Tour Overview
Here is a detailed 8-day Istanbul tour with the best prices and four optional tours. During your Istanbul Tour, you will visit the impressive Istanbul Old City, enjoy a wonderful cruise along the Bosphorus, and visit the highest point in Istanbul, Camlica Hill. Visit the hot spots of Istanbul's Prince's Island, a fun Isfanbul (Vialand) theme park, an amazing Istanbul Miniaturk Museum, and a magnificent Aquarium throughout the optional tours. Let's check the itinerary.
Attractions
Highlights
- Istanbul Old City
- Hippodrome
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Grand Bazaar
- Istanbul City Tour
Itinerary
When you arrive at Istanbul Airport, a representative from TSG will meet you and drive you to your hotel so you can check in. After receiving your room key, you'll have the rest of the day to discover the wonders of Istanbul. Enjoy an overnight stay in the city.
(Open buffet breakfast included)
After breakfast, the tour will depart for a gorgeous Istanbul City Tour. The first stop is the Topkapi Palace; the great palace of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. At the same time, it houses an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the imperial treasury, miniatures, and the holy mantle, enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed.
The second stop of the tour is Sultanahmet Square, where the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque salutes the Hagia Sophia. The Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, which was built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is also known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Next, the tour will explore the Hippodrome; the site of ancient chariot races, and the home of three ancient monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpent Column, and the Column of Constantine. When you reach the other end of the Hippodrome, the Hagia Sophia Mosque will meet you with all its grandeur.
After a delectable lunch break, TSG will take you to the bazaar, where you can find exotic spices and herbs, Turkish Baklava, delicious Turkish Delights, Turkish Coffee, nuts and fruits, hand made souvenirs and more. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
Please note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, the Bascilica Cistern can be an alternative. For the night, our guests can experience an optional Bosphorus Dinner Cruise as well. Please contact your consultant for both attractions' details. Remember to bring a headscarf when visiting religious sites such as the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Mosque.
(Breakfast included)
The TSG team will pick you up from the hotel after breakfast around 8:00 a.m. for "Bosphorus by Boat,". a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shoreline is home to dozens of old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. You will have the opportunity to see the 19th-century Ottoman masterpiece Dolmabahce Palace, Yildiz Palace, one of the unique samples of the last period of Ottoman architecture, and Ciragan Palace with its amazing marble facades from the boat. Moreover, the iconic view of Ortakoy, the Rumeli Fortress, which is one of the most beautiful works of military architecture of the Ottomans, the harmony of the architectural styles of east and west at Beylerbeyi Palace, and more can be seen during the boat tour. Lunch break at the Turkish restaurant. Overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast included)
While you are free to spend the day as you please, we highly suggest participating in the optional Prince's Island Tour, which is a truly memorable experience. You'll embark on a cruise in the Marmara Sea, where you'll see Istanbul's landmarks such as Topkapi Palace, Leander's Tower, and Uskudar from a different perspective. The tour will make a stop at Buyukada, a popular summer resort with sandy beaches and picturesque pinewood scenery, once a favorite spot for the Byzantine princes. If you're visiting during the summer season, take advantage of the many optional water sports activities available on the Island's beach resort. You'll tour the island in horse-drawn carriages before stopping at a fish restaurant for a delicious lunch. Once the tour concludes, we'll transfer you back to your hotel, where you'll spend the night in Istanbul.
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, at 9:00 am, we'll leave for an exciting day at Isfanbul Tour, the first contemporary theme park in Turkey, which is situated in Istanbul's Eyup neighborhood. The expansive 600,000 m² complex boasts over 50 attractions, including a fast-launched roller coaster with speeds of up to 110 km/h, a water coaster that combines a roller coaster ride with a water experience, and a family-friendly coaster. Other attractions include a rapid river ride, a drop tower, a dark ride, and much more. For younger guests, the park offers a carousel, playgrounds, mini-cars, and 3D movies. Isfanbul's theme is centered around the daily life of old Istanbul, with a large shopping center adjacent to the park. The park is designed with different areas to cater to guests of all ages and interests, ensuring easy access to a variety of fun activities. We'll return to the hotel at approximately 4:30 p.m., where you'll spend the night in Istanbul.
(Breakfast included)
The largest miniature park in the world, Miniaturk, which is located in Istanbul, Turkey, is on the itinerary for today. Covering a vast area of 60,000 m², with 15,000 m² dedicated to the model area, the park is home to 105 models at 1/25th scale. Of the models, 45 are from Istanbul, 45 from Anatolia, and 15 from the Ottoman territories beyond Turkey's borders. The park also includes ancient buildings like the Mausoleum of Mausollos at Halicarnassus (currently Bodrum) and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus. The remaining space is reserved for future models. Murti's Tour will then take you to visit Pierloti, where you'll find one of the best vantage points to admire Istanbul's famous Golden Horn. Located at the top of Eyup Sultan Cemetery, this place is now a cafe called Pierre Loti Cafe, named after the writer Pierre Loti, a frequent visitor to the cafe for its breathtaking views. Next, we'll go to the Cevahir Shopping Center, a cutting-edge retail and entertainment complex situated in Istanbul, Turkey's Sisli neighborhood. This center, also known as Sisli Cultural and Trade Center, is one of the largest shopping centers in Europe. After the tour, we'll return you to your hotel, where you'll spend the night in Istanbul.
(Breakfast included)
TSG will take you to Istanbul Sea Life Akvaryum after breakfast at 09.30. This modern giant aquarium is home to thousands of sea creatures such as sharks, giant stingrays, piranhas, and octopuses. The aquarium presents an unparalleled experience to visitors and showcases various underwater inhabitants collected from all around the world. There are 29 aquariums with different themes from the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. The largest aquarium in Istanbul, Sea Life Aqvarium, is filled with 5 million litres of water and includes an 80-meter-long acrylic underwater tunnel. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the aquarium from the colossal observation deck, which features 270 degrees of underwater scenery. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the magical underwater world. Overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast included)
One of TSG's adventures comes to an end after breakfast. However, you can sign up to take advantage of TSG credits, and this is the best way to snag credits and use them for your next trips as a discount, as well as to hear about the hot deals according to your interests.
Trip includes
Included
7 nights hotel in the Central Palace Taksim
Please Note: If the above hotels are not available we will provide the similar category hotels.
Professional English-speaking tour guides
Guiding Method
Fully guided
7 breakfasts
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Arrival airport transfer from Istanbul Airport
Return transfer to Istanbul airport
Guided Istanbul City Tour
Guided Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Shopping tour
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Excluded
International flights
Insurance
City tax
Turkey entry visa
Personal expenses: Extras at hotel or additional meals
Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
Insurance: All types
Any others expenses which are not mentioned in the "included" section
Availability
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Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.
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By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:
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Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
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