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Our Tour Experts 
Heroes and Heroines Discover Ancient History and Sites
Explore splendid palaces, opulent buildings and a fascinating religious and political history.
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Short Break to Istanbul
Spend four days losing yourself amidst the minarets, winding streets and fascinating culture of Istanbul, staying in a hotel of your choice.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
2Cruise the Mighty Bosphorous
Board your motorboat to cruise gently down the mighty Bosphorous.
3Go Shopping in the Grand Bazaar
Hone your bartering skills in the Grand Bazaar.
4Experience a Traditional Hamman
Take a Turkish bath in the oldest Hamman in the city.
Why we like it
Istanbul is a magical destination. We are confident a long weekend away here is enough time to enjoy this city of many colours. We have included a guide for half a day to help orientate yourself within the city. We will provide you with a steer on the best sites, restaurants, rooftop bars and bustling bazaars but then your time is your own and you are free to explore. The hotel we have chosen is centrally located and thus ideal as a base, however, should palace accommodation appeal, then we can include this for you instead.
Days 1-4
Istanbul
Days 1-4
Istanbul
Discover the very heart of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires. Istanbul is a wonderfully eclectic mix of Europe and Asia, all within a short flight from the UK.
More details
Explore at Your Own Pace
Istanbul is an eclectic mix of Europe and Asia. Separated only by the mighty Bosphorus, it is the only metropolis in the world that straddles two continents. And, with its heritage at the heart of two great empires, the Ottoman and Byzantine, the city is a dream for lovers of splendid palaces, opulent buildings and the religious and political history behind them. Explore the city at your own pace, and if you get lost or need something, talk to the locals, their friendly, polite nature means their helpful attitude will go beyond your expectations. Moreover, the cuisine with its Turkish, Kurdish and Arabic influences is a delight and a further highlight to your stay. It is truly one of the world’s great cities.
Istanbul Excursions
During your visit you will be shown the highlights of the city, the staggeringly beautiful Blue Mosque, the lavishly decorated Topkapi Palace, the past glories of the breath-taking Haghia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar, as well as gain special insights and access to lesser-known places such as the ancient Jewish, Greek and Armenian neighbourhoods. Other suggested options include taking a Turkish Bath to learn about the historical art of bathing, or visiting Kadikoy, the Asian side of Istanbul.
Take a Cruise on the Bosphorus
Board your boat to take you on a gentle cruise down the Bosphorus River. This is a spectacular way to view the Turkish capital, away from the hustle and bustle of the main city. You will stop for lunch on the Asian side of the city, giving you insight into a totally different aspect of Istanbul. Huge mansions line the banks alongside small, intimate fish restaurants, where you can stop for a delightful lunch and a walk in the Asian quarter.
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £600 Per person
When to travel
Turkey in January
Temperatures can be as low as -9.C in some regions of Turkey, with snowfall likely. During the months of January and February, the country can be less crowded, although visiting the cities is a more popular option than coastal regions.
Turkey in February
February will be marginally warmer than January, with the climate varying according to the region, due to the country’s sheer size. Some regions of Turkey will experience temperatures as low as 3.C, whereas other areas can see temperatures averaging 14.C.
Turkey in March
Certain regions of Turkey will experience many days of rainfall, particularly on the south west coast. During springtime in Turkey, temperatures will be ideal for sightseeing in the big cities and with less crowds than in the months to come.
Turkey in April
Springtime is an excellent month to travel to Turkey with temperatures in their low 20s on the south coast and longer days of sunshine, however it should be noted that in northern regions during April, they may experience more rainfall and cooler temperatures.
Turkey in May
As spring draws to a close and the signs of summer begin, temperatures will continue to rise and yet be quieter than July and August, when many choose to visit on their summer holidays both to coastal destinations and the country’s top cities, including Istanbul.
Turkey in June
On the Mediterranean coast, June will experience higher levels of humidity with warmer, temperatures and long days of sunshine. It will start to get busier at coastal resorts as the temperatures start to rise.
Turkey in July
During the summer months, temperatures are high and most of Turkey’s regions will experience long, dry days of very little rain. The cities, including Istanbul, will be quieter as the summer is a popular time to visit coastal resorts.
Turkey in August
Like any Mediterranean destination during the summer, Turkey will experience high temperatures, ideal for a summer holiday by the coast. If sightseeing in Turkey’s cities however, it may be less comfortable for some.
Turkey in September
The Autumn months in Turkey will experience marginally cooler temperatures than those of July and August, however, will still be in the mid to high 20s, with minimal rainfall.
Turkey in October
Whilst during the day, temperatures will be in the mid-20s, the evenings will be much cooler. Humidity levels will be much lower than the peak summer months but as Autumn continues, rainfall will be more frequent.
Turkey in November
With the cooler climate throughout Turkey, it means that there will be fewer tourists travelling to the country. Winter will have begun in Eastern regions, even experiencing the first signs of snow, yet some coastal destinations will still see highs of 25°C.
Turkey in December
In certain regions of Turkey during the winter months, particularly in mountainous areas and Eastern Turkey, temperatures can fall below zero and snowfall is likely.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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