Welcome to Istanbul, the bustling heart of Turkey. Overflowing with art, architecture, culture, shopping, and excitement, this city offers a unique getaway like no other. The Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Galata Tower are just a few of the iconic structures that showcase the legacies of past empires. Discover the city's rich heritage or search for bargains at the Grand Bazaar. Unleash your creative side with a marbling workshop, or enjoy a captivating dance performance at the Hodjapasha Center. Savor Turkish delicacies in opulent mansions or simply wander the historic streets and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this extraordinary city.
- Accessibility: Istanbul is a major international hub and a bridge between Europe and Asia, offering a unique opportunity for companies with a global presence to bring together teams from different regions.
- Unique Experiences: Heading to a vibrant bazaar, or cruising on the Bosphorus Straight is a great day out of the office.
- Delicious Eats: The culinary experience in Istanbul is unparalleled, with a mix of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian influences.
- Historical Richness: There is a treasure trove of historical landmarks to explore.
- Breathtaking Views: Witness a sunset highlighted by skyscrapers and mosques from the gorgeous waterfront or one of the many rooftop bars.
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Shangri-La Bosphorus
The Shangri-La Bosphorus is set in a 1930’s historical building and upholds a legacy of luxury. Steps away from the iconic Dolmabahçe Palace, the Shangri-La is the perfect spot to explore and immerse yourself in the city of Istanbul. The rooms draw inspiration from both East and West and offer views of The Istanbul Strait, the city itself or the hotel’s inner atrium. Designed with cool features and plush fabrics, each room features marble bathrooms with heated floors and a television embedded in the mirror! With Istanbul right at your fingertips, the Shangri-La has everything you need for the perfect adventure.
- Number of Rooms: 186
- Number of Meeting Rooms: 15 (1000 largest capacity)
- Hotel Website Link
Six Senses Kocatas Mansions
An incredibly chic escape for a small and luxurious incentive group. The hotel is housed in two meticulously restored Ottoman mansions, creating a serene oasis just a private boat ride away from the bustling city center. There is an incredible spa where guests can indulge in a traditional hammam or create their own skincare products using organic ingredients from the hotel's garden in the Alchemy Bar workshop. The hotel's Earth Lab runs educational eco-workshops for guests, promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices. With its unique blend of cultural richness, historical beauty, and modern luxury, Six Senses Istanbul offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Istanbul’s east-meets-west charm.
- Number of Rooms: 43
- Number of Meeting Rooms: 2 (60 largest capacity)
- Hotel Website Link
The Peninsula Istanbul
The Peninsula Istanbul features a harmonious blend of contemporary design and traditional Turkish elements, creating an atmosphere of refined luxury and comfort.
Located in the heart of Istanbul, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the strait, providing guests with a serene and picturesque backdrop. The hotel's signature restaurant, located on a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, provides a magical dining experience under the stars. Best of all, the palatial ballrooms and sophisticated gathering spaces make for a truly unique and stunning event.
- Number of Rooms: 177
- Number of Meeting Rooms: 6 (500 largest capacity)
- Hotel Website Link
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Team building in Istanbul offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and collaborative experiences, perfect for fostering strong team dynamics. Imagine your team navigating the bustling Grand Bazaar in a thrilling scavenger hunt, racing to find hidden treasures while soaking up the vibrant culture. Or perhaps they'll bond over a traditional Turkish cooking class, mastering the art of making mouthwatering dishes. For a more adventurous twist, why not challenge them to a thrilling Bosphorus boat race, where teamwork and strategy are key to navigating the waters. Connecting with your crew in this enchanting city is sure to be unforgettable.
Historic City Walking Tour
The rich history of Istanbul is rooted in its architecture, markets and landmarks. The best way to learn about this captivating city is to immerse yourself with a guided walking tour. Your knowledgeable local guide will expertly share the facts, history and stories of the area while taking you to the must see locations such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and Grand Bazaar. Spend half a day getting to know this exciting city and all the magical stories it has to share!
Market Scavenger Hunt
Step outside and explore the iconic colourful markets and bazaars of Turkey. Sample the local flavours and culture as you engage in an “Amazing Race” style activity. Teams will race around the town while they complete trivia questions, photo challenges, and Turkish-themed “stations” that will have them interacting with locals and other travelers alike. Immersing yourself in the local community and culture is a fantastic way to truly bond with your team!
Cruise on the Bosphorus
Embark with your team on an elegant cruise along the Bosphorus River, where the iconic skyline of minarets and modern skyscrapers inspires innovation. The unique vantage point fosters creativity and camaraderie, turning routine discussions into memorable moments of connection. This activity can be tailored to your group with either a day trip to see the sights or a dinnertime wine and dine cruise with a lively belly dancing show. A great option for relaxing with your crew while sailing on the glittering waters and enjoying the mesmerizing views.
- Choose the right time of year: Check the local calendar for major events and holidays like Ramadan or national festivals that might affect travel plans and availability.
- Make sure you have a visa: Some countries require a tourist visa to enter Turkey.
- Add time for leisure: Allocate free time for your guests to explore Istanbul at their own pace.
- Learn the local etiquette: Educate your team on local customs, traditions, and etiquette to ensure respectful and smooth interactions.
- Indulge in the food scene: From kebabs and köfte meatballs, to Turkish delights, Turkish teas, and baklava - everything is a must try!
Like any major city, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas such as markets and tourist sites, to avoid pickpocketing. For LGBTQ travelers, Istanbul is relatively more conservative compared to some Western cities. While Turkey does not criminalize LGBTQ identities, public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention or harassment.
It's advisable to exercise discretion, particularly in less urban areas. Additionally, always stay informed about the latest travel advisories and respect local customs and cultural norms to ensure a safe and respectful visit.
Not Sure Where to Start with Planning Your Retreat?
Check out Moniker's How to Plan a Retreat Guide - Filled with expert tips and tricks to ensure planning your next corporate retreat is a breeze!
- Budget Guidelines
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- Tips on Scoring Discounts
- Hotel Negotiation Tricks
- & More!
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We'll provide you with an array of hand-selected destinations, potential team activities as well as the corresponding budgets and flights costs for each proposed location.
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