Top Turkey Arts & Design - page 3

Watch Turkey’s Whirling Dervishes perform their famous “sema” ceremony without having to travel to their spiritual home of Konya during this evening show in Istanbul. Attend the cultural event at the Hodjapasha Dance Theater and have the opportunity to see the dervishes twist and turn in their white, flowing gowns, accompanied by traditional live music and Persian chanting. The sema ceremony isn’t just a performance; it’s a spiritual experience.

Istanbul’s magical skyline looks dazzling in the golden light before sunset—and glitters after dark as well. See it from a very special vantage point, the water, when you book these Bosphorus cruises. The golden hour option features iconic landmarks bathed in golden light, including the Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and Rumeli Fortress; the night cruise lets you see the lights exclusively from the water.

Say no to self-drive hassles and yes to the ease of a guided door-to-door tour when you prebook this full-day Antalya highlights trip. Explore the city’s scenic old town, including Roman-era Hadrian’s Gate, and feast on a classic Turkish lunch. Ride the Tunektepe Teleferik cable car for dramatic views, visit the lower Duden Waterfalls, and feel the breeze in your hair on a Mediterranean boat trip.

Get ready for your eyes to deceive you. With this amazing experience at the Museum of Illusions in Istanbul, you can explore over 60 unique illusions set up throughout the museum. There are plenty of opportunities to take mind-bending photos with interactive exhibits like the Infinity Room, Clone Table, Kinetic Turntables, and a Rotated Room, plus photographic illusions.

Cruise the Bosphorus while enjoying dinner and a show. Enjoy a variety of food and drinks while being entertained by a Turkish night show. Additionally, move comfortably at separate tables with our special table concept. You will be amazed by the view of Istanbul's historical buildings illuminated at night. Take photos and enjoy the sparkle of the city.

The ultimate off-shore excursion, this private Ephesus tour covers the world-famous ruins in just a few hours. Travel comfortably from Kusadasi Port in a luxury, climate-controlled minivan. Save time with skip-the-line admission tickets, included in the self-guided tour. You’ll also be able to consult a guidebook and map free of charge.

Enjoy soaring, bird’s eye views over Cappadocia’s iconic fairy tale landscapes during this sunrise hot air balloon tour. Travel comfortably to the flight site in an air-conditioned vehicle, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. A light pre-departure breakfast is included, plus a complimentary Champagne toast and flight certificate after your ride.

There’s nothing as reassuring as arriving in a new city after a tiring flight and seeing a driver holding a sign with your name on. Enjoy the convenience of a private transfer from either of Istanbul airports into the city and avoid navigating public transport. City to airport transfers are also available, as are transfers between the airports. This private transfer can be customized to suit your needs.

Lose yourself in the vibrant sights, scents and sounds of Istanbul’s legendary bazaars on this 4-hour small-group shopping tour. Marvel over the eye-popping colors of the spices and sweets at the exotic Egyptian Bazaar then browse the staggering 4,000 stalls of the Grand Bazaar, stopping to enjoy demonstrations of traditional crafts, like carpet-making, calligraphy and ceramics. With numbers limited to 15, you’ll enjoy personal attention from your guide, who can help you seek out the perfect souvenir and hone your haggling skills so you can shop like a local.

See the glittering lights along the Bosphorus Strait on a 3-hour cruise with dinner and a cultural show in Istanbul. Kick off the night with a welcome cocktail on deck, and enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline. Relax over Turkish appetizers and grilled entrees as belly dancers and folk dancers take the stage to the haunting sounds of traditional music. Sip a cup of Turkish coffee or a drink from the open bar, listen to music from a live DJ and soak up stunning nighttime views of Istanbul.

Discover the breathtaking beauty and grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace, one of Istanbul’s most magnificent landmarks, located right on the shimmering shores of the Bosphorus. Once the residence of Ottoman sultans and the administrative center of the empire, this palace is a stunning blend of European elegance and Ottoman tradition. Inside, travelers are transported into a world of royal opulence—featuring crystal chandeliers (including the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier), sweeping marble staircases, gold-leaf ceilings, and richly furnished halls. Walk through over 285 lavish rooms, explore the private quarters of the royal Harem, and stand in the historic room where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, spent his final days. Outside, the palace gardens offer peaceful strolls with spectacular views of the Bosphorus, framed by ornate gates and the elegant Dolmabahçe Clock Tower.

Take a break from the crowded beaches of Antalya and set sail on a pirate boat.  A driver will collect you from your hotel before taking you to the harbor. You and fellow passengers will visit a number of secluded beaches.  This Mediterranean day-trip further includes sightseeing, water activities, swimming, and sunbathing. You even get an included lunch, with beverages available for purchase.

Most travelers in Istanbul must choose between spending their evening dining out on Turkish cuisine, or on a sightseeing experience. This Bosphorus dinner cruise lets you enjoy the best of both worlds. Catch views of lit-up attractions such as Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and the Bosphorus Bridge as you drift past. Enjoy a menu of mezze and grilled fish or meats, plus fireworks, DJ sets, and traditional dance performances.

Capture Istanbul’s highlights without struggling to find the best angles or locations on your own. This private photography experience pairs you with an expert guide who helps you refine your skills while navigating the city’s most photogenic neighborhoods. Enjoy a personalized, hands-on approach that lets you improve your technique and return home with more meaningful, high-quality shots.

Istanbul is like a big cake, with layers and layers of history piled on top of one another. Welcome to the Sultanahmet, the city's historic heart, and an awe-inspiring hotspot for visitors. This self-guided audio walk is an easy introduction to some of the Turkish culture. Get your bearings before you start discovering Istanbul. Walk past tons of bronze-plated history, through an ancient stadium and learn why Kaiser Wilhelm was treated with suspicion by the Sultan... The tour is ready whenever you are. Simply download it onto the VoiceMap app in a wifi zone and then, when you're ready, select the Start Tour option. You can pause the tour whenever you like and when you're ready to get going again, the tour will pick up right where you left off. Your guide is Arzu Altinay who operates a walking tour company in Istanbul. You can find more about her walking tours. She enjoys writing, travelling and storytelling...oh, and good wine.

Dive headfirst into Istanbul’s modern art scene on this 3.5-hour walking tour. Learn about Turkey’s rich art history as you follow your enthusiastic guide around the districts of Tophane and Karaköy, stopping to browse a selection of the city’s most interesting contemporary art galleries, including SALT Galata. Finally, learn about popular Turkish artists like Abidin Dino and Ara Güler, and view cutting-edge temporary exhibitions at the Istanbul Modern Art Museum.

Visit Sandland, the international sand sculpture festival of Antalya. Located at Lara Beach and stretching for approx. 6.2 miles (10 km), the world’s largest sand exhibition attracts thousands of visitors year-round. Themes and sculptures on exhibit are changed annually by participating artists who sculpt 10,000 tons of sand.

Combine visits to some of Turkey's most important highlights in this full-day shore excursion from Kusadasi. With a dedicated guide, visit Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis, the last remains of a Wonder of the Ancient World. This private shore excursion ensures personalized attention from your guide and includes lunch in a local restaurant.

Admire many of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks from the water during this afternoon cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Sail between two continents along the border that separates Europe from Asia. Pass by the Galata Bridge and the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, among other sights. Cruises include hotel transfers and complimentary Turkish tea or coffee.

This service has a passion for uncovering Istanbul’s lesser known historical treasures on foot. Visitors will first be taken to the imposing Galata Tower which overlooks Bosphorus and the Old City, then off the tourist trail to multi-cultural Fener, Balat, and Ayvansaray. The tour will finish with a relaxing ferry journey along the Golden Horn.

"The Mosaic Candle Holder Workshop will give you a chance to design a charming little candle holder by creating your own mosaic glass patterns. It’s a delightful way to bring a piece of Istanbul’s magic to your favorite corner at home!

Get an in-depth overview of Istanbul's most famous attraction, plus a look at some of the city's cultural corners on this private tour. Begin with an immersive visit to the Hagia Sophia—where you'll enjoy skip-the-line enjoy—and take the time to ask questions and take photos on this personalized experience. Then, stop at a charming mosque most tourists miss. After sampling baklava at a traditional pastry shop, end the experience with a glass of typical Turkish tea.

Set sail along the Bosphorus, the meeting point of Europe and Asia, on this evening cruise. Experience Istanbul at its most atmospheric as you cruise past the illuminated city skyline and admire landmarks including Dolmabahce Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, and the Maiden's Tower. While on-board, tuck into a 3-course dinner and enjoy a variety of entertainment including whirling dervishes, belly dancing, and DJs.

With just one week in Turkey, there’s a lot to see and do, but this guided 7-day tour maximizes your time by visiting a different destination every day. Travel from Istanbul to Ankara, taking in historic highlights, natural wonders, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way. Visit the WWI battlefields at Gallipoli, the ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus, the thermal pools of Pamukkale, and the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.