City & beach: Istanbul & the Maldives

Istanbul is known as a walkable city, so start exploring today with a stroll through the vibrant, bustling streets. This evening, you'll head to the marina to board a sunset cruise along the Bosphorus, one of the best ways to admire the iconic Istanbul skyline. The river divides the European and Asian parts of the city, offering ample views of the different architectural styles of each district with their distinct characters and cultures.

Enjoy a light breakfast today before your city street food tour. Immersed in local life, you'll sample traditional foods from across Turkey by traversing both the European and Asian districts. You’ll explore the best of the food markets, with highlights including delicious local dürüm (kebab) and the city’s best baklava, Turkish coffee, goat’s milk ice cream, grilled lamb, fresh mussels and more. You can be even more adventurous in Kadıköy, known for its more unusual food scene.

Meet your guide for a tour of the city's most historic landmarks. You'll visit the Blue Mosque, captivating visitors with its cascading domes and minarets, and the Grand Bazaar, with its expanse of labyrinthine alleys and striking stalls. Explore the largest surviving cistern in Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern, sitting in a beautiful underground cavern. Along the way, learn more about the city’s culture as you meet a local Imam, who will introduce religious life in Turkey, from prayer to traditional rituals.

Today you'll bid farewell to Turkey and travel back to the airport, where you'll board your flight to the Maldives. Upon arrival at Malé Airport, you’ll be met by our representative and escorted to a private airport lounge to relax ahead of your forthcoming speedboat transfer. When ready, you’ll be taken to the jetty to begin your 30-minute journey to Huvafen Fushi. Arriving at the boutique island resort, you’ll be welcomed by the team and introduced to your personal butler. The rest of the day is yours to settle in before dinner this evening.

Today is yours to explore the island, either on foot or via golf cart. The whole island is walkable in around 15 minutes. Your butler, known as a Thakuru, will be able to assist in recommending and reserving any activities, spa treatments or restaurants that you’re interested in. As the first resort in the Maldives to have a pool in every villa, you may like to spend some time here or at the larger infinity pool.

The North Malé Atoll is a great place to dive or snorkel, with vibrant house reefs and renowned dive sites easily accessible by boat. Huvafen Fushi’s house reef is filled with healthy corals as well as reef sharks, turtles and more. We’d recommend using the included snorkel set on the house reef, reachable straight from the beach, or joining a guided snorkel with one of the team’s experienced guides.

You may like to relax today, and there’s no better place than Huvafen Fushi’s spa. Home to the world’s first underwater spa, you’re able to have a soothing treatment with the ocean as your backdrop, a one-of-a-kind experience.

If you haven’t already, we’d recommend spending some time exploring the surrounding lagoon. Kayaks and paddle boards are included in your stay and provide a fun way to see the island from a new angle.

You can spend the day enjoying more of what the island has to offer. As the sun sets, you may like to head to the sunset deck for a cocktail and take in the views before heading to your chosen restaurant. There are plenty of cuisines to choose from for your evening meal, from Japanese to Italian. You could even visit the Maldives’ first underground wine cellar.

As it’s your last full day in the Maldives, you may like to have one last snorkel or take a trip to a private sandbank for lunch or dinner. Surrounded by nothing but the vast sea, this is a great opportunity to reflect on your trip and the memories made.

Today you’ll say goodbye to Huvafen and begin your journey home. You’ll first make your way back to Male by speedboat, a 30-minute journey. Depending on the time of your flight, you’ll have access to Huvafen’s lounge at the airport before heading to departures.