Istanbul
- July 20 - 22, 2012
- Starting from $399
- for Jewish Singles in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s
- Main Trip: Black Sea
Istanbul is literally where East meets West. This is the only city in the world which sits on two continents, Europe and Asia. It’s a land of mosques and sultans’ treasures, crowded bazaars, architecturally interesting sights and historical landmarks. The senses spring to life here with the smell of the spice market, the sound of prayer, the taste of traditional Turkish foods, the feel of a Turkish carpet, and the sight of awe-inspiring riches at every turn. While this city teems with the energy of a modern nation looking to the West, its outlying villages remain much as they’ve been for the past several hundred years.
Friday, July 20
Welcome to Istanbul! Check-in your centrally located hotel and relax or enjoy Istanbul and our surrounding neighborhood in the afternoon. Tonight, join the group for our Amazing Journeys Shabbat Services, followed by a group dinner where you can taste local Turkish cuisine while enjoying live local entertainment. (D)
Saturday, July 21
After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour exploring the major sites of Istanbul. We‘ll visit the main sights around Sultanahmet Square, including the famous Hagia Sophia Museum, once the largest church in the world for 1000 years, and decorated with stunning 6th century golden mosaics. Then, we visit the Blue Mosque, designed with six minarets and a striking blue Iznik tiled interior. Nearby, we’ll take a stroll through the site of the ancient Hippodrome, once the sporting ground of chariots and political riots; see the Egyptian Obelisk; Serpentine Column and Fountain of Wilhelm II. After our included lunch, we’ll take you to the Spice Market followed by the famous Grand Bazaar where you can take photos, shop or haggle with local merchants over unusual antiques, colorful spices, beautiful jewelry and richly textured fabrics. This evening, you’ll have a free evening to enjoy the myriad of restaurant options and local nightlife. (B, L) (Today’s tour is included for those on the two-night package).
Sunday, July 22
Following breakfast, we’ll return to the Old City. Visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the residence of the sultans for almost three centuries. We’ll visit the general exhibitions and the Treasury Section, displaying the priceless pieces of jewelry that once belonged to the Ottoman Sultans. An optional visit to The Harem will be offered. This vast labyrinth of rooms and corridors were once occupied by the black eunuchs, concubines, the Sultan’s mother and the Sultan himself. Lunch will be included at a local kebab restaurant where you can taste delicious kebabs from the southeastern part of Turkey. Later, we’ll visit the Neve Shalom Synagogue, the largest synagogue, in the center of the Jewish Community, before we transfer to our ship and our home for the next 10 days, Azamara Quest. (B, L)
Cancellation penalties applicable to Black Sea Cruise also apply to the Istanbul Pre-Cruise package.
All programs, events and participation are reserved for those who have purchased our Amazing Journeys Pre-Cruise package. Unfortunately we are unable to offer any components for those who have not purchased this package.
