafts, jewellery makers, spice shops, hand-painted pottery and ceramic dealers, carpet sellers, and leather goods. A guide will be along but you are free to wander the streets on your own. When you tire, stop and enjoy a sip of Turkish coffee or a nibble of Turkish Delight. You will then board a bus to the Chora (Kariye) Church/Museum district. Located on what used to be the outskirts of Istanbul this church was erected in the 5th century. The museum houses magnificent 14th century mosaics and frescoes which are considered to be masterpieces of Byzantine art. The Chora Museum is located in a typical Istanbul neighbourhood of wooden houses and cafes. Lunch will be at a well known local restaurant. After lunch you will return to the hotel.

Grand Bazaar

Chora Church

Istiklal Street

Turkish Carpets

Turkish Bath

Hagia Sophia