Part Three: From London to Istanbul — History, Hospitality & the Journey Home

Part Three: From London to Istanbul — History, Hospitality & the Journey Home

Saturday, August 30 — Arrival in Istanbul & Victory Day

The third chapter of our trip began with a smooth pickup at the port and a private car transfer to London Gatwick, where we boarded our flight to Istanbul. After a long travel day, we were met at the airport and transferred by private car directly to one of Istanbul’s most iconic hotels: Pera Palace Hotel.

Arriving at Pera Palace always feels like stepping into history. Opened in 1892 to welcome passengers of the Orient Express, the hotel has hosted everyone from Agatha Christie to royalty and diplomats Step Into the Soul of Istanbul: The Enchantment of the Pera Palace Hotel. Its Belle Époque elegance, grand staircases, and timeless atmosphere make it one of the most storied hotels in the world—and one of our personal favorites.

Adding to the sense of occasion, we arrived on Victory Day in Turkey, a national holiday commemorating the decisive victory in 1922 that helped shape the modern Turkish Republic. The city felt alive with pride—flags, celebrations, and a deep sense of history layered perfectly into our first evening.

Because it was late, we opted for a relaxed dinner on the hotel patio, keeping the evening simple and allowing ourselves to settle in before a very full day ahead.

Sunday, August 31 — Icons of Istanbul & Afternoon Tea

We began the morning with breakfast at Pera Palace, always a highlight thanks to its elegant setting and generous spread. From there, we met our private guide, joined by Rob & Maria and Hayden & Katrina, for an immersive tour of Istanbul’s historic heart.

The morning included visits to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks:

Hagia Sophia, breathtaking in both scale and symbolism;

The Blue Mosque, serene and luminous with its cascading domes;

Hippodrome Square, once the political and social center of the Byzantine Empire; and

The Basilica Cistern, mysterious and atmospheric beneath the city streets

After such an enriching morning, the group collectively decided it was time to slow the pace. Everyone headed off to enjoy a traditional hamam experience, embracing one of Istanbul’s most treasured rituals.

Scott and I chose a different indulgence and headed early to Afternoon Tea at Pera Palace. This isn’t just tea—it’s an experience steeped in old-world glamour. Delicate pastries, perfectly brewed tea, and the quiet elegance of the space made it a standout moment. Later, the rest of the group joined us, turning it into a shared pause and a beautiful reset in the middle of the day.

https://youtube.com/shorts/41PP2_dkt8Q?si=DxJ3lNpm576IGFUm

Dinner that evening was at Alaf Kokteyl Listesi, a modern, inventive restaurant where bold flavors and creative cocktails provided a perfect contrast to the historic sights we had explored earlier.  We got to sit outside on the rooftop terrace with incredible views.  Afterwards, we went back to the hotel for some well deserved rest.

Monday, September 1 — Markets, Waterways & Site Inspections

After breakfast at the Pera Palace, we walked to the port for a private boat charter. Seeing Istanbul from the water never gets old—the city reveals itself in layers from the Bosphorus, vibrant and endlessly fascinating.  It is also a great way to see Europe and Asia in the same day!

After disembarking, we explored the Spice Market, located within the historic Egyptian Bazaar, where the colors, scents, and energy were unforgettable. In a special experience arranged just for us, the shop owner closed the store to the public, allowing our group to sample a variety of spices, Turkish delight, nuts, and local specialties while learning about their origins and traditional uses. It was immersive, personal, and exactly the kind of moment that turns sightseeing into genuine connection.

Lunch followed at Pandeli, the iconic Michelin starred restaurant tucked inside the Spice Market itself. With its historic tilework and classic Turkish cuisine, it felt like stepping back in time—an ideal pause in the middle of a vibrant day.

The afternoon included a visit to a rug store owned by a merchant we had worked with before, where once again the shop was closed exclusively for our group. He introduced us to one of his artisans, who was actively working on a traditional Turkish rug—a piece she had already been crafting by hand for nine months. Watching the process up close offered a powerful appreciation for the time, skill, symbolism, and artistry woven into every rug.

Later, Scott and I split off for a site inspection at Four Seasons Sultanahmet, a property as fascinating as it is luxurious. Once a former Ottoman-era prison, the hotel has been thoughtfully transformed into an elegant sanctuary, with peaceful courtyards and refined interiors that stand in striking contrast to its layered past.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group headed to the Grand Bazaar for a truly unique and immersive experience, navigating its maze of stalls and soaking in the energy of one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.

That evening, we all reconvened at Nomads, one of Istanbul’s most dynamic dining spots. Known for its creative menu, vibrant atmosphere, and globally inspired approach to Turkish flavors, Nomads delivered a lively and memorable close to the day—modern, social, and unmistakably Istanbul.  Plus….there was dancing as Scott twerked with Burcu.

Tuesday, September 2 — The Long Way Home

After a brief nap, we checked out of Pera Palace and were transferred by private car to the airport for our Turkish Airlines flight. The departure experience was chaotic—crowded terminals, crying babies, raised voices—the less glamorous side of international travel.

The payoff came on the other end. We landed in Atlanta, cleared customs in an astonishing two minutes, and were quickly on our way via private car to the DoubleTree, where we picked up our vehicle. From there, we drove to The Whitley Atlanta, a Virtuoso affiliated property.

Final Thoughts

This final leg of the trip beautifully blended history, hospitality, professional insight, and real-world travel moments. Istanbul once again proved why it remains one of the world’s most compelling cities—layered, emotional, and endlessly fascinating.

From standing beneath ancient domes to sipping tea in a historic palace, from private market experiences to behind-the-scenes site inspections, this chapter closed the journey in a way that felt both grounded and unforgettable.

On to the next adventure.

Stay up to date with the latest travel information and exclusive cruise packages by signing up to our free newsletter below: