Best of Istanbul - 5 days
This 5-day tour is the perfect introduction to this fascinating city, allowing you to tour its sights at an unhurried pace. Before it became Istanbul, this was Constantinople, and before that, Byzantium. Straddling Europe and Asia, this captivating city is one of the most exciting city break destinations in the world, at once exotic and familiar. Its long history, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary physical geography will not disappoint.Istanbul
Topkapi Palace
Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque
Bosphorus Cruise
Egyptian Market
Day 1. Arrival and welcome
Today you’ll board your flight bound for Istanbul. On arrival at the city’s Ataturk Airport, you’ll be met and, once immigration formalities have been completed, transfer to your centrally located hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2. Üsküdar and Kadıköy
It’s time to get acquainted with this fascinating city. After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll cross the Bosphorus to take a look at the Maiden Tower. This mediaeval gem perches on a rocky islet beside Istanbul’s Üsküdar neighbourhood and featured in the Bond movie “The World is Not Enough”. We’ll move on to the Kadıköy district, still on the Asian side of the city, for lunch. The views across the Sea of Marmara toward Sultanahmet are breathtaking. After lunch there’ll be a little free time to enable you to explore on foot or by vintage tram to and from Moda. We recommend you call in at confectioners Hacı Bekir Efendi; they’ve been making Turkish Delight here since 1777. Later, return to the European part of the city by ferry. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3. Eyüp and Beyoğlu
The Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Istanbul, built by Süleyman the Magnificent during his 16th century reign. Today, this is where we begin our sightseeing programme before enjoying the ride by cable car up the hill to the Pierre Loti café. Named after a French writer, the views over the Golden Horn from its shady terrace are a real treat. Next, you’ll visit the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Tomb. Learn why it means so much to the faithful as the city’s oldest mosque and final resting place of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, the right-hand man of the Prophet Muḥammad. After lunch, it’s time to discover a more modern side to Istanbul. We’ll concentrate on the area once called Pera, around Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, one of the liveliest in the city and known for its many shops, restaurants and bars. Don’t miss the ornate architecture of the Çiçek Pasajı while you’re there. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 4. Sultanahmet
On the itinerary today is the beautiful Topkapi Palace, which occupies a commanding spot on the promontory overlooking the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Once, this sprawling palace was home to the Ottoman Sultans. We’ll allow plenty of time to do justice to the harem’s quarters, kitchen and gardens before moving on to nearby Hagia Sophia. In its long history, this imposing building has been a church, a mosque and a museum. Our third stop is equally magnificent: the stunning Blue Mosque, famed for the blue Iznik tiles which lend the place its name. Afterwards, we will stroll through Sultanahmet Square and have lunch at a nearby restaurant; if there’s time, you could squeeze in a visit to the atmospheric Basilica Cistern. The afternoon is devoted to the Grand Bazaar. Shop for handicrafts and more at this historic covered market. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 5. The Bosphorus
Today’s your final day in Istanbul. Before you depart, pay a visit to the Egyptian Bazaar, also referred to as the Spice Market, which has delighted foodies since it opened in the 17th century. It’s conveniently located close to the Bosphorus, and you’ll end your trip taking a relaxing cruise up this iconic waterway. It’s flanked by palaces and gardens - highlights include the gorgeous Dolmabahçe Palace and the Ciragan Palace, now the Kempinski Hotel. It’s the perfect end to your trip. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Quick Facts
- Season: Four Seasons
- Starts: Istanbul
- Ends: Istanbul
- Departs: Monday
- Duration: 5 days
- Group Size: 2-4
- Tour Grade:
Tour Inclusions
-
Accommodation
-
Guided tours & cultural programme
-
Half-board meals
-
Ground transportation
-
Airport & railway transfers
Not included
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Included in the Tour Price
Accommodation
All accommodation at your destination is included in the holiday price. Hotel category - according to the package type selected.
All accommodation at your destination is included in the holiday price. Hotel category - according to the package type selected.
Guided tours & cultural programme
All tours with entrance fees listed in the itinerary are included in the holiday price. There will be an English-speaking guide on all tours. Please note, we can arrange guides speaking other languages upon request. Please let us know your preferences.
All tours with entrance fees listed in the itinerary are included in the holiday price. There will be an English-speaking guide on all tours. Please note, we can arrange guides speaking other languages upon request. Please let us know your preferences.
Half-board meals
Half-board (breakfast and dinner) each day. Service begins with dinner on the day of arrival and ends with breakfast on the day of departure. Please advise us if you have any special dietary requirements. You will be able to get quick lunch at your expense during excursions stopping at local cafes or restaurants.
Half-board (breakfast and dinner) each day. Service begins with dinner on the day of arrival and ends with breakfast on the day of departure. Please advise us if you have any special dietary requirements. You will be able to get quick lunch at your expense during excursions stopping at local cafes or restaurants.
Ground transportation
All domestic transportation at your destination is included as per the itinerary. In the countryside we use chauffeur driven 4WD jeeps and in the city areas – minivans or coaches. All vehicles have air-conditioning system.
All domestic transportation at your destination is included as per the itinerary. In the countryside we use chauffeur driven 4WD jeeps and in the city areas – minivans or coaches. All vehicles have air-conditioning system.
Airport & railway transfers
All airport and railway transfers as per itinerary are included in the tour price. We will also provide airport transfers if you arrange your own arrival / departure flights regardless of the time of the flight, you will need to let us know your flight details. We operate all transfers 24 hours a day.
All airport and railway transfers as per itinerary are included in the tour price. We will also provide airport transfers if you arrange your own arrival / departure flights regardless of the time of the flight, you will need to let us know your flight details. We operate all transfers 24 hours a day.
Not included
Personal travel insurance
Personal travel insurance is not included in the holiday price. It is advisable to take out your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip as cover will commence for pre-departure cancellation from the policy issue date. You can arrange your personal travel insurance on our website.
Personal travel insurance is not included in the holiday price. It is advisable to take out your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip as cover will commence for pre-departure cancellation from the policy issue date. You can arrange your personal travel insurance on our website.
Optional excursions and services
Optional excursions and services not listed in the itinerary. Please let us know if you wish to book any additional excursions.
Optional excursions and services not listed in the itinerary. Please let us know if you wish to book any additional excursions.
Day 1. Arrival and welcome
Today you’ll board your flight bound for Istanbul. On arrival at the city’s Ataturk Airport, you’ll be met and, once immigration formalities have been completed, transfer to your centrally located hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2. Üsküdar and Kadıköy
It’s time to get acquainted with this fascinating city. After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll cross the Bosphorus to take a look at the Maiden Tower. This mediaeval gem perches on a rocky islet beside Istanbul’s Üsküdar neighbourhood and featured in the Bond movie “The World is Not Enough”. We’ll move on to the Kadıköy district, still on the Asian side of the city, for lunch. The views across the Sea of Marmara toward Sultanahmet are breathtaking. After lunch there’ll be a little free time to enable you to explore on foot or by vintage tram to and from Moda. We recommend you call in at confectioners Hacı Bekir Efendi; they’ve been making Turkish Delight here since 1777. Later, return to the European part of the city by ferry. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3. Eyüp and Beyoğlu
The Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Istanbul, built by Süleyman the Magnificent during his 16th century reign. Today, this is where we begin our sightseeing programme before enjoying the ride by cable car up the hill to the Pierre Loti café. Named after a French writer, the views over the Golden Horn from its shady terrace are a real treat. Next, you’ll visit the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Tomb. Learn why it means so much to the faithful as the city’s oldest mosque and final resting place of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, the right-hand man of the Prophet Muḥammad. After lunch, it’s time to discover a more modern side to Istanbul. We’ll concentrate on the area once called Pera, around Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, one of the liveliest in the city and known for its many shops, restaurants and bars. Don’t miss the ornate architecture of the Çiçek Pasajı while you’re there. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 4. Sultanahmet
On the itinerary today is the beautiful Topkapi Palace, which occupies a commanding spot on the promontory overlooking the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Once, this sprawling palace was home to the Ottoman Sultans. We’ll allow plenty of time to do justice to the harem’s quarters, kitchen and gardens before moving on to nearby Hagia Sophia. In its long history, this imposing building has been a church, a mosque and a museum. Our third stop is equally magnificent: the stunning Blue Mosque, famed for the blue Iznik tiles which lend the place its name. Afterwards, we will stroll through Sultanahmet Square and have lunch at a nearby restaurant; if there’s time, you could squeeze in a visit to the atmospheric Basilica Cistern. The afternoon is devoted to the Grand Bazaar. Shop for handicrafts and more at this historic covered market. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 5. The Bosphorus
Today’s your final day in Istanbul. Before you depart, pay a visit to the Egyptian Bazaar, also referred to as the Spice Market, which has delighted foodies since it opened in the 17th century. It’s conveniently located close to the Bosphorus, and you’ll end your trip taking a relaxing cruise up this iconic waterway. It’s flanked by palaces and gardens - highlights include the gorgeous Dolmabahçe Palace and the Ciragan Palace, now the Kempinski Hotel. It’s the perfect end to your trip. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Want to travel on different dates?
Please see below for our group tour dates, if you would like to travel on a different day, please let us know and we will come back to you with an offer. There might be additional surcharges for a private tour but all depends on the number of people in your party and your travel preferences.
Note on pricing
Prices depend on the hotel category and are listed below. Please read notes at the bottom of the table to learn more about the meaning of each pricing section.
Please see below for our group tour dates, if you would like to travel on a different day, please let us know and we will come back to you with an offer. There might be additional surcharges for a private tour but all depends on the number of people in your party and your travel preferences.
Note on pricing
Prices depend on the hotel category and are listed below. Please read notes at the bottom of the table to learn more about the meaning of each pricing section.
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Comfort - 3*COMFORT - 3* PACKAGE
Dates | Excluding flights | Single supplement | Book |
03.20.2021 - 03.24.2021 | - | - | book now |
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11.13.2021 - 11.17.2021 | - | - | book now |
Note on pricing:
- All prices are per person, in British Pounds. All included services are listed in the tour overview section.
- Price “Including flight” is subject to airfare availability and will be reconfirmed upon your booking. We advise not to delay with booking your tour as airfares may go up.
- Price “Excluding flight” does not cover airfare, you are free to book your own flights.
- Single supplement goes towards single room accommodation.
- Solo supplement is payable in the unlikely event when you are the only person on the tour. It will be refunded if other people join the same tour.
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