5-Day Istanbul and Bursa Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul, Airport Transfer and Free Day

Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW), our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international line of the Airport, holding a sign with your name written on it. After which, you will be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free for you to spend at leisure. Alternatively, you can join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show.

• Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2: Istanbul Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Tour

After your breakfast, around 8:30 am, we will pick you up from your hotel to begin a full-day tour of this magnificent city. It includes an official English-speaking guide, tickets, lunch at a central city restaurant, and a visit to the most resplendent monuments that the Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman empires have handed down to future generations: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque), Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square), Topkapi Palace and Historical Grand Bazaar, which houses more than 4000 stores. After the tour, you will be dropped back to your hotel around 4:00 pm. The rest of the day will be at leisure.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise

After breakfast at around 8:30 am, you will join the Half-day Morning Bosphorus Cruise. At the start of this tour, you will enjoy a drive to the pier in Eminonu for a short visit to the historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar). Following this, you will join a shared boat tour and cruise along the Bosphorus which is a narrow strait between the continents of Europe and Asia connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. You will be able to view the Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, citadels, centuries-old mansions, and the European and Asian shorelines while onboard the boat. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 12:30 pm. The rest of the day will be at leisure.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4: Leisure Day in Istanbul with Optional Excursions

Today offers a free day in Istanbul, allowing you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in Istanbul’s rich culture, savor local cuisine, visit historical sites, or simply relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

For those interested in a more guided experience, you may opt for one of three optional excursions (available at an additional cost). Each excursion provides a unique look into the region’s history and culture. At the end of your chosen day trip, you will be returned to Istanbul.

• Troy: Visit the legendary city made famous by Homer’s Iliad. This archaeological site offers insights into ancient Trojan life and the fabled Trojan War.
• Gallipoli: Journey to the World War I battlegrounds of Gallipoli, including ANZAC Cove and the Lone Pine Cemetery, for a meaningful look into the past.

These optional excursions can be selected at an additional cost when booking your tour. Enjoy your day in Istanbul however you choose, whether you explore independently or join one of these curated day trips!

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 5: Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon) and will then be transferred to the Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. This will be the end of our tour and services.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• Arrival, departure airport transfers and ground transportation
• 4 nights in Istanbul at a standard quality or Boutique hotel including breakfast
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary by the code letters (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch
• Sightseeing as described in the itinerary including entrance fees
• Professional licensed English speaking guide during the tour
• Local taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED:

• Tips to staff, items of a personal nature
• Drinks with meals (except the drinks served with breakfast)
• International flight tickets
• Entry visa
• Entrance to the Harem

IMPORTANT INFO:

• The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
• This is a regular group tour, but if requested at cost can be provided as a private tour.
• The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
• Please advise your arrival details at the time of booking.
• Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. You will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area on tours operated on Fridays. No visitation will be allowed inside the Blue Mosque for tourists on Fridays.
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday, it will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici).
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
• During religious holidays, the spice market and Grand Bazaar are closed.