Day 1

Welcome to Istanbul. The amazing capital of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. This is the only city in the world located on two continents. Istanbul is one of the world’s greatest cities, where millions of people from many different cultures live and contribute to the colours of the city.

Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by one of our staff members and transferred to your hotel located in the heart of the city. After checking in and refreshing, depending on arrival time, you can start exploring the city.

 Day 2

 Here we go..

Today after breakfast, we will be transferred to the studio for our first belly dancing class. (2 hours) After changing and refreshing, we drive to Sultanahmet to start exploring the city. First pay a visit to Hippodrome, where the chariots were used to race in the Byzantine times and continue to Old City.

We will then visit Aya Sophia Museum which was built as a Christian church by Byzantines, then turned into a mosque by Ottomans and finally to a museum by Ataturk. The beautiful frescoes and mosaics inside and the magnificent dome impress the visitors. Next stop is Blue Mosque, this is the only imperial mosque with 6 minarets and takes its name from the blue tiles used for decorating its walls and dome. We will spend the late afternoon visiting nice seashore town of Ortakoy and a cruising along the Bosphorus. Nibbles and drinks will be served on the boat while we are enjoying the beautiful views of mosques, palaces and old houses along the shore.

Day 3

 Our second belly dancing and rhythm workshop takes place this morning after breakfast. (2 hours)

After a lunch break we will start touring the city for the afternoon with Topkapi Palace which features precious ornaments from Ottoman Empire and the Islam religion. You will visit the treasury where you will see one of the biggest diamonds in the world. You also have the option of visiting the Harem where the women of the palace used to reside (Harem entrance fee not included).

Get ready for one of the most amazing shopping experiences ever, because we are going to Grand Bazaar, the largest and oldest covered market in Istanbul with more than 3000 shops selling carpets, leather, jewellery, spices, antiques, and more.. You will test your bargaining skills while getting lost in many streets of this market.

According to your request we may add a visit to a famous belly dance costume designer – Bella. You may want to purchase one of her already designed beautiful costumes or get one specially made for yourself.

This evening, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.