Today I’m excited to announce and invite you to join me this May for the “I Love Istanbul” Tour I’ll be organizing with my friend and fellow blogger Wandering Earl. This past September I listed 5 experiences I want to travel to; one being to give a tour showing off the city I love more than any other – in a way that couldn’t be replicated. Having lived in the city and visited countless times between us, Earl and I discussed over many cups of tea and nargile about putting together a unique Istanbul experience. And starting today, you can sign up and join us for one.
The tour will cover major sights such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia, but focus on lesser known locations and neighborhoods throughout this city. The I Love Istanbul Tour offers an experience that simply could not be had on your own. You’ll have visits to impressive Ottoman-era palaces, unique and educational walking tours, a hamam experience and even behind-the-scenes access to Turkey’s most famous baklava factory (complete with a baklava ‘tasting’ session) all part of the adventure as well. That’s not to mention the incredible Turkish cuisine that you will enjoy along the way, with nightlong traditional mehane dinners, lunches at some of the best local joints, incredible Ottoman cuisine and the most delicious street food the city has to offer. As for entertainment, how about some Turkish folk music at a popular late night venue, a night out along famous Istiklal Street and a relaxing evening or two chatting with locals, sipping tea and puffing away at a shisha cafe. It’s all included, plus plenty more, part of this unforgettable six-day experience to greatest city in the world.
What’s Included:
- Accommodation – 5 nights (private room) at a wonderful historic hotel in a prime area of the city
- Meals – Breakfast and dinner every day, as well as some lunches
- Transportation – Personal airport pickup, weekly tram/ferry pass, taxi rides and any other form of transport that we may use
- All mentioned activities and all associated entrance fees
- Plenty of excellent surprises along the way!
What’s Not Included:
- Flights or other transportation to/from Istanbul
- Meals not mentioned
- Travel/health insurance (will be required)
- Passport/visa fees
Other Important Information:
- Tour Dates: May 1st – 6th, 2013 – Tour Cost: $1995 USD per person
How To Find Out More And Sign Up
If you’re interested, just send me an email at [email protected] and I’ll forward you a more comprehensive description of the tour. Once you read over the tour information and want to confirm your spot, just follow the deposit instructions and you’ll be all set to go! Keep in mind that space is very limited.
- This tour will have a maximum of only 8 participants so that we can keep it truly personal!
Win Tour Spending Money On January 3oth
Next Wednesday, January 30th (2pm-3pm US EST/7pm-8pm GMT) Earl and I will also have a live chat about the I Love Istanbul Tour to answer any questions you may have. In addition to talking about all things Istanbul, there will also be a trivia question somewhere in the 60 minute chat. The first person to give the correct response will have 150 Turkish lira (~$85) free spending money in Istanbul.
I look forward to hearing from all of you and would love to have you as my guest in Istanbul this spring!
Wooo, good luck with that one. Sounds great and sure you’ll fill your 8 places super quick. Sooo many of our friends going to Istanbul in May. Perfect month for travel in Turkey! 🙂
Thank you very much 🙂 May is a great month – and we’ll also be planning some kind of open event if anyone you know wants to drop in and say hi 🙂
Of course, would love to come and say hi, but after saying May is the perfect time for travel in Turkey…we’re off somewhere in April!! 😉 Always have lots of friends and family here in May. We SHALL see you again…sometime.
Good luck to you both with the tour. We were in Istanbul a couple of weeks ago. Sadly it was only for three days but with any luck we’ll be back there again in July or August.
You mention in your newsletter that your jokes get better with every Efes. Is that every Efes you drink, or every one we drink?
Thank you Shane. As for the jokes, really the best effect is when everyone’s drinking 😉
Unfortunately, I’ll be in Egypt, but I’m sure it will be a hell of a time. Istanbul is one of my all-tome favorite cities.
Too bad we’ll be missing you but have a good time in Egypt 🙂
Good luck with your trip to Turkey, Anil. Turkey is amazing. I can really come join you I live right next door in Bulgaria. Been to Turkey plenty of times and I absolutelu love it.
Thanks and do let me know if you’re around in May!
I stumbled on to your blog from Adventurous Kate’s blogroll. I just went through all 141 of your pictures of Turkey, and they are amazing. I am so excited about my visit to Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus later this month – actually, in less than a week! Thanks for all the links and I’ll be looking up your Turkey page quite often.
Thank you very much and have a wonderful trip!