Istanbul · May 2027
10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World
Discover Istanbul through Elif Shafak's intensely beautiful and haunting novel.
10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak
Istanbul · May 2027
Experience Istanbul through Elif Shafak
An intensely beautiful and haunting novel from Elif Shafak about the wonder of life, the mystery of death and the strange space in between.
Set in Istanbul, this Booker-shortlisted novel really captures the essence of the city and will be the focus of our book club discussion.
This four-night trip combines the book with the extraordinary sights, sounds and history of Istanbul, from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia to the Grand Bazaar, Topkapı Palace and the Bosphorus.
The book
10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World
10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World is an intensely beautiful and haunting novel about the wonder of life, the mystery of death and the strange space in between.
Set in Istanbul, the novel explores the life and memories of Tequila Leila during the final moments of her life, bringing together the people and experiences that have shaped her.
The book will be the focus of our book club discussion during the trip, giving us the chance to explore the novel together while experiencing the city in which it is set.
The place
Istanbul
Istanbul is a city where Europe and Asia meet, with layers of history, culture and architecture around almost every corner.
Our two days of guided tours will take us to some of the city's most famous sights, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome Square, Topkapı Palace and Galata Tower.
We will also discover Dolmabahçe Palace, the Egyptian Bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Sultan Suleyman Mosque, before finishing with an early evening boat trip along the Bosphorus.
The Istanbul experience
A city of stories, history and extraordinary places
Hagia Sophia
Visit one of Istanbul's most extraordinary and historically important landmarks.
Blue Mosque
Discover the magnificent Sultan Ahmed Mosque as part of our guided exploration of the city.
Topkapı Palace
Explore the former palace of the Ottoman sultans and its remarkable history.
Grand Bazaar & Egyptian Bazaar
Experience two of Istanbul's famous markets and some of the colour and atmosphere of the city.
Galata Tower & Dolmabahçe Palace
Discover more of Istanbul's fascinating architecture and history during our guided tours.
Boat trip on the Bosphorus
Finish the trip with an early evening boat journey along the waterway between Europe and Asia.
Travelling alone?
Come on your own. You won't be on your own.
Most Books in Places guests travel alone, but the shared love of books makes it easy to get talking.
You'll have guided experiences, book discussions and time together, while still having opportunities to explore Istanbul independently.
Istanbul · May 2027
Discover Istanbul through the book
Four nights at Hotel Sumengen, with flights, transfers, two days of guided tours and an early evening boat trip on the Bosphorus, together with fellow book lovers.
Book the Istanbul trip