Best of Istanbul Tour

Best of Istanbul tour shows you the one of the world’s most historically rich destinations. Once at the heart of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, it’s one of the world’s most historically rich destinations. With Asia and Europe straddling either side of its glittering Bosphorus Strait, it’s also replete with paradoxes: East and West, old and new.

Day 1 – Istanbul – Arrival Day
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met by a Tours in Turkey representative and get transferred to your hotel for overnight. A walking tour of the artistic Pera side of Istanbul will be followed with your welcome dinner.

Day 2
Start the day by visiting the legendary Blue Mosque, named for the beautiful blue Iznik tiles that decorates its interior. Then stroll around the historical Hippodrome where once chariot races and professional sports events were taking place

Continue to Hagia Sophia, the first Christian Basilica built by the emperor Justinian in the 6th century,building its reputation with having the biggest and the highest dome of the world then. Later converted in to a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. See the beautiful mosaics on display at the museum. Visit Topkapi Palace, legendary residence and also the state headquarters of the Ottoman Sultans. This palace which once hosted more than 5000 people every single day during working hours and had a household population of 1200 each guarded by an imperial guard, will be the highlight of the day.

Day 3
Visit the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, dating to 1665. Afterwards, board the regular ferry which crosses the Bosphorus, visiting both European and Asian piers en route giving the opportunity to take photos of this breathtaking pass. Sites along the way include the 15th century Rumelihisar fortress, summer palaces and the unique wooden houses of 18th and 19th centuries. The cruise ends at the fishing village of Sariyer close to the Black Sea.

Drive by coach via the Intercontinental Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian side to witness the picturesque  view of Istanbul. Visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of Ottoman Sultans from the age of modernization, with its original furniture and magnificent gardens.

Day 4
Take a short cruise on the Marmara Sea to Buyukada, also known as Princes’ Island. See the traditional wooden houses and enjoy great architectural approach of the 18th century. Take a horse carriage through the narrow streets and view the summer homes of some of the most affluent Turks. Enjoy some delicious fish in a local restaurant.

Day 5 – Departure Day
Check out from our hotel following breakfast . You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flights today.

All transfers upon arrival and at departure.

4 nights BB accommodation in hotels mentioned in itinerary.

Welcome dinner on arrival day and seafood lunch on day of Princes’ Island.

All entrance fees to the museums and sites named in itinerary.

English speaking professional guidance throughout the tour.

Travel & Health insurance.

Local (VAT) and additional taxes.