Travel to Constantinople in Istanbul

5 Days / 4 Nights | Designed for LGBTQ+, Solo Women & Neurodivergent Travelers

“[Constantinople] is the most beautiful spot on the earth, and so judged by all the world.” – Edmondo de Amicis

Constantinople was called the capital of the world, the most beautiful city in the world, and a city that would exist as long as people existed. Beloved by history enthusiasts, art lovers, and people with an appreciation for Looney Tunes spinoffs, you can travel to this ancient city without a time machine. You just fly in to Istanbul. With a history that dates to the height of the Roman Empire, anyone with a fascination of the romantic history of Rome and Ancient Greece needs to travel to Constantinople, located in the heart of Istanbul.  

From iconic landmarks and world-class museums to flexible sightseeing options, this package combines comfort, safety, and cultural discovery. Explore Constantinople’s historic treasures and enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace.

---

Suggested Package Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Settling In

Theme: Ease, Orientation, and Comfort

• Arrive in Istanbul at IGA and transfer to your accommodation (we recommend taxis or private drivers rather than renting a car).
• Check into your selected lodging option.

Safety Notes

• Ride-share services like Uber call taxis in Istanbul, and often it can be less expensive to go through a taxi company directly.
• Share arrival details with a trusted contact.
• Familiarize yourself with nearby transit stations and emergency services.

---

Day 2: Historic Constantinople Highlights

Theme: It’s Constantinople (Not Istanbul)

• Walking tours are the best way to see the city, especially since traffic can be abysmal. If you’re ready to walk all day, try a day long private walking tour with one of our partners! If you’d rather take your time exploring each place, we recommend starting with the Hagia Sophia early in the morning with skip the line tickets.
• Choose to spend your evening on the European or the Asian side of the city and explore the food and culture there is to offer.
• Staying at hotels in the Old City will mean that it’s harder to go out whether for dinner or the rich nightlife of the city, so plan for long travel times.

For Neurodivergent Travelers

• Morning departures avoid peak crowd periods.
• Noise-reducing headphones recommended for busy attractions.
• Flexible participation options available.

---

Day 3: Museums and Historical Constantinople

Theme: Archeology and Palaces

• Start your museum tour with the Archeological Museums and explore the oldest museum in Turkey’s history. Created during the Ottoman empire and housing artifacts from cultures around the world, it’s a highlight for history lovers. Not to mention the Tiled Kiosk room which was built in 1472 and restored in 1880 making it the oldest part of the museum.
• Find a cafe in the museum or on your 6 minute walk between them for lunch and coffee.
• From there, take a quick 6 minute walk to the Topkapi Palace which served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and home to all the sultans from the 1460s until 1853.

Safety Notes

• Istanbul is generally welcoming of tourists and safe to travel to, but travelers should remain aware of surroundings in busy nightlife areas. Especially for LGBTQ+ travelers, staying aware of your surroundings when out is important.
• Group transportation options available after evening activities.

---

Day 4: Old City Relaxation & Personal Choice

Theme: Flexible Exploration

Choose from:

Option A: Culture

• A tour of the Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar. While your first walking tour may have included the Grand Bazaar, it’s a location where you can see something new everyday. The center of Constantinople’s trade isn’t something you should miss out on.

Option B: Relaxation

• Acemoglu Historical Turkish Bath which was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmed in 15th Century and relax away your worries with a massage and clay mask like the royals would have enjoyed centuries ago. 

Option C: Sensory-Friendly Day

• Self-guided exploration with reduced activity.
• Quiet cafés and green spaces.
• Optional hotel wellness time.

---

Day 5: Explore Galata

Theme: Photo Ops and Culture

• Start your day in Galata with breakfast at Privato Café or Galata Konak Café for some of the best breakfast in the city. Konak has better views, but Privato has a breakfast platter that is big enough for everyone.
• Take a tour of Galata Tower with the observation tower deck provides some gorgeous views and photo opportunities.
• Take a stroll to the Galata Bridge to see the beautiful waterfront. Hit the docks underneath for a fish sandwich for lunch.
• Visit Beyoğlu Panoramic Terrace, a lesser known terrace with beautiful views, especially for golden hour photos.
• (Sunday only) Then ending your night at a Galata Mevlevi House Museum to see a Sema Ceremony (also known as a whirling dervish ceremony) is a must!

---

Day 6: Departure

Theme: Stress-Free Travel Home

• Breakfast at accommodation.
• Airport transfer assistance.
• Departure from Istanbul and say good bye to Constantinople.

---

Traveler Safety & Accessibility

Solo Women Travelers

Why Istanbul Works Well

• Extensive public transportation network.
• Well-lit central districts.
• Strong tourism infrastructure.
• Plenty of guided and small-group experiences.

Tips

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
• Use licensed transportation providers.
• Choose accommodations with strong reviews and 24-hour reception when possible.

---

Neurodivergent Travelers

Included Considerations

• Flexible daily schedules.
• Optional quiet-time alternatives.
• Reduced-pressure social activities.
• Clear written directions and expectations.

Helpful Travel Tools

• Noise-canceling headphones.
• Portable sensory aids.
• Offline maps and transportation apps.
• Advance booking of major attractions to reduce waiting times.

---