Istanbul Design Journey
A Three-day Design Tour Curated by Designeers
7-9 October 2026 | Istanbul, Turkey
The Istanbul Design Journey explores a city where Byzantine heritage, Ottoman craftsmanship and contemporary creativity exist in remarkable harmony. From centuries-old tile workshops and artisan guilds to collectible design galleries, independent studios and refined interiors, this immersive experience reveals Istanbul through the lens of architecture, material culture and design.
The tour will take place from 7-9 October 2026. Guests are invited behind the doors of some of Istanbul's leading creative practices, meet designers and makers shaping the city's evolving identity, and experience the craftsmanship that continues to define one of the world's great cultural capitals.
About the Journey
Set between the historic districts of Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu, the Bosphorus waterfront and the creative streets of Çukurcuma, Istanbul offers a remarkable dialogue between imperial heritage and contemporary design. Historic mosques, palaces and bazaars exist alongside independent galleries, collectible design spaces, artisan workshops and studios shaping the future of Turkish creativity.
The Designeers Istanbul Design Journey moves through the city's three design geographies: the antiques quarter of Çukurcuma and the contemporary galleries of Beyoğlu, the working guild of the Grand Bazaar, and the maker studios strung along the Bosphorus's two shores.
Over three days, guests are invited into an immersive journey through the city's creative ecosystem, curated by Designeers for designers, collectors and cultural tastemakers. The experience brings together architecture, contemporary craft, private studios, collectible design, traditional artisans and some of Istanbul's most celebrated restaurants and cultural landmarks.
Apply to Join
The Designeers Istanbul Design Journey is an intimate, invitation-only experience. Places are limited and offered by application.
£1,350.00 per person
Journey Highlights
Contemporary Galleries & Collectible Design
Private visits to Istanbul's leading contemporary galleries, like Pilevneli Gallery, alongside collectible design destinations such as Meji Design and Gem Alf, offering insight into Turkey's growing international design scene.
Private Studio Encounters
Meet the designers shaping contemporary Istanbul through intimate visits to Atelier Terra Madre and Studio 11.6, where conversations focus on materials, process and the relationship between tradition and modern practice.
Turkish Craft Traditions
Experience the artistry behind one of Turkey's most celebrated crafts during a private İznik tile workshop before discovering traditional decorative arts at Les Arts Turcs, where centuries-old techniques continue to be preserved.
Architecture & Cultural Heritage
Explore the architectural grandeur of Istanbul through the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest covered markets, alongside one of the city's magnificent imperial mosques and the historic Çırağan Palace on the Bosphorus.
Design-led Hospitality
Long lunches, thoughtful pauses and exceptional settings are woven throughout the programme, allowing time for conversation, reflection and meaningful connection within Istanbul's creative community.
Apply to Join
The Designeers Istanbul Design Journey is an intimate, invitation-only experience. Places are limited.
Inclusions
A three-day curated design journey, hosted by Designeers
Carefully sequenced visits to galleries, design studios, artisan workshops and cultural landmarks
A private, hands-on İznik tile-making workshop with master artisans
Curated lunches and hosted moments as outlined in the programme
All local ground transportation during scheduled programme activities
Hosted lunch experiences in exceptional settings
On-the-ground hosting, introductions and contextual guidance throughout
A small, intentionally limited group for meaningful exchange and exclusive access
Exclusions
Flights to and from Istanbul
Airport transfers
Accommodation is not included, allowing guests the freedom to choose their preferred hotel.
A curated shortlist of design-led hotels is shared privately with confirmed participants.
Flights, visas, travel insurance and personal expenses are excluded.
Istanbul Design Journey — Day Itinerary
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Istanbul's most ambitious contemporary art platform, in a former industrial building. A private opening to the day.
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Into the antiques quarter: Gem Alf s internationally-shown collectible design, then the A La Turca kilim house of Anatolian textiles and Ottoman objects.
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The garden restaurant at the heart of Çukurcuma — an unhurried table between the morning and afternoon studios.
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The Pera concept space and gallery — a considered edit of objects and contemporary design, on the walk down from Çukurcuma.
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Meji's collectible-design gallery to close the day.
Why Join a Designeers Experience
Our programmes aren’t just about visiting a destination, but experiencing it through the lens of creativity, craftsmanship and storytelling. Expect private visits, studio encounters, shared meals in exceptional settings, and moments of calm designed for connection, ideas, and community.
Exclusive Access
Private entry into architecturally significant spaces, cultural institutions, and a discreet selection of studios and ateliers, often not accessible to solo travellers.
Considered Itinerary
A beautifully paced experience, from design-led stops and cultural touch points to dining in spaces that reflect local craft and atmosphere.
Curated Encounters
Intimate moments with designers, makers and artisans, offering rare insight into process, materials and the spirit of place.
Like-Minded People
A small group of design-minded guests from all corners of the world, creating meaningful conversation, genuine connection and shared discovery.
FAQ
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Designeers Experiences are for design professionals, collectors and culturally curious travellers who value thoughtful curation, rare access and intimate experiences over mass tourism.
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Designeers Experiences are curated with an editor’s eye and a designer’s sensibility, shaped by our global network and deep understanding of craft, interiors, architecture and contemporary culture. Each trip is built around rare access: private studio encounters, behind-the-scenes visits, and intimate cultural moments led by the people shaping the city’s creative landscape.
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We keep groups intentionally small, typically no more than 12 guests, to enable deeper conversation, access to private spaces, and a more personal experience throughout.
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Pricing includes curated experiences and local transfers, plus hosted dining moments during the journey. Accommodation, flights, visas, travel insurance and personal expenses are not included. A detailed list of inclusions and exclusions will be shared prior to booking.
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Yes. The days are thoughtfully curated, but we always build in downtime so you can explore at your own pace or simply unwind.
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We understand plans can change. Cancellation terms vary by journey and are provided during booking. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
