Luxury Istanbul Tour – A Weekend of Culture and Luxury
If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury Istanbul tour, look no further! We have just the thing for you. We’ve put together a section of some of the most exclusive and luxurious tours that will make your weekend in Istanbul unforgettable.
Istanbul is like a stormy romance for those who have experienced its captivating allure. Despite its tendency to let us down, we can’t help but love this city. Istanbul is like a rich tapestry woven with layers of civilizations and painted with the hues of thousands of years of religious and cultural history. Every street shares stories of a fascinating past. Istanbul brings pleasant memories and inspires the mind.
This lively metropolis releases an irresistible blend of warm spices and Middle Eastern aromas, capturing the dynamic energy of a 21st-century city. Istanbul is a remarkable metropolis that connects two continents. One side of the city is in Asia, and the other is in Europe. The Bosphorus is a major waterway that runs through the heart of Istanbul, and it’s a sight to see!
Resfeber will guide you through the city’s historical attractions, culture, and dining spots in this post. Moreover, it will include poetry about Istanbul penned by great Turkish poets. Come and embrace the timeless charm of Istanbul with a luxury Istanbul tour in one weekend!
See Also: Istanbul Tour: History, Culture and Magic in 3 Days
What to See
Discover the enchanting city of Istanbul, straddling the mystical waters of the Bosphorus, as part of your Luxury Istanbul Tour. It presents a captivating blend of European romance and Asian vibrancy, allowing you to embark on a journey through time while exploring the remnants of mighty empires. You will see palaces, museums and more as part of a luxury tour that will give you an unforgettable experience.
Topkapi Palace: A Regal Oasis on Your Luxury Istanbul Tour
Topkapi Palace, a cultural symbol of imperial Istanbul, shows the grandeur of Turkish emperors. This architectural gem, built by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in 1459, represents the heart and pride of previous Turkish empires. Despite being a popular tourist destination, Topkapi Palace is a royal sanctuary on your Luxury Istanbul Tour. Explore its royal gardens, see fading frescoes, find religious artifacts, and wonder at tiled mosaics that are magnificent in light of their historical significance.
Blue Mosque: Stunning Perfection on Your Luxury Istanbul Tour
The Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is well-known for its blue tiles and six minarets. Inside, the gorgeous blue Iznik tiles create a fascinating atmosphere, giving a touch of refinement to your Luxury Istanbul Tour.
Basilica Cistern: Beneath the Ground Mysteries
The Basilica Cistern is a subterranean wonder and one of Istanbul’s most significant and largest surviving Byzantine antiquity sites. The cistern supplied water to both the Grand Palace and the city of Byzantium, and it had a capacity of approximately 80,000 cubic meters. he cistern is located 150 meters southwest of Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu in Turkey. Discover the fascinating Medusa carvings1 and lazy carp in its shallow waters, adding a touch of mystery to your Luxury Istanbul Tour!
Hagia Sophia: Architectural Splendor on Your Luxury Istanbul Tour
Hagia Sophia is a magnificent structure that has stood the test of time and witnessed the rise and fall of empires. It was built as a Christian church in the 6th century CE under the direction of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I. The building reflects the religious changes that have played out in the region over the centuries, with the minarets and inscriptions of Islam as well as the lavish mosaics of Christianity. It features a massive dome, intricate mosaics, and grand interiors. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction that attracts millions of visitors every year. This Byzantine brilliance influences Ottoman-era mosques, making it a must-see destination on your Luxury Istanbul Tour.
Explore Istanbul’s Artistic Soul: Istanbul Modern
Nestled in the historic waterfront neighborhood of Tophane, Istanbul Modern is a beacon of contemporary art. This museum, housed in a tastefully refurbished warehouse, encourages visitors to explore the city’s artistic soul. Explore permanent exhibitions, conceptual installations, movies, an art library, and photographic displays that vividly depict Istanbul’s ever-changing landscape. To enhance your experience, dine at the museum’s magnificent restaurant, which has a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus and incorporates the city’s breathtaking vista into your cultural adventure.
Resfeber, specializes in creating meticulously tailored experiences throughout the city, covering all the above sites and more. Our services cover both personalized and ready-made travel options, from day trips to extended private itineraries.
A Break for Poetry
As promised, we will now share some poetry with you! Let’s take a break with this poetry written for Istanbul.
Nazım Hikmet – Tell Me About İstanbul
Stop! Let the water of the coffee boil,
Tell me about İstanbul, how was it?
Tell me about Bosphorus, how was it?
June is washed by the runaway rains with vibrations,
Would that seven hills get dried by
Such a hot sun like a mothers care…Tell me people laughed there,
In trains, ferries, buses.
I like it even if its a lie, say it.
Always agony, always agony, always agony
Had enough…
Where to Stay – A Trio of Luxurious Accommodations
Your stay in this vibrant city will depend on your budget, preferences, and travel style. You can read about where to stay according to your travel style in this post! Here are some luxurious places to stay.
| Hotel Name | Location | Contact | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pera Palace Hotel | Meşrutiyet Cad. No:52 Tepebaşı 34430 Istanbul, Türkiye | +90 (0212) 377 40 00 | perapalace.com |
| Shangri-La Bosphorus | Sinanpaşa Mahallesi, Hayrettin İskelesi Sk. No:1, 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye | +90 212 275 8888 | shangri-la.com |
| Raffles Istanbul | Zorlu Center, Beşiktaş, İstanbul, Türkiye | +90 212 924 0200 | raffles.com |
- Pera Palace Hotel
Location: Nestled in the historic Pera district, Pera Palace enjoys a central location near Istanbul’s cultural and artistic attractions.
Features: This historic hotel boasts a rich heritage and has hosted luminaries like Agatha Christie. Blending classic elegance with modern amenities, it offers luxurious rooms, fine dining options, and an ambiance that reflects Istanbul’s glamorous past.
Atmosphere: Pera Palace exudes old-world charm through its historic architecture and meticulous attention to detail, providing guests with a nostalgic journey into Istanbul’s golden era. - Shangri-La Bosphorus
Location: Positioned along the Bosphorus shores, Shangri-La Bosphorus offers breathtaking views of the strait and easy access to attractions like the Dolmabahçe Palace.
Features: A beacon of luxury, Shangri-La Bosphorus provides top-notch services, spacious and well-appointed rooms, gourmet dining options, and indulgent amenities including a spa and fitness center.
Atmosphere: Combining contemporary luxury with Asian-inspired touches, the hotel’s waterfront setting and elegant design create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere for a truly indulgent experience. - Raffles Istanbul
Location: Situated in the vibrant business district, Raffles Istanbul offers a pinnacle of top-of-the-line luxury.
Features: The Raffles Suite at this hotel provides spacious elegance with wall-to-wall windows and quirky art, ensuring a unique and memorable accommodation experience.
Atmosphere: Raffles Istanbul deviates from traditional Ottoman styles, embracing a modern and self-confident vibe. The hotel’s artistic design, sinuous sculptures, and liquid lobby pools set the stage for an elegant and individual stay.
Culinary Delights: Where to Eat on Your Luxury Istanbul Tour
Discover the essence of Istanbul’s culinary heritage on your luxury tour. Begin your day with honey kaymak for breakfast, savor street food featuring mussels stuffed with lemon rice, and elevate your evenings with Istanbul’s exquisite specialties at upscale dining spots.
Turkish Breakfast
A typical Turkish breakfast includes vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and green peppers, greens like garden cress, watercress, arugula, and common purslane, eggs (boiled or fried), a few types of cheeses, chicken or beef baloney, Turkish dry beef sausage, honey, sweet tahini paste, kaymak, jam, butter, white bread, a variety of fruits, and black tea.
Terrace Restaurant is located in Eyüp, Istanbul, this restaurant offers a fascinating panorama of the Bosphorus and the Prince Islands of the Marmara Sea. You can find specialties of Turkish and Ottoman Cuisine as well as many examples of international cuisines.
Street Food
Istanbul is a foodie’s dream in terms of street food.
KızılKayalar Hamburger, a juicy burger dipped in garlic and tomato sauce, this is a popular street food in Istanbul. Mingle with the locals and be careful not to eat too much of this delicious food!
Istanbul offers a wide variety of options for dinner. Here are some of the luxurious places to dine:
Luxurious Dining
Mikla: Elevated dining experience atop the Marmara Pera Hotel
Situated at the top of the Marmara Pera Hotel, Mikla offers dizzying value with its ambitious Anatolian cuisine. It showcases traditional Turkish and Kurdish cuisine with stunning flair, providing an elevated dining experience during your luxury Istanbul tour.
Atölye Restaurant: This is a Michelin-starred restaurant. Find out about other Michelin-starred restaurants in this article! Also, if you want to take part in more of the meal. We recommend you take a look at this tour!
Final Words
Congratulations on reaching this point! Our aim is to provide guidance on how to enjoy a luxurious weekend in Istanbul. We hope you have a wonderful time!
- Yilmaz, N. (2014). Turkish Neuro-Excursion Byzantium Period Water Architecture and a Masterpiece in Istanbul: The Big Basilica Cistern Bizans Dönemi Su Mimarisi ve İstanbul’ da Bir Şaheser: Büyük Bazilika Sarnıcı nilay YILMAZ EMRE Archaeologist Photographs: Tahsin AYDOĞMUŞ. Turk Neurosurg, 24(6), 823–827. http://www.neurosurgery.dergisi.org/pdf.php?&id=1420 ↩︎