Turkiye / Icons of Istanbul Tour Package – 4 Days
Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents, and with this 4-day city package, you can see both! You may enjoy guided walking tours of Ottoman and Byzantine landmarks, view the stunning Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, learn about Istanbul’s rich history at the Hagia Sophia Museum, practice your bargaining skills in the Grand Bazaar, and unwind on a boat excursion along the Bosporus Strait. Hotel stays, guided tours of top attractions, and private transportation from and to the airport are all included in this Istanbul vacation package.
Discover the history and culture of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires.
See the major landmarks and monuments of Istanbul.
Experience the splendor and charm of Islamic architecture in the Blue Mosque.
Cruise the Bosphorus and take in the iconic waterway’s sights and sounds.
Test your bargaining skills in the Grand Bazaar.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| Day 1 | Welcome to the city of two continents | Istanbul |
| Day 2 | Explore the historical treasures of Istanbul’s Old City | Istanbul |
| Day 3 | Cruising the Bosphorus and Culinary Walk | Istanbul |
| Day 4 | Istanbul’s Hidden Gems: Beyond the Tourist Trail | Istanbul |
| Day 5 | Departure |
Plan your trip to Istanbul
This is a sample itinerary for inspiration. Chat with a local expert who can assist you in planning your one-of-a-kind trip.
Old Istanbul (Sultanahmet) with the Bosphorus Strait dividing Asia and Europe
Upon arrival, your personal driver will be waiting for you outside Istanbul International Airport to take you to your hotel in the city center. Once you’ve settled into your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax. Alternatively, you can choose to explore the city on your own and see for yourself why Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “If the earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.”
When you feel hungry, treat your taste buds to a delightful local meal. Dine at one of Istanbul’s many kebab restaurants or explore other Turkish specialties such as fresh fish and mezes, pide (flatbread), kofte(meatballs), and raki—an anise-flavored apéritif, proudly holds the title of Turkey’s national drink.
Courtyard of the Harem at Topkapi Palace
Good morning! Before we start our exploration today, we suggest having a nice Turkish breakfast to get ready for the day. You’ll need the energy because today we’re going on a full-day walking tour of the major landmarks in Istanbul’s Old City, with a private guide.
Our journey begins with a visit to the ancient Hippodrome, once a vibrant center for chariot races and sporting events during the Byzantine era. Then, we’ll visit the nearby Blue Mosque, famous for its beautiful interior decorated with blue tiles. After that, we’ll check out the Basilica Cistern, an underground wonder with an interesting history as a water storage system. We’ll finish the morning section with a visit to the impressive Hagia Sophia—an architectural masterpiece that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires.
After a delicious lunch break at a Michelin-recommended restaurant to refuel, we’ll dive into the splendor of the Ottoman Empire at Topkapi Palace. Get ready to admire the stunning architecture and priceless treasures, and learn all about the extravagant lifestyle of the sultans.
In the late afternoon, your guide will take you to the iconic Grand Bazaar. With its 4,000-plus shops spread across 61 streets, it’s a lively market bursting with colors, sounds, and aromas. Here, you can watch skilled artisans at work and put your bargaining skills to the test for some unique treasures.
Afterwards, return to your hotel for some relaxation. Later in the evening, you can venture out for dinner at one of the restaurants in Taksim Square, Galata, or the trendy Karaköy area.
Cruising across the Bosphorus Strait on a private yacht
On your second day in Istanbul, get ready for an exciting exploration of Istanbul’s most captivating attractions. Today, we’ll use public transportation to give you a taste of local life.
To start our day, we’ll hop aboard a boat for a two-hour cruise along the Bosphorus. From the deck, you’ll have the chance to take in the breathtaking views of Istanbul’s renowned landmarks on both the Europeanand Asian sides of the city. As we glide along, you’ll see everything from Ottoman mansions to marble palaces, stunning mosques, and delightful neighborhoods lining the city’s shores. This cruise promises a one-of-a-kind and picturesque view of Istanbul.
But that’s just the beginning! After the boat ride, we’ll dive into the heart of Istanbul with a food tour along Istiklal Street. We’ll try out some yummy local street food while checking out historical spots like consulates, St. Antoine’s Church, the Galata Whirling Dervish Hall, Tunel District, Neve Shalom Synagogue, and the iconic Galata Tower. Each stop will make you feel more connected to Istanbul’s rich history and culture.
Next, we’ll visit the Camondo Steps, a beautiful Art Nouveau creation from the 1870s leading down to Karaköy‘s waterfront. Then, we’ll cross the Golden Horn via the Galata Bridge to reach the Eminönü waterfront, famous for its lively bazaars. Here, we’ll explore the Spice Market, try some local treats like nuts and Turkish delight, and maybe have a cup of tea in the bustling atmosphere.
After a full day of exploring Istanbul’s sights and flavors, we’ll head back to your hotel for some well-deserved relaxation before dinner.
The Fener and Balat Neighborhoods – UNESCO Heritage Sites
Welcome to another day of exploration in Istanbul! Today, we’ll discover a different sides of the city, avoiding the usual tourist spots and immersing ourselves in its authentic charm and hidden gems.
Our journey begins by exploring the enchanting neighborhoods of Golden Horn, Fener, and Balat. Picture colorful streets and rich history as we leisurely stroll through these charming areas. Continuing our exploration, we’ll learn about the historical significance of the iconic City Walls of Constantinople. Brace yourself for a unique experience – a swift drive from Europe to Asia in just a few minutes through an underwater tunnel.
Lunchtime calls, and we’ll satisfy our taste buds with a culinary walk in Kadikoy. Explore local markets and eateries, sampling various delicious Turkish dishes, immersing ourselves in the lively culinary scene of this bustling Asian side neighborhood. Next, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the enchanting Bosphorus promenade at Uskudar. Soak in the charm of this historic area and marvel at the water views. To cap off our day, unwind with a traditional Turkish coffee at Kuzguncuk, a charming Bosphorus-side district.
Finally, as the day winds down, we’ll conclude our memorable journey with a scenic drive back to the hotel, crossing the illuminated Bosphorus Bridge.
A Farewell, Not Goodbye!
You’ll have the morning free to do as you please in Istanbul. Whether you want to do some more exploring on your own or maybe go back to the Grand Bazaar for some last-minute souvenir shopping, it’s up to you. Just remember to keep an eye on the time because a driver will be coming to your hotel to take you to Istanbul International Airport for your flight back home.
Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey! 😊✈️🌍
