Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Istanbul
You'll land at Atatürk Airport and get picked up for transfer to your hotel in the city center. After you check in, the afternoon and evening are open for you to wander around Istanbul on your own and get a feel for the place.
- Start point
- İstanbul Airport, İstanbul Airport Turkey, Istanbul, 34275, Türkiye (Istanbul or Sabiha Gokcen Airport)
Optional Activities
- Self-guided walking exploration of Istanbul
- Day 2
Istanbul: Bosphorus & Markets
Following breakfast, you'll take a boat across the Bosphorus to reach the Maiden Tower sitting on its rocky island. From there, head over to Kadıköy on the Asian side and grab lunch with views back toward Sultanahmet. You can walk around or hop on a vintage tram, and there's time to stop by Hacı Bekir Efendi confectioners if you want. Later, ferry back to the European side and check out the Egyptian Bazaar before returning to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel), Lunch (Lunch in Kadıköy district with views across the Sea of Marmara)
Included Activities
- Crossing the Bosphorus
- Visit to Maiden Tower
- Lunch in Kadıköy district
- Free time to explore Moda area by foot or vintage tram
- Ferry ride back to European Istanbul
- Visit to Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market)
Optional Activities
- Visit to Hacı Bekir Efendi confectioners
Landmarks/POIs Maiden Tower Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market) 
- Day 3
Istanbul: Mosques, Bosphorus & Taksim
Start with the Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the bigger ones in Istanbul. Then take a cruise up the Bosphorus where you'll see palaces and gardens including Dolmabahçe and Çirağan Palace. Next you head to Eyup and ride a cable car up to Pierre Loti café for views over the Golden Horn. Visit the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Tomb after that, then spend time exploring the newer parts of Istanbul near Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, including the decorated Çiçek Pasajı.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit to Süleymaniye Mosque
- Bosphorus cruise
- Cable car ride to Pierre Loti café
- Visit to Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Tomb
- Exploration of Taksim Square and Istiklal Street area
Landmarks/POIs Süleymaniye Mosque Dolmabahçe Palace Çirağan Palace Pierre Loti Café Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Tomb Taksim Square Istiklal Street Çiçek Pasajı - Day 4
Istanbul: Palaces, Mosques & Grand Bazaar
You'll tour Topkapi Palace, the old home of Ottoman Sultans, with time in the harem, kitchen, and grounds. Next is Hagia Sophia, which has been a church, mosque, and museum throughout history. Then comes the Blue Mosque with its blue Iznik tiles. Stop in Sultanahmet Square for lunch at a restaurant nearby. If there's time, the Basilica Cistern is worth seeing for its atmosphere. Spend the rest of the afternoon shopping for local handicrafts at the Grand Bazaar.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at a nearby restaurant in Sultanahmet)
Included Activities
- Visit to Topkapi Palace including harem quarters, kitchen and gardens
- Visit to Hagia Sophia
- Visit to Blue Mosque
- Stroll through Sultanahmet Square
- Lunch at nearby restaurant in Sultanahmet
- Shopping at Grand Bazaar
Optional Activities
- Visit to Basilica Cistern
Landmarks/POIs Topkapi Palace Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque Sultanahmet Square Basilica Cistern Grand Bazaar - Day 5
Departure from Istanbul
Check out of your hotel and get transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
