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Spend 5 days and 4 nights in Istanbul on a group tour that starts and ends in the city, with an airport pickup and standard 4-star hotel stays included. After your arrival transfer, you have free time to settle in before the guided days begin.
On the main touring days you visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Another day brings a Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia, plus the Spice Bazaar, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Çamlıca Hill. Lunches are included on tour days, with leisure time built in to explore at your own pace.
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) at your scheduled time, you will be met by our representative at the international arrivals exit, holding a sign with our agency code for identification. Following a brief meet-and-greet, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may choose to rest after your journey or explore the city independently. Alternatively, you can opt to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show at an additional cost.
This experience offers a memorable evening on the Bosphorus, complete with entertainment and a delicious dinner.
After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman treasures. The tour will start with a visit to the grand Hagia Sophia, a majestic structure that began as a cathedral, later served as a mosque, and is now a museum, showcasing centuries of history from both Christian and Islamic cultures.
Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue tiles and six towering minarets. This impressive building remains an active place of worship and a hallmark of Ottoman architecture. From there, you’ll explore the Hippodrome, which was once the center of Byzantine public life and the venue for chariot races and other social events.
Here, you’ll see important monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain. After visiting these key historical sites, you’ll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Turkish cuisine and take a moment to relax.
Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the stunning Topkapi Palace, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. You’ll explore the palace’s vast courtyards, jewel-filled treasuries, and, optionally, the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan’s family.
The final stop of the day will be at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops, the bazaar offers a wide range of goods, from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics, providing an exciting experience for both shoppers and culture enthusiasts.
At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 pm. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, whether you choose to explore more of Istanbul on your own or simply relax.
After breakfast at approximately 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to join the full-day Bosphorus Cruise and Two Continents Tour. Start with a visit to the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), where you’ll experience the vibrant colors and rich aromas of traditional spices, sweets, and local delicacies.
Next, you’ll board a shared boat and cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that divides Europe and Asia. Enjoy stunning views of Istanbul’s historic skyline, Ottoman palaces, and waterfront mansions as you glide between two continents.
After the cruise, savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace. This opulent palace, once the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, showcases luxurious interiors and beautiful gardens.
Conclude the day with a visit to Çamlıca Hill, the highest point in Istanbul, offering panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 pm. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore Istanbul at your own pace.
Today you will have a free day in Istanbul which you can use at leisure. If you like you can also join an add-on optional tour at an additional cost. There are three add-on optional day trips from Istanbul that you can select during booking at an additional cost.
The add-on optional day trips are 1) Bursa, 2) Troy and 3) Sapanca & Masukiye which return to Istanbul at the end of the day.
After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon) and will then be transferred to the Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. This will be the end of our tour and services.
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Booking your 5-Day Istanbul Highlights Tour is quick and easy through our secure online booking form on our website. Simply select your travel dates, choose any add-on options such as the Harem visit or optional day trips, and submit your details. You will receive instant confirmation by email once your reservation is processed.
We accept all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express through our secure payment gateway, so your details are always protected. You may pay in full at the time of booking or take advantage of our deposit option to secure your place and settle the balance later. Our team is happy to assist if you have any questions during checkout.
You will receive an instant confirmation email as soon as your booking is completed, summarising your tour details. Your final travel voucher, including your meet-and-greet details and hotel information, will be sent 24-48 hours before the tour start date. This ensures you have all the most up-to-date arrangements for your arrival in Istanbul.
The Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show is not included in the standard tour price and is offered as an optional add-on at an additional cost on your arrival day (Day 1). It's a wonderful way to enjoy an evening on the water with entertainment and a delicious dinner after settling into your hotel. You can request this when booking or speak to our representative upon arrival.
As the Blue Mosque is an active place of worship, modest dress is required for all visitors. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees, and women should bring a scarf to cover their hair. Comfortable, easily removable shoes are also recommended, as you'll need to take your shoes off before entering the prayer areas.
Entrance to the main areas of Topkapi Palace is included in your Day 2 tour, including the courtyards and treasuries. However, the Harem section, the private quarters of the sultan's family, is optional and carries an extra cost of USD 40 per person. You can let your guide know on the day if you'd like to add this fascinating visit.
You will spend four nights in Istanbul at the Antea Hotel Oldcity, Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel, Muyan Suites, or a similar standard-quality property. All accommodation includes daily breakfast, and the hotels are well located for exploring the city. The specific hotel for your dates will be confirmed on your travel voucher.
On your free Day 4, you can relax in Istanbul or join one of three add-on optional day trips at an additional cost: Bursa, Troy, or Sapanca & Masukiye. Each excursion departs in the morning and returns to Istanbul at the end of the day. These can be selected during booking, and we're happy to advise on which best suits your interests.
Many nationalities require a visa to enter Turkey, and this is not included in your tour price. Most travellers can easily apply online through the official Turkish e-Visa system before departure, while others may be exempt depending on their nationality. We recommend checking the requirements for your passport well ahead of your trip.
Yes, Turkey is a popular and welcoming destination for millions of visitors each year, and Istanbul in particular is well accustomed to international tourism. As with any major city, we recommend taking normal precautions with your belongings and staying aware of your surroundings. Throughout the guided portions of this tour, you'll be accompanied by our experienced English-speaking guides for added peace of mind.
Istanbul is a fantastic year-round destination, but the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) months offer the most pleasant weather for sightseeing. During these periods, you'll enjoy mild temperatures ideal for the Bosphorus cruise and walking tours, along with fewer crowds at the major sites. Summers are warm and lively, while winters are cooler and quieter.
If you need to cancel your tour or change your travel dates, please notify us at least 5 days before the tour start date. As this tour includes domestic flights and bus tickets, which are non-refundable, the cost of these tickets will be deducted from your payment and the remaining balance refunded to you. For cancellations or date changes made less than 5 days before the start date, no refund will be issued and the booking will be treated under our no-show policy.
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We visited Istanbul for 5 days with All Istanbul Tours. I highly recommend them. Their guides are super friendly and professional. The Victory Hotel & SPA was very clean and comfortable with breakfast included. We had a great time. Everything was fantastic!