Istanbul Trip Overview
This three-day break in Istanbul offers the chance to explore a city founded in 660BC and rich in history. Founded as Byzantium, renamed Constantinople and finally Istanbul, this fascinating place straddles the Bosphorus. The resultant blend of east and west, Asia and Europe, makes for a heady mix of sightseeing. From mosques to palaces, underground cisterns to panoramic views, Istanbul’s rich heritage will ensure no visitor leaves disappointed.
Additional Info
Duration: 3 days
Starts: Istanbul, Turkey
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Istanbul Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Istanbul, Turkey, Turkey
This three-day break in Istanbul offers the chance to explore a city founded in 660BC and rich in history. Founded as Byzantium, renamed Constantinople and finally Istanbul, this fascinating place straddles the Bosphorus. The resultant blend of east and west, Asia and Europe, makes for a heady mix of sightseeing. From mosques to palaces, underground cisterns to panoramic views, Istanbul’s rich heritage will ensure no visitor leaves disappointed.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul. Transfer
Pass By: Istanbul, Istanbul
Today, we’ll be waiting to meet you at the airport as you arrive in wonderful Istanbul.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in a hotel. Our packages include 3* and 4* hotel options.
Day 2: Istanbul. City Tour
Stop At: Topkapi Palace, Cankurtaran Mahallesi Gulhane Park, Near Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul 34122 Turkey
We begin exploring this fascinating city with a visit to Topkapi Palace. Perched on a promontory overlooking the Golden Horn, you’re perfectly placed to get a handle on the city’s physical geography from this vantage point where the Marmara Sea meets the Bosphorus. The Ottoman sultans lived in Topkapi Palace from the 15th to the 19th century but for almost a century it’s been open to the public as a museum, allowing visitors a glimpse of its harem and courtyards.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Hagia Sophia Mosque, Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya MeydanI No:1, Istanbul 34122 Turkey
With a varied history as a mosque, church and museum, Hagia Sophia is no less compelling. Its ornate calligraphy is nothing short of magnificent.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Mah At Meydani Cad No 7, Istanbul 34122 Turkey
Nearby the Blue Mosque, so called for the Iznik tiles that grace its interior, is another must-see.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Hippodrome, Binbirdirek, Sultan Ahmet ParkI No:2, Istanbul Turkey
You’ll also visit the Byzantine Hippodrome, which once hosted chariot races, and the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, an abandoned reservoir hidden in plain sight beneath the streets of the Old Town.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Grand Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
We’ll round off today’s sightseeing in the Grand Bazaar. This famous market first set up in 1461, making it one of the world’s oldest and it’s impossible not to find some kind of souvenir to take home with you.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in a hotel. Our packages include 3* and 4* hotel options.
Day 3: Istanbul. Egyptian Market. Bosphorus Cruise. Departure
Stop At: Istanbul, Istanbul
On our second day, we spread our wings and discover more of this captivating city. We’ll take you to the Egyptian Bazaar which dates from the 17th century and is home to spice traders selling fresh mint, cardamom and cinnamon alongside boxes of Turkish Delight. Though popular with tourists, locals also come to restock their cupboards. Across the square, fishermen will be casting their rods off the Galata Bridge just as their fathers and grandfathers did. Board a sightseeing cruise to travel up the Bosphorus.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul 34122 Turkey
Board a sightseeing cruise to travel up the Bosphorus. Elegant palaces and mansions occupy riverside spots, including the Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Çırağan Palace and Rumeli Fortress. Relax as this historic panorama glides slowly by, giving you plenty of time to take in the fresh air from your deck chair.
Duration: 2 hours
Pass By: Istanbul, Istanbul
Today we bid you farewell and transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
