Istanbul for Sure
Along the hills of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn lies this amazing city of rich culture and fun.
Aside from traditionally known culture for which she is chosen as 2010 European Capital of Culture, over the years she turned into a seriously important checkpoint of gastronomy, music, contemporary arts, fashion and entertainment.
Like everything of high quality, Istanbul deserves a special care, expertise, and a delicate effort to enjoy
DAY 1
Group arrival at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, meet and greet by your English speaking guide, followed by a direct transfer to the respective hotel by A/C vehicle.
Optional Services:
- VIP Welcome at the Airport: Meeting at the gate of aircraft by hostesses. Assistance for completing the customs and immigration procedures. Collection of the luggage by porters and delivery to the transfer vehicle.
- - Cold towel service (will be served en route from airport to hotel)
- - A shot of Turkish raki with roasted chickpeas (will be served en route from airport to hotel)
- - Turkish wine & cheese varieties (will be served en route from airport to hotel)
Upon arrival to your hotel, a smooth private check in from the private desk and some time at leisure.
Private Dinner Cruise by the Bosphorus
We start enjoying the charm and the beauty of the city on a private boat. Cocktails and trio live music to go with the atmosphere.
A buffet dinner introducing some of the specialties of Turkish and international cuisine.
Entertainment such as belly dancers, live music, jazz band and show during dinner.
We will end the evening having digestive drinks and enjoying the evening lights of the Bosphorus on the upper deck of the boat.
DAY 2
Morning: Experience the Old City
A themed excursion on Ottoman history, culture and lifestyle. Visit of Turkish Islamic Arts Museum (Ibrahim Pasha Palace) and Topkapi Palace. In Ibrahim Pasha Palace, small cup of Turkish coffee will be served and you will enjoy classical Turkish music performance. In Topkapi you will be amazed with the wealth, elegance and magnificence of the palace. Always possible to have a creative team contest you would select from our repertoire to go along with the excursion.
Lunch will be served at Arcadia Blue Terrace Restaurant which overlooking the Haghia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara.
Afternoon: Activity Options
Cooking Class:
After a pleasant hour of shopping the ingredients, the cooking class takes place at a professional kitchen. While the guests are looking at the chef explaining in what he is preparing, at his professional desk, guests will have their own equipped desk and cook the same.
Golfing at Kemer Golf Country Club:
With its 18-hole golf course in international standards, Kemer Country Golf Club is what comes to mind when you say golf in İstanbul. The golf course, designed by famous designer Joan Dudok van Heel in compliance with the USGA standards, appeals not only to beginners but to fastidious professional golfers as well.
Fishing:
A group of guests joining the team of a local Black Sea type fishing boat and participating in the fishing activity. It is an interesting interactive event to share the enthusiasm of local fisherman.
Enjoying Turkish tea with local brandy by the end of the short journey.
Bar Surfing:
The place of this activity is Pera region and Istiklal Street which is one of the most vibrant areas of the city with a few dozens of bars along the side streets. Pera (which means ‘the other side’ in Greek) has always been the European face of the city throughout history. The game is designed to feel and discover the unique taste of this area and to have some fun.
Dinner at Sait Halim Pasha Mansion
The dinner will be served at a historical venue on the Bosphorus; Sait Halim Pasha Yalisi (Mansion). This venue, on the upper European shore at Yenikoy, is one of the best-preserved of the empire-style yali. It is named for the Egyptian Prince and aristocrat who held important positions in the Ottoman administration, and who rose positions in the Ottoman administration, and who rose to serve a, grand vizier during World War I. From the Yali’s quay, two stone lions, brought from Egypt in the 1860's, keep a silent and distinctive watch to the east and the charming view of the Bosphorus.
After Dinner
Enjoy the spirit of Istanbul nights with so many bars, jazz clubs and night clubs and have fun after dinner until heaven knows when...
DAY 3
Morning: Explore the Turkish Delicates at Famous Gulluoglu Baklavacısı
Breakfast today is another treat as you will visit Gulluoglu Baklavacisi to sample varieties of Borek (feather light Turkish pastry filled with cheese, spiced minced meat or spinach) and famous Turkish Baklava, accompanied by Turkish tea. This restaurant has used only the finest, natural Turkish ingredients to develop its unique flavors since 1871.
Afternoon : Team Building Activity Options
Either Sports and Fun...
Sailing Experience on the Sea of Marmara
After going ashore on the Island of Buyukada (Big Island), which is only two hours of sailing away from Kalamis Marina (located on the Asian side of the city), you can spend two more hours on the Island. This will give you a plenty of time for brunch, relax and to participate in on-shore games or a short hike.
Or Mystery and Fun...
A contest game that takes you all around the city in couple of hours, trying to solve the pieces of a puzzle, gaining points, and trying to find the way back home. The best way of getting to know the city while doing a team work. No rules other than a few basic ones. There are moments of taking risks and moments of trust.
DINNER ALTERNATIVES
Cezayir
The restaurant which opened in 2005, is comfortably furnished without excessive ostentation, but its real gem is its garden, packed with flowers and plants, with an area that became a verandah in winter. Cuisine is experimental and includes some traditional recipes.
360 Istanbul
Enjoy the location in the beating heart of Istanbul. Take your time wining and dining relax with the sunset and be mesmerized with the 360 degree visuals of the city and the best twin of the both the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
Nomads
Authentic Middle Eastern meals are presented also with the effects of the Western world. Your delight increases with amazing tasted. Nomads sets your table with various cold appetizers, warm starters, main dishes and desserts which are more delicious than each other. When appetizers come together they form a small Arabic meal. Appetizers are offered in wide round copper trays with Lebanese and Iraq breads. It is also possible to give open buffet or table service dinners and cocktails for special occasions and invitations.
Belly dancers, singers and surprise performances in Nomads also worth seeing.
DAY 4
Morning at leisure
You may have pleasant time going around the art galleries, the Spice Market or the famous Grand Bazaar.
Check out at mid day and departure transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
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