Tour Description
Istanbul Extension Tour: Dive Into Culture, History, and Flavor!
After four idyllic days in the turquoise paradise of the Greek Islands, it’s time to switch gears—and colors—and explore vibrant, historic, and irresistibly diverse Istanbul, one of the most captivating cities in the world.
This unforgettable Istanbul Extension is a colorful journey through:
• Majestic landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace
• The city’s gay history, full of intrigue and hidden stories
• Incredible cuisine, from street food to baklava heaven
• Belly dancing, Turkish hammams, and panoramic rooftop views
About the Leaders
Professor Andrew Lear
Professor Andrew Lear is a leading expert on LGBTQ+ history and an award-winning teacher from Harvard, Columbia, and NYU. With a Ph.D. from UCLA and over 20 years of experience leading cultural tours, he brings deep knowledge, warmth, and fun to every journey. His work explores same-sex love in ancient Greece, Renaissance Italy, and beyond—making history come alive with every step.
Itinenary
Day 1
Fri, Oct 11
Arrival & Rooftop Dinner Show Kick off your Istanbul adventure with a welcome dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Bosporus Strait. Enjoy a belly dancing show, featuring zenne—male belly dancers reviving the dance’s original homoerotic flair.
Day 2
Sat, Oct 12
Byzantine & Ottoman Grandeur Walk through Sultanahmet Square, once the site of the Roman Hippodrome. Visit two of Istanbul’s most iconic sites: • Hagia Sophia – a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture • The Blue Mosque – a gem of Islamic design Then descend into the Basilica Cistern, a magical underground structure that’s appeared in James Bond films and video games. After lunch at a legendary stop on the hippie trail, enjoy a Bosphorus cruise for views of palaces and mosques lining both European and Asian shores.
Day 3
Sun, Oct 13
Topkapi Palace & Hidden Histories Explore the sprawling Topkapi Palace, former center of the Ottoman Empire and home to the infamous Harem. Was the Sultan’s taste strictly heterosexual? We’ll share what the official tours won’t… Continue to the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, featuring Greek treasures—including a sarcophagus once believed to be Alexander the Great’s. The afternoon is free for hammams, bazaar browsing, and secret corners of the city.
Day 4
Mon, Oct 14
Spice Market & Street Food Feast Today is a culinary deep dive! • Start at the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, sampling exotic spice blends and sweets • Cross to Kadıköy, the cool Asian-side neighborhood • Snack your way through börek, pide, midye dolma, lokum, and a dozen kinds of baklava This day is pure edible magic.
Day 5
Tues, Oct 15
Professor Andrew Lear
Gallery
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