A short 4-day city break in Istanbul staying in a boutique 4-star hotel and including 2 days of sightseeing tours
Highlights
Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, the Grand Bazaar, Bosphorous cruise, panoramic views from Camlica Hill
Itinerary
Welcome to Istanbul! On arrival we'll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the centre of the city. The rest of the day is free to settle in and start exploring.
| OVERNIGHT: Istanbul hotel
| EXTRAS: Single Room Supplement (TUTMIB), Extra day in Istanbul - pre-tour
Today we enjoy a full day city tour with a specialist local guide. We'll take in the beautiful Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia, sometimes described as the 8th Wonder of the World. This beautiful building, famous for its huge dome, was built as a Greek Orthodox cathedral in the 6th Century when Istanbul was still known as Constantinople, before becoming an Imperial Ottoman mosque, and now a museum. We'll also visit the Topkapi Palace (closed Tuesdays), which was the residence of the Ottoman Sultans in the 16th Century, and see the remains of the ancient Hippodrome. Our final visit is to Istanbul's Grand Bazaar (closed Sundays) which is one of the world's largest covered markets, and home to thousands of shops and stalls covering nearly 60 blocks. We may also have time to visit a carpet shop and learn how carpets are made by hand.
| OVERNIGHT: Istanbul hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast
Todays tour showcases one of the most magnificent waterways in the world, the Bosphorus Strait, which famously acts as the natural border separating the continents of Europe and Asia. Your day begins with a sensory journey through the vibrant stalls of the historic Spice Bazaar, followed by a visit to the exquisite Rustem Pasha Mosque, renowned for its stunning interior tilework. You will then embark on a picturesque Bosphorus Cruise, allowing you to take in the spectacular Istanbul skyline and grand waterfront mansions from the water. The itinerary continues to the Asian side of the city with a scenic drive across the iconic Bosphorus Bridge to explore the opulent Beylerbeyi Palace, a former summer residence of the Ottoman sultans. Finally, you will take in breathtaking, panoramic views of the entire city and the strait from the summit of Camlica Hill, concluding a truly unforgettable day of exploration.
| OVERNIGHT: Istanbul hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast
Your time in Istanbul is free today until we transfer you back to the airport for your departure. A range of optional tours are available today if you have a late afternoon or evening flight, or if you would like to extend your stay.
| OVERNIGHT: Istanbul hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast
| EXTRAS: Extra day in Istanbul - post-tour
included with
3 nights 4-star hotel accommodation (upgrades available)
Daily breakfast
24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
Specialist local guide for sightseeing tours
Sightseeing tours as per itinerary (inc. Bosphorus Cruise)
Entrance fees to various sites
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (3 breakfasts)
Tipping kitty
excluded by
International flights (available on request)
Visa fees (e-visa available online before travel)
Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Tips for guide & driver
Any other items not mentioned above
Detailed Description
This short city break in Istanbul provides a great introduction to this fascinating city. Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, has been an important city for centuries and we'll explore some of the important palaces, mosques and churches that have overseen its long and turbulent history. We'll also take a boat cruise on the Bosphorus, the narrow strait connecting the Mediterranean and Black Seas, and wander around the Grand Bazaar, one of the biggest covered markets in the world.
Accommodation is in a boutique style 4-star hotel in the heart of the city, with upgrades available on request. The tour is run on a small group basis with departures on Fridays, and also as a private tour which can start on any date you wish (please contact us for details and prices if you would like a private tour)
