EXPERIENCE “A TASTE OF ISTANBUL” LIKE A TRUE LOCAL
Enjoy a private, full-day tour of Istanbul with a knowledgeable guide and take in the sights and sounds of this unique city like a true local. For lunch, stop by the hotel's sister property Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet and savour a delicious meal for two at Seasons Restaurant.

A VISIT TO OTTOMAN MANSION...

EXPERIENCE “A TASTE OF ISTANBUL” LIKE A TRUE LOCAL
Enjoy a private, full-day tour of Istanbul with a knowledgeable guide and take in the sights and sounds of this unique city like a true local. For lunch, stop by the hotel's sister property Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet and savour a delicious meal for two at Seasons Restaurant.

A VISIT TO OTTOMAN MANSION
Get an insider’s look at Turkey’s rich architectural and design heritage on this remarkable journey across the waters that divide Europe and Asia. Depart Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus by private boat, admiring the elaborate wooden mansions (known as yalıs) that line the Bosphorus Strait as you head towards the rolling Asian shore. Your destination is the home of Istanbul native Serdar Gülgün, a world-renowned interior designer, Ottoman art expert and historian who has a passion for bringing his country’s history to life. Over Turkish coffee or tea, Gülgün will share the fascinating story of his yalı before guiding you through his eclectic antique art collection. A signed copy of his acclaimed book, The Grand Bazaar Istanbul, completes your extraordinary day.

CHOCOLATE BY FOUR SEASONS HOTELS ISTANBUL
Artisan chocolates by Four Seasons Chef Ghislain Gaille are a harmonious blend of the breathtaking beauty of Bosphorus and the mysticism of Old Town. Chef Gaille combines passion fruit, olive oil, ginger, cinnamon and fig with favourite spices from Spice Market to create authentic aromas and chocolates that are artistic beauties as well as indulgent treats. Visit the Chocolate Shop on the Lobby Floor and the Chocolate Showroom on the 2nd Floor.

TURKISH DELIGHTS
In addition to chocolates, be sure to sample some of the world-famous, traditional Turkish Delights. This treat has successfully preserved a place in people’s hearts into the present day and continues to add pleasure to traditional coffee by bringing new delights to its traditional taste. The Turkish Delight options, prepared and served in the most delicious and flavorful way, are a great Istanbul souvenir to share with your family and loved ones.

PRINCES’ ISLANDS – BÜYÜKADA
Once a place of exile, these small islands located on the Marmara Sea south of the city are certainly worth a visit if you would like to enjoy a day away from the busy city. Both the time spent getting there and the time spent strolling along the narrow streets with the beautiful mansions will fill you with energy.

BOAT TOUR ON THE BOSPHORUS
There is no better way than taking a tour on the Bosphorus in order to appreciate the beautiful villas adorning it. Depending on the length and the route of the tour, you might also have the opportunity to jump off of the boat for a few hours and walk around in some of the districts on the Bosphorus.

KEMER GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
Kemer Golf and Country Club is Istanbul's most impressive golf club. The championship 18-hole, par 73 golf course is located in Belgrade Forest, just 40 minutes' drive from the hotel. Designed by internationally renowned course designer Joan Dudok van Heel, it is the headquarters of the Turkish PGA and the training centre for the Turkish National Team. The golf course is about 40 min. drive.

KLASSIS GOLF CLUB
This 18-hole, 72 par golf course was designed by one of the world's foremost golfers, Tony Jacklin, and is Turkey's first international golf course. It is recognised by the European PGA (Professional Golf Association) as a Championship Course. It is about an hour drive from the hotel.

TENNISSWISSÔTEL THE BOSPHORUS
Four Seasons has arranged for guests who are tennis enthusiasts to play at Swissôtel The Bosphorus. The small fitness facility includes three tennis courts, which are about 2 km away (about 10 min. drive).

MUST-SEE SITES

HAGIA SOPHIA
Considered as the epitome of Byzantine time, Hagia Sophia is one of the most important architectural achievements of all times, and the fact that is was built in AD 537 makes it even more impressive. Easily recognized by its majestic and flat dome, Hagia Sophia is certainly number one on the must-see list of any visitor.

TOPKAPI PALACE
Welcome to what has been the heart of the Ottoman Empire. It has served as the residence of the sultans and their women for over centuries. With its mystical harem, countless chambers, spacious grounds and courtyards, the exquisite jewel collection and much more, this glorious palace is undoubtedly one of Istanbul’s top offerings.

BLUE MOSQUE
With its six minarets and dominating position in the skyline of old Istanbul, it is one of the most famous and visited monuments in the city. Properly known as Sultanahmet Camii, this impressive mosque is widely called “the Blue Mosque” due to the blue Iznik tiles that adorn the interior.

GRAND BAZAAR
Covering a vast area of 60 laneways, 5,000 shops and caravanserais, the Grand Bazaar is one the biggest and the most hospitable bazaars of the world; after all, it welcomes around 250,000 to 400,000 guests daily! Mixing all the different tones, tunes and colors of the city into a unique blend of scenes, your day in the Grand Bazaar will remain with you forever.

SPICE MARKET
Mint, thyme, saffron, cumin – but also nuts, jams, lokum with the widest range of flavors. Whatever there is edible in this city, Spice Market has it. Covered like the Grand Bazaar, Spice Market is smaller in size but certainly just as interesting and stunning as his bigger brother.

SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE
Recognised as the masterpiece of the famous 16th-century architect Mimar Sinan, this magnificent mosque certainly lives up to his commissioning emperor, Suleyman I, The Magnificent. Having survived numerous earthquakes and other disasters, Suleymaniye Mosque is one the most inspiring places in the city for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

GALATA TOWER
Once the highest building in the city, this cylindrical building has witnessed times of wealth and peace since 1348, but also social rebellions, natural disasters, fires, wars and more. Take a deep breath, climb the stairs and let it whisper its memories to you.

DOLMABAHÇE PALACE
Whether approached from the land or the sea, this 19th-century palace welcomes the visitor with a magnificent presence. Since the palace has survived intact with its original decorations, furniture, silk carpets and curtains, a stroll through its impressive halls is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

BASILICA CISTERN / YEREBATAN CISTERN
With its 336 columns and a capacity to store up to 80,000 cubic metres of water, Basilica Cistern is the largest surviving Byzantine cistern. Since its renovation in the 1980s, it is one of most impressive and mesmerizing historical landmarks Istanbul has to offer.



SHOPPING

NISANTASI
Highly concentrated with Istanbul’s top high-end shops, Nişantaşı is certainly one of the most affluent districts of Istanbul. With many cafes, restaurants and small galleries hidden in the narrow streets of Nişantaşı, this lively district is certainly the correct choice for lovers of shopping outside of malls.

ZORLU CENTER
One of the latest additions to the social life of Istanbul is Zorlu Center, which consists not only of international brands but also exquisite cafes, worldwide known restaurants, and one of the – if not the – leading performance centers of the city. The playground with thrilling attractions for children of all ages makes Zorlu Center certainly the best choice also for families visiting Istanbul on a sunny day.

GALATA DISTRICT
Galata is not only one of the oldest but nowadays also one of the most vibrant and distinct districts of Istanbul, with frequent shop openings offering unique pieces by prominent Turkish designers and artists. And even better, they are complemented by boutique coffee shops, cozy restaurants and stylish cafes.



MUSEUMS

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Consisting of three parts – Archaeological Museum, Museum of Ancient Orient and Museum of Islamic Art – Istanbul Archaeological Museums own a vast collection of items covering almost all eras and civilizations in world history. With the management’s focus on becoming an ‘inviting-welcoming-entertaining museum,’ a stroll along ancient pieces has never been such a joy.

SALT GALATA – SALT BEYOGLU
Both set in Istanbul’s most lively and bohemian district, Salt Galata and Salt Beyoğlu house avant-garde works of art, curated by well-known Turkish and international curators. The central location of Salt Beyoğlu and the beautiful old bank building that hosts Salt Galata and the impressive rooftop restaurant make both of them a must-see stop if you are in Beyoğlu area.

ISTANBUL MODERN
Istanbul Modern is one of the biggest privately funded art galleries in the city. The extensive collection of Turkish contemporary art and a very successfully managed program of mixed-media exhibitions by local and international artists make this museum a magnet for all art lovers. The stunning views of the Bosphorus accompanying the visitor and the delicious cuisine of the stylish cafe also help!

SABANCI MUSEUM
With a superb permanent collection of works of book-making and calligraphy and an impressive temporary exhibition program, Sabancı Museum is one of the main meeting points of art lovers in sIstanbul. The fact that it hosts one of the best restaurants in the city, with a terrace overlooking the mansion’s beautiful garden and the Bosphorus, is certainly another reason why you shouldn’t miss it.



RESTAURANTS

ZUMA
Zuma blends the sophisticated beauty of the Bosphorus and the authentic flavors of the Japanese cuisine in such a way that the dinner turns into a unique experience of pure joy and satisfaction.

SUNSET GRILL & BAR
Another magical spot with a breath-taking view of the Bosphorus, a wide range of select dishes from Turkish, Japanese and international cuisine and an exquisite atmosphere, Sunset Grill Bar is the right choice for a lunch or dinner of perfection.

BALIKÇI SABAHATTIN
A family-run fish restaurant located in a beautiful Ottoman mansion, Balıkçı Sabahattin is where you will have delicious mezes and fish dishes served either inside the mansion, decorated in a cozy and traditional way with kilims or on the wooden terrace, depending on the weather and your preference.

ÇIYA
Çiya’s modest ambiance is the setting for a rewarding gastronomical experience. Located almost side-by-side on the same street, all three Çiya restaurants focus on a different but equally exciting dimension of the east and southeast cuisine emerging from the Anatolian region. An unforgettable food experience is guaranteed for all enthusiasts of new and old local flavors.

LOKANTA MAYA
If the yeast is good, the dough is good. That is what Ms. Didem Şenol, one of the most successful chefs in Turkey, believes, and that is why she decided to name her restaurant in Karaköy “Maya” (yeast). And the dough did in fact turn out to be good: a cozy atmosphere, informed, friendly service and incredibly delicious dishes! If you enjoy the food in Maya, it would be a good idea to take your lunch break in Gram, another heaven of taste created by Şenol, on your shopping day in Galata.



ENTERTAINMENT

REINA
Probably the first name that comes to the mind of anyone living in Istanbul when asked about nightlife, Reina is certainly the sultan of night entertainment. Bosphorus before you, DJ performances behind, this is certainly one-in-a-lifetime experience. If you don’t prefer to stay into the later hours, you can enjoy this wonderful atmosphere at dinner in any one of the six prestigious restaurants within the premises.

LUCCA
Comfortably chilling on the main street of Bebek, Lucca looks like a mid-size neighborhood bar, but its popularity goes much beyond. Both Lucca and his new sister Cantinery in Zorlu are magnets for lovers of good music, good cocktails and good food.

KIDS AMENITIES:
- Cribs
- Rollaway beds
- Infant toiletries
- Strollers
- High chairs

BABYSITTING SERVICES:
Reliable and qualified babysitters are available with 24 hours notice (sometimes less) and an hourly fee.