turkey

Istanbul

Where East meets West on a bridge of minarets and rooftop bars.

4-6 nights recommendedApril-June, September-November (mild, fewer crowds, perfect light)Plan this chapter →

Istanbul is the only city on earth that straddles two continents, and it lives that duality in every breath. The Hagia Sophia dome soars above Byzantine mosaics while the call to prayer echoes from Süleymaniye, and across the Golden Horn, Galata's cobblestone lanes buzz with galleries, rooftop cocktail bars, and some of the most exciting cooking in the Mediterranean. From a rooftop terrace at sunset, the silhouette of six minarets against an amber sky explains why emperors and sultans fought over this city for two thousand years. It remains, simply, one of the most beautiful places on earth.

We also arrange the Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Spice Bazaar, with stays such as The Peninsula Istanbul, arriving via Istanbul (IST).

Ideal for

Culture Seekers · Food Lovers · History Buffs · Photographers

Istanbul, Where East meets West on a bridge of minarets and rooftop bars.
Plate IIstanbul. Courtesy of JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus
01
The Stay

Ottoman palaces, Bosphorus mansions, and the new wave of design hotels redefining Istanbul luxury.

Four Seasons at the Bosphorus

A restored Ottoman palace on the European shore of the Bosphorus.

  • Waterfront dining
  • Palace suites
  • Private boat transfers

The Istanbul EDITION

Ian Schrager's Ottoman-modern statement in Beyoğlu.

  • SKAÏ rooftop bar with Galata Tower views
  • Basement nightclub
  • Design-forward suites

Çırağan Palace Kempinski

The last Ottoman sultan's palace, now the Bosphorus's most opulent address.

  • Palace suites
  • Infinity pool on the Bosphorus
  • Tuğra Ottoman restaurant
02
The Palate

Two thousand years of culinary crossroads, from Grand Bazaar spice stalls to new Anatolian fine dining.

  • 01Breakfast spread at Çiya Sofrası in Kadıköy: 40 dishes from every corner of Anatolia
  • 02Private spice tour through the Grand Bazaar: saffron, sumac, and Turkish delight
  • 03Dinner at Mikla, new Anatolian cuisine 18 floors above the Golden Horn
  • 04Bosphorus sunset dinner cruise, grilled sea bass as the minarets light up
03
The Stillness

Dawn inside the Hagia Sophia, the Bosphorus at first light, and the silence between the calls to prayer.

  • 01The Hagia Sophia at opening: 1,500 years of light falling through the dome
  • 02Watching the Bosphorus from Çamlıca Hill at dawn, two continents in one glance
  • 03The courtyard of the Blue Mosque at evening prayer, six minarets against amber sky
  • 04Walking the Galata Bridge at sunset, fishermen silhouetted against the Golden Horn
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Luxury Properties in Istanbul

Exceptional properties in Istanbul, selected for their distinction and service

Experiences

Tours & Activities

Top-rated experiences in Istanbul

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