Istanbul: A Cross-Continental Luxury Holiday

Hailed as one of the world’s most trend-setting cities, it’s no wonder Istanbul is topping our list of places to escape to this year. With something for everyone; fascinating museums and mosques for the history buffs, sprawling bazaars for bargain hunters, and vibrant culinary markets for foodies, this hedonistic city is the perfect destination for a romantic city break. Be sure not to miss a sail down the iconic Bosporus River at sunset admiring the grand architecture, or the city’s iconic Ottoman sites such as the Spice Bazaar and Blue Mosque – and certainly make sure you explore the food markets and try your hand at cooking a delicious Turkish meal in a traditional Turkish home. Touching down in Istanbul you’ll be met by your guide and driver, from here you’ll be whisked off to your hip city crash-pad, the Tomtom Suites, hidden away in the consulate district of Istanbul.

Browse the bazaars

After a good night’s sleep in your stylish hotel, you’ll be ready to delve into the cultural fabric of Istanbul. Spend the first couple of days on a tour of Istanbul’s most iconic sites including the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern & the Spice Bazaar. A fusion of cultures and influences are played out in the city’s majestic landscape, and with your knowledgeable guide at hand, you’ll be let in on a wealth of historical and cultural insights to help you understand the wonders of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires. You’ll stop off at The Grand Bazaar, known as the ‘world’s oldest shopping mall’. This market is a great opportunity to taste the flavours of Turkey, from flatbreads to dolmas, and of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to the Grand Bazaar without a melt-in-the-mouth lamb shish kebab. Once feed, watered and shopped out you’ll be driven back your hotel to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Sailing at sundown

The best way to get your bearings in this fascinating city is to travel down the Bosphorus at sunset where you’ll explore the iconic waterway that divides Europe and Asia, on board a private yacht of course. With a glass of champagne in hand, you’ll drift leisurely down the river passing the lavish Ottoman summer palaces and decadent villas. We’ll provide you with one of our team of guides, an expert in the field of Turkish history, so you’ll be sure to pick up a few gems of information along the way. Once back on dry land we’ll send you off to explore the vibrant nightspots of Istanbul, where you can wine and dine in some of our favourite insider spots. Head to Karaköy, one of the city’s up-and-coming districts, that is awash with cafes and street side restaurants serving up fresh Turkish and Middle Eastern fare.

Cook up a feast

During your stay, you’ll be fully immersed in the culinary identity of Turkey. Take a traditional ferry across to the Asian side of Istanbul, a great way to experience the uniqueness of crossing continents in just a short boat ride. You’ll be met by your host who’ll take you around the local food markets in Kadaköy, here you’ll learn about the different products and buy ingredients ready to cook up a feast at their nearby home in the beautiful residential area of Kuzguncuk in the Üsküdar district. This peaceful area relatively off the tourist trail, and is dotted with galleries and workshops of artists and craftsman. Once settled into your host’s beautiful mansion home, you’ll begin cooking a traditional Turkish meal, including dishes such as kofti, dolma, and a selection of your favourite meze.

For your last night in this magical city, we recommend the rooftop terrace at Tomtom, where you can enjoy a few cocktails as you take in the sweeping views over the city before heading home the following day.