Experience the best of Istanbul with this curated 4 Nights / 5 Days group package. Straddling two continents across the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul offers an enchanting blend of imperial Byzantine and Ottoman grandeur, vibrant spice-scented bazaars, scenic sea voyages, and tranquil island retreats.
Explore world-renowned architectural landmarks including Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia (St. Sophia), the Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome, and the bustling corridors of the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. Cruise along the Bosphorus, take in panoramic skyline vistas from Camlica Hill on the Asian side, and escape the city rush with an excursion to the pine-clad shores of the Princes' Islands (Prinkipo) on the Sea of Marmara.
Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) in Istanbul.
Meet with our representative and transfer directly to your hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is at leisure to relax, refresh, or begin exploring the lively local neighborhood on your own.
Meals: None.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Istanbul.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Commence a guided full-day excursion exploring the timeless treasures of historic Sultanahmet:
• Hippodrome: Walk through the historic heart of Byzantine Constantinople, once the center for chariot races, athletic contests, and political life.
• Topkapi Palace: Explore the primary royal residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly four centuries, renowned for its imperial courtyards and priceless treasures.
• St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia): Marvel at this masterpiece of Byzantine architecture with its grand dome and centuries of rich history.
• The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque): Admire its cascading domes, six soaring minarets, and iconic blue Iznik tiles.
• Grand Bazaar: Wander through one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets, home to thousands of vibrant shops selling jewelry, carpets, ceramics, leather, and spices.
After the tour, transfer back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Istanbul.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): Begin the morning inhaling the rich scents of spices, herbal teas, Turkish delight (lokum), dried fruits, and nuts.
Bosphorus Cruise: Embark on a shared boat cruise navigating the waterway separating Europe and Asia. Glide past waterfront Ottoman palaces, timber yalis, Maiden's Tower, and historic fortress ramparts.
In the afternoon, cross over the intercontinental Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian side of the city.
Camlica Hill: Ascend to one of Istanbul's highest vantage points for sweeping panoramic vistas over the Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn, and city horizons.
Transfer back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Istanbul.
After breakfast, pickup from your hotel for transfer to the public boat pier.
Enjoy a scenic 1 hour and 30-minute cruise across the Sea of Marmara to the Princes' Islands, historically named Prinkipo.
Breathe in the fresh maritime air scented with pine trees covering the island's gentle hillside slopes.
Enjoy 1 hour of free leisure time along the Marmara Sea promenade. Sample famous island ice cream, taste sweet freshly fried Lokma desserts, or sit back watching the water while sipping authentic Turkish tea or Turkish coffee at a seaside cafe.
Regroup with your guide at the meeting point across the pier for the ferry journey back to Istanbul.
Arrival and road transfer back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Istanbul.
Breakfast at the hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure for last-minute souvenir shopping or strolling through the city.
Transfer to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) for your onward departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast.
