Istanbul Tour: A 6-Day Enchanting Discovery Across Two Continents
A 6-day magical journey where you'll discover Istanbul's historical texture, cultural richness, and unique atmosphere. In this ancient city connecting Asia and Europe, an extraordinary experience awaits you, spanning from Byzantine to Ottoman, from ancient times to modern days.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1Flight to Istanbul; transfer to hotel and welcome dinner at a fish restaurant in Kumkapı.
Day 2We reach Hagia Sophia, one of the city's most famous and impressive structures, passing through the Church of Sergius and Bacchus and Cankurtaran District. Hagia Sophia, appearing like a fortress from outside, now serves as a museum. Then, we visit the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), famous for its blue Iznik tiles and magnificent dome, and the Hippodrome.
In the afternoon, at Topkapi Palace, we see the sultans' rich treasures, Islamic holy relics, and one of the world's largest Chinese porcelain collections. The Harem section, the heart of the palace, has a mystical atmosphere as if straight out of Arabian Nights.
Day 3After breakfast, we visit the Chora Museum, one of the most important works of Byzantine art, famous for its unique mosaics and frescoes. Then we visit the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in the Golden Horn and proceed to the Süleymaniye Mosque, masterpiece of architect Sinan. In the surrounding neighborhood, we have the chance to see restored or worn old Istanbul wooden houses.
We walk through the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar) among the enchanting scents of thousands of spices. The Grand Bazaar, with its 400 streets and 4,000 shops, beats at the heart of Istanbul with its spirit unchanged for centuries.
Day 4We explore the baroque-style Dolmabahce Palace built in the 19th century. Then, with a Bosphorus tour, we pass under the bridges connecting Asia and Europe, seeing 19th century Rococo palaces, fortresses in the narrow passages of the Bosphorus, and colorful wooden mansions.
Later, we descend into the Basilica Cistern from the 6th century. This underground treasure that supplied water to Emperor Justinian's palace enchants with its 336 columns and 80,000 cubic meters water capacity. An optional Turkish bath experience can be added.
Day 5We go to Eyüp district and take the cable car to Pierre Loti Hill for a tea break with a view. Then, we visit the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, famous for its elegant tiles.
We take the funicular to Taksim and enjoy the magnificent view of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn from Galata Tower. After visiting Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk's Museum of Innocence, we reach Taksim Square via Europe's first metro built in 1871, seeing the neoclassical buildings on Istiklal Street. This is where the heart of modern Istanbul beats!
Day 6Transfer to airport and farewell.