Day 1
Monday 22nd March:
Group arrival and check in at the historic Bank Hotel in Karaköy, perfectly located to explore bohemian Beyoğlu and Emininou and Sultanahmet across the Golden Horn, home to the Grand Bazaar and The Blue Mosque.Welcome drinks at hotel rooftop bar following by group dinner at Salon Galata.
Day 2
Tuesday 23rd March
Morning – Explore the neighbourhoods of Beyoğlu- including Galata and Cihangir. These winding streets are full of surprises, with cafes, galleries, antique shops and local stores around every corner.
Group Lunch
Late afternoon: Take a local ferry up the Golden Horn to enjoy sunset and watch the city and it’s many mosques light up.
Group Dinner at neighbourhood institution Karaköy Lokantası. Leica Akademie Australia
Day 3
Wednesday 24th March
Morning – Cross the river on foot and watch the fishermen who are stationed there everyday, fishing from both side of the Galata Bridge. Explore the area around the Egyptian Bazaar in Emininou. From here we will explore the historical area of Sultanahmet.
Group Lunch in Sultanahmet
Visit the Blue Mosque, one of the most iconic monuments of Ottoman architecture and have the option to visit Hagia Sophia Mosque, the former cathedral and museum built in AD 360 which is seen as one of the most outstanding examples of Byzantine architecture. A convenient tram service can return us back to Galata, to the foot of the hotel.
Group dinner at Yeni Lokanta
Day 4
Thursday 25th March
Morning – Free early morning, with a suggestion to explore the neighbouring district, before departing for a half day trip to Adalar/The Princes Islands, an Archipelago Southwest of Istanbul. We will travel via ferry along the Bosphorus across, before
crossing to the sea of Mamara. Explore the small village life on the island of Büyükada, a quaint island with sweeping coastal views and traditional homes.
Group lunch on Büyükada
Enjoy golden hour and a sunset view on the river as we return to Galata.
Group Dinner at Yelkenci Karakoy a traditional fish restaurant on the Bosphorus. Expect delicious fresh seafood and plenty of raki.
Day 5
Friday 26th March
Morning: Photo review session at hotel.
Group lunch
Early afternoon: take ferry to Kadikoy on the Asian side of Istanbul. Explore the district, in particular the neighbourhood of Modi.
Early group dinner at Ciya Sofasi, a restaurant made famous by Chefs Table, which celebrates regional Anatolian cuisine. Return to European side of Istanbul via ferry.
Day 6
Saturday 27th March
Travel day
Breakfast at hotel before departure to Istanbul Airport. Midday flight to Athens (flight time 1 hr 30) Arrive in Athens and check in at Ergon House Athens, an epicurean boutique hotel in the heart of Plaka. The hotel design is inspired by the surrounding historic heart of the city, perfectly situated between Monastiraki, Syntagma and the Acropolis.
Afternoon: settle in at the hotel and optional free time to explore the surrounding neighbourhood at your own leisure.
Group dinner
Day 7
Sunday 28th March
Morning: Walk to Vavakios Market, a large central market space where locals buy fresh meat, fish, olives, nuts, herbs and spices and spend time exploring the streets around neighbouring Psyri.
Group lunch
Afternoon: Wander through the beautiful streets of popular Plaka before heading to the Acropolis in the late afternoon for a fabulous view of the city as the sun sets. Group dinner.
Day 8
Monday 29th March
Morning: Island day trip to Agistri, a small, pine-covered island only an hours ferry ride from Pireus, Athen’s port. We’ll get a great taste of slow, Greek island life, with an opportunity to visit scenic beaches, quiet village streets and capture lush natural
landscapes.
Group lunch at local taverna on Agisitri
Return from Skala port to Athens in the afternoon, with free time at the hotel before dinner.
Group dinner
Day 9
Tuesday 30th March
Morning: for those keen on an uphill walk, we will head up to Lycabettus Hill for a stunning 360 degree view over the city. Afterwards we’ll stop by KORA, a wonderful spot for coffee and pastries in the heart of Kolonaki. Nearby Exarchia is another great neighbourhood, sitting at the foot of Lycabettus, and full of great local cafes, shops and delicious tavernas.
Afternoon: Photo Review session at Hotel. Group dinner.
Day 10
Tuesday 31st March
Hotel check out.
Workshop concludes
