A typical itinerary for our photography holiday to Istanbul

Day 1

Check in to hotel, The Blue Mosque & dinner

After landing on the Asian side of Istanbul we are driven across the magnificent Bosporus Bridge and into the heart of the city. Soon we reach our beautiful hotel in Saltanhmet, Istanbul’s old town, and enjoy some refreshing drinks on the hotel’s roof terrace. Following an introduction to the holiday we have a breathtaking late afternoon stroll around the Blue Mosque followed by dinner and drinks at an acclaimed local fish restaurant.

Day 2

Hagia Sofia, Basilica Cistern & the Blue Mosque

Breakfast is followed by a visit to one of Istanbul’s (and the world’s) most impressive buildings - the awe inspiring Hagia Sofia. Walking around the mosque, with it’s unique blend of Christian and Muslim architecture and artwork, we shall start to think about some of the themes surrounding the photography project. Having explored the building and immersed ourselves in its unique history, it’s then a short walk to the Basilica Cistern, a massive underground vaulted Roman reservoir, once the lifeblood of the city.

Lunch, the Spice Bazaar and an unforgettable view of the city

Today we eat lunch with the locals in Istanbul’s famous Tarihi Sultanahmet Koftecisi restaurant (lunch included). Early afternoon is spent wandering around the historic Spice Bazaar, where we have the chance to sample and buy some exotic spices. Afterwards we take a stroll over the Galata Bridge, with its spectacular views across the Bosporus and from there ascend the imposing Gatata Tower, to take in the impressive views across the city.

Evening presentation, drinks & dinner at Cezayir

After an early evening rest we meet on the hotel’s roof terrace and look at the photographs of the day while admiring the stunning view of the Blue Mosque at sunset. Then it’s on to Cezayir, a chic restaurant in a converted school house specialising in contemporary Turkish cuisine. Afterwards, for those who want to, we shall head to the lively Beyoğlu district and check out Istanbul’s buzzing nightlife!

Day 3

St. Saviour in Chora, the Imperial Mosque & Istanbul Modern

This morning we visit the little known St. Saviour in Chora church, which boasts some of the world’s most impressive Byzantine artwork. Leaving here we head to the Imperial Mosque and then on to Istanbul Modern, the city's acclaimed contemporary art museum. After a wander around the various galleries we sit down to lunch in the museum's stylish restaurant, which has a beautiful terrace overlooking the Bosporus (lunch included).

Istanbul's Contemporary art scene, 360 Bar & The Grand Bazaar

The first half of the afternoon is spent in the Misir Apartments wandering around the various galleries while making our way up to the famous 360 Bar, which, as the name implies, has spectacular panoramic views across the city. Here we can enjoy an afternoon coffee or cocktail. Then, we head back to the old town and visit the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of covered walkways lined with shops selling anything from perfumes to carpets!

Evening presentation, drinks & traditional Turkish food and entertainment

After an early evening rest we meet on the roof terrace and look at the photographs of the day. Then it’s back to the Beyoğlu district for a very special evening consisting of a traditional Turkish dinner and then on to Munzur, a characterful Kurdish bar famous among locals for playing the best music in town!

Day 4

Boat trip up the Bosporus & seafood lunch

After breakfast we make our way down to the docks to board a boat which will take us on an unforgettable cruise up the Bosporus. Arriving in the small idyllic village of Anadalukavagi, on the Asian side of Istanbul, we disembark and have a wander around before sitting down to a exquisite seafood lunch. After a drive back to the city, you are free to spend the afternoon at your leisure; perhaps have an extra tutorial, visit the Turkish baths or catch some more sights!

Gala Dinner

Tonight is very memorable as we gather on the hotel’s roof terrace for a drink and a look at everyone’s images from the holiday. Then it’s on to an area in the Bosporus Village called Ortaköy for an evening stroll followed by drinks and dinner at one of Istanbul’s stylish House Cafes.

Day 5

Breakfast, one last wander around the old town and home!

A leisurely breakfast is followed by a final stroll around the Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet. Then we check out of our hotel, cross back over the Bosporus Bridge and head to the airport.