Istanbul

The city, overlooking the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, enjoys one of the most splendid situations in the world. It abounds in fascinating mosques, palaces and museums.

For 1,000 years the Byzantine capital of Constantinople was the richest city in the world, and the great basilica of Hagia Sophia was the greatest church in Eastern Christendom. The achievements of the Byzantines will be brilliantly captured by our star lecturer John Julius Norwich. Their Ottoman successors were great patrons of the arts, and created an equally brilliant civilization, centred on the sultans’ palace of Topkapi, with its fascinating and mysterious harem.

We have arranged special access to the main museums in the city, with their wealth of works of art. In addition, we will enjoy splendid dinners in two of the most magnificent private houses in the city.

Hotel: The Four Seasons on the Bosphorus is a former 19th century Ottoman palace transformed into a sanctuary of luxury and comfort with legendary levels of service and a stunning waterside location.

Lecturers:  John Julius Norwich and Charles FitzRoy

Tour Leaders:  Charles FitzRoy and Cem Metin.