48 Incentive Hours in Istanbul

One of the first associations with Türkiye is, for most of us, coffee. And that is precisely how a visitor should start the day – with a freshly brewed cup of strong traditional Turkish coffee in one of the numerous local cafés. As the city awakens and begins its busy and bustling day, a tourist can experience it in all its authenticity, with a visit to the old city. Wandering along the endless line of stalls of colourful and aromatic spices and dried fruits of the buzzing Egyptian Spice Market, visitors will be transported into a whole new world, spreading onwards to the Grand Bazaar, with its soft textiles, ornamented ceramics and beautiful jewellery, and on to the towering mosques and monuments that define the skyline. The Old City of Istanbul is a living museum, where each brick and each corner has a story to tell. Visitors are encouraged to visit the majestic Blue Mosque, with its six slender minarets and a serene courtyard, as well as the extraordinary Hagia Sophia, which has stood as a church, mosque, and now a museum.

As the old city tour enters its second half, and once visitors grab a quick lunch at one of the bustling street food stalls, offering delicious options of Turkish cuisine like simit (sesame-crusted bread rings), köfte (grilled meatballs), or dürüm (Turkish wraps); it offers another two must-see attractions – the Topkapi Palace, once the imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans, offering a glimpse into the royal life, and the Basilica Cistern, the underground water reservoir from the 6th century. Like the mosques of the city, both the palace and the basilica will leave visitors speechless, as they take in the grandeur and impressive architecture.

To decompress after a day of absorbing new information on the streets of Istanbul, guests can visit the Hammam, the traditional Turkish Bath. This centuries-old ritual offers a relaxing sanctuary with a scrub and a soothing massage, making the body feel at ease and rejuvenated, while the tranquil atmosphere allows the mind to quieten down. Alone with your thoughts, Hammam helps you completely disconnect from the noise of the day.

To experience the city from a different perspective – literally – visitors must hop on a boat for a scenic tour on a Bosphorus Cruise. Passing between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, with stunning views of the shore surrounding you, the journey showcases the city’s most iconic landmarks, like the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Maiden’s Tower, and Rumeli Fortress, offering a glimpse into the long history of the city.

Whether enjoying a short ferry ride, a private yacht tour, or a dinner cruise with traditional music, this experience provides a relaxing and memorable way to see the city from the water. An evening cruise is particularly special, as the illuminated bridges and skyline create a breathtaking atmosphere, while you get to enjoy a delicious, locally sourced dinner full of Turkish delights – both in flavour and experience.

For those looking to end the day on a creative note, the city offers a wide range of workshops, from traditional Turkish coffee brewing and mosaic making, to cocktail workshops. As the perfect combination of fun and flavours, Istanbul’s vibrant bar scene embraces both tradition and innovation, making it an ideal place to explore mixology. Guided by expert bartenders, participants can learn to craft unique cocktails infused with local ingredients such as raki, sumac, and pomegranate molasses.

If cocktails aren’t their cup of tea, visitors can round out their stay in one of the boutique wineries scattered throughout the city, offering wine lovers a vast selection of local grapes from all over the country, from the bold Boğazkere of Eastern Anatolia to the elegant Narince of Tokat. Guided tastings offer a chance to explore Turkey’s rich but surprisingly overlooked winemaking heritage and its unique indigenous varieties. Whether enjoyed in a stylish wine bar or a hidden cellar, this experience provides a perfect mix of culture and flavour to wrap up the day.