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Istanbul
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Istanbul
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Group
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English
Itinerary Overview
Discover the cultural heart of Turkey on this 4-Day Best of Istanbul Tour, combining comfort, history, and world-famous landmarks. Begin with a smooth airport transfer and free time to relax. Explore the treasures of the Old City, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. Continue with a scenic Bosphorus cruise, passing palaces, mosques, and waterfront mansions, with a stop at the vibrant Spice Market. With hotel stays, transfers, guided tours, and meals included, this compact journey is the ideal way to experience the city’s highlights. Book now to make Istanbul yours.
Trip Highlights
- Hagia Sophia – architectural wonder
- Blue Mosque – Ottoman masterpiece
- Hippodrome – Byzantine monuments
- Topkapi Palace – royal residence
- Grand Bazaar – historic marketplace
- Spice Market – colorful bazaar
- Bosphorus Cruise – scenic strait views
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive in Istanbul at any time. Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals area, holding a sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided tour exploring Istanbul’s most iconic Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks.
The day begins at the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a monumental structure that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum. Its architecture and historical layers reflect the rich blend of Christian and Islamic heritage.
Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets and mesmerizing blue İznik tiles. It remains an active place of worship and a masterpiece of Ottoman design.
Continue to the historic Hippodrome, once the social and sporting center of the Byzantine Empire. Discover its remaining monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.
After the morning exploration, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional Turkish cuisine.
In the afternoon, visit the splendid Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans for centuries. Wander through its expansive courtyards, rich imperial collections, and optionally, the mysterious Harem quarters.
End your tour at the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. With over 4,000 shops offering carpets, jewelry, spices, and ceramics, it’s a paradise for shoppers and culture enthusiasts alike.
After the tour ends at around 5:00 PM, you will be dropped back at your hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast at around 8:30 AM, you will join the Half-day Morning Bosphorus Cruise. The tour begins with a drive to the Eminönü Pier, where you will have a short visit to the historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar). Following this, you’ll board a shared boat and cruise along the Bosphorus, a narrow strait between the continents of Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.
During the cruise, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of iconic landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge, along with centuries-old mansions, citadels, and the stunning European and Asian shorelines.
At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel around 12:15 PM. The rest of the day is free for leisure, shopping, or optional activities. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (check-out time is before 12:00 noon). You will then be transferred to Istanbul International Airport based on your flight schedule. End of our tour and services.
INCLUDED in the Tour Price:
- Arrival and departure airport transfers, as well as ground transportation throughout the tour
- 3 nights in Istanbul at special-class or 4-star hotels, including breakfast
- English-speaking guide during the tours
- Meals as per the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch)
- Entrance fees for all sites and attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- Local taxes and service charges
NOT INCLUDED:
- International flight tickets.
- Turkey Tourist Visa Fees.
- Optional tours mentioned in the program (available at an additional cost).
- Services not explicitly mentioned in the program.
- Dinner and Drinks.
- Travel insurance (recommended).
Important notes
- The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described in the program will take place.
- This is a regular group tour, but it can be provided as a private tour upon request at an additional cost.
- Regular group tours include shopping stops as part of the itinerary.
- Please provide your arrival details at the time of booking.
- The Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays due to religious prayer services. On these days, only the outside area of the Blue Mosque can be visited.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
- During religious holidays, the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar are closed.
- The sequence of the daily tours within the itinerary may vary depending on the availability of domestic flight tickets, the opening/closing times of various historical sites, and other logistical considerations.
Overall Trip Rating:
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Verified Purchase
By Sarah T.(Canada)7월 20, 2025 Wonderful Family Trip in Istanbul!We joined this Istanbul tour with my family, and it was an incredible experience! Everything was perfectly organized, from airport transfers to the daily guided tours. The historical sites were breathtaking, and our guide made the journey very informative and enjoyable. We also loved the authentic Turkish cuisine. Highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Istanbul!Date of Experience: 7월 14, 2025 -
Verified PurchaseBy Bilal 7월 20, 2025Thank you so much, Sarah, for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your family had a fantastic experience in Istanbul. It was our pleasure to host you, and we hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
