Istanbul Cultural Tour 5N 6D ( Full Board )

Tour Description

DAY 1 > Arrival Day

After completing passport and baggage procedures, our guests proceed to Exit Gate No. 14 at Istanbul Airport, where they will be welcomed by our professional local team at the designated meeting point.

If the arrival is at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, guests should head to the exit gate and meet our team at Column No. 13.

Following the meet and greet, guests board the transfer vehicle waiting for them and begin the journey to the hotel. Depending on traffic and weather conditions, the transfer may take approximately 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Upon arrival at the hotel, check-in procedures are completed, and guests can proceed to their rooms for some rest.

Those who wish may enjoy a shopping experience at the Grand Bazaar or explore nearby local markets within walking distance of the hotel.

At 19:00, depending on seasonal demand and group arrangements:

If accommodation is at Antik Hotel Old City, dinner will be served at the Marmarion Restaurant, located on the top floor of the hotel.

If guests are staying at an equivalent hotel other than Antik Hotel Old City, dinner will be provided at an alternative partner restaurant within walking distance, as designated by our agency.

After dinner, guests return to their rooms to rest for the next day.

DAY 2 > Istanbul Old City Tour

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, our guests meet their professional, certified guides in the hotel lobby between 08:00–08:30. Our guides speak English, and optionally Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, German, or French.

The tour begins with a short walk to Sultanahmet Square, where guests are introduced to the area’s most iconic monuments. Our guide shares in-depth information about each landmark, including the Hippodrome, the ancient Roman chariot-racing arena that served as a social and political hub during the Byzantine Empire.

Next, we visit the world-famous Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), built in the 17th century by Sultan Ahmed I. It is renowned for its six minarets and the magnificent blue İznik tiles that adorn its interior.

Following this visit, depending on the day’s crowd levels, our guide will decide whether to visit the Hagia Sophia or the Topkapi Palace first:

Hagia Sophia: Originally built in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia remained the world’s largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years. It was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, later transformed into a museum in 1935, and reconverted into a mosque in 2020. It is a masterpiece of architecture and art, celebrated for its immense dome and beautiful mosaics.

Topkapi Palace: This grand palace served as the residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. It was not only a royal residence but also the administrative and spiritual heart of the empire, housing the imperial treasury and sacred relics. The palace's rich design and views over the Bosphorus make it a must-see highlight of Istanbul.

After these key visits, the tour continues with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı):

Basilica Cistern: Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I, this underground water reservoir is supported by 336 marble columns. Its mystical ambiance, reflecting pools, and the famous Medusa heads make it one of the city’s most unique and cinematic landmarks.

After the cistern visit, we enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant selected by our agency. Guests are then given some free time to explore or relax.

At 17:00, we return to the hotel.

After a short rest, guests meet again at 19:00 in the hotel lobby for dinner. Accompanied by their guide and driver, the group heads to Çınar Restaurant in Ortaköy, or a similar venue nearby. Depending on traffic and weather conditions, the transfer may take 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Following dinner, guests can enjoy the charming neighborhood of Ortaköy, take photos of the Bosphorus and the Bosphorus Bridge, and browse through local artisan shops.

Around 22:30, we return to the hotel to rest for the next day.

DAY 3 > Istanbul Old City Tour Day 2

On the third day of our tour, we continue exploring the historical treasures of Istanbul. After breakfast at our hotel, we meet our professional licensed tour guide in the hotel lobby between 08:00–08:30 and resume our walking tour from where we left off.

Our first stop is the ancient ruins of Constantinople, followed by a visit to Beyazıt Mosque.

Beyazıt Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Bayezid II and constructed between 1501–1506. It is one of the most significant examples of early classical Ottoman architecture. Located next to Istanbul University, the mosque was once surrounded by a külliye (complex) serving as a hub of social life.

We continue toward the Grand Bazaar, stopping briefly at the Sahaflar Book Bazaar, a historic marketplace for old and rare books.

On the way, we visit Süleymaniye Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

Süleymaniye Mosque, completed between 1550–1557 by the legendary architect Mimar Sinan, is considered his “masterpiece.” The mosque complex included schools, a hospital, a library, and a soup kitchen, making it both a religious and social center of its era.

We then arrive at the Grand Bazaar.

The Grand Bazaar, founded in 1461 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, has grown to become one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets. With around 4,000 shops, it played a major role in Ottoman-era trade and continues to be a top destination for shoppers and tourists alike.

After an informative introduction from our guide, guests will be given free time to explore and shop.

Following the bazaar, we walk through the Mahmutpaşa and Tahtakale districts to reach the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı).

The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, was constructed in 1664 by Turhan Sultan. Designed by architect Kasım Ağa, it earned its name from the spices brought from Egypt. It remains a vibrant symbol of Istanbul with its lively stalls and historical ambiance.

Here, our guide shares the bazaar’s history, and guests will again have free time for shopping.

We then enjoy lunch at Yaka Balık or a similar fish restaurant located on the historic Galata Bridge, known for its iconic view of the Bosphorus.

After lunch, we embark on a 1–1.5 hour Bosphorus Cruise. During the boat ride, our guide explains the stories behind the historical mansions (yalıs), palaces, and museums located along both shores of the Bosphorus.

After the cruise, we proceed to our vehicle and head back to the hotel around 17:00 to rest and prepare for dinner.

At 19:30, we meet our guide and driver in the lobby and depart for Egeli Restaurant or a similar venue in Kumkapı, known for its traditional Turkish cuisine. This short journey typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic.

After enjoying the rich flavors of Turkish dishes and local ambiance, we return to the hotel around 23:00 to conclude the day.

DAY 4 >Fener & Balat Tour Day

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we meet our professional licensed tour guide and driver in the lobby between 08:00–08:30, and begin our day by heading toward the Golden Horn, also known as Haliç.

We start the tour by exploring the Fener district, historically inhabited by the Greek Orthodox community during the Ottoman Empire. With its colorful houses and narrow streets, this neighborhood offers rich architecture and cultural heritage, which our guide will explain in detail.

Next, we visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, a significant spiritual center for the Orthodox Christian world, which is still active today.

Afterward, we proceed to the Balat district, known as the historical Jewish quarter of Istanbul. This area is home to old synagogues and traditional Jewish houses. Our guide provides valuable insights into the area's multi-faith and multicultural history.

We then take a lunch break at a local restaurant in the Balat area.

After lunch, we visit the Chora Museum (Kariye), originally a Byzantine church famous for its stunning mosaics and frescoes, later converted into a mosque and now functioning as a museum.

Following that, we head to the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, one of the holiest sites in Istanbul for Muslims. It houses the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad.

We continue by taking the cable car up to Pierre Loti Hill, where we enjoy a panoramic view of Istanbul’s Golden Horn over tea or coffee in a peaceful café setting.

After our break, we descend by cable car and reunite with our guide and driver, then depart for Taksim Square. Our guide will give a brief overview of the square’s history before we move on to Istiklal Street, one of the busiest pedestrian avenues in the world. Here, we provide our guests with free time until dinner.

At 19:00, we gather at the historical Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage) on Istiklal Street for a delightful dinner.

Finally, at around 22:00, we return to our hotel and conclude the day.

DAY 5 > Asian Side Day Tour

After having breakfast at our hotel, we meet our professional licensed guide and driver in the hotel lobby between 08:00–08:30. We then depart for our first stop: Dolmabahçe Palace.

Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most magnificent structures built during the late Ottoman Empire. Constructed between 1843 and 1856 by Sultan Abdülmecid, the palace combines elements of Western architecture with traditional Ottoman design. It features 285 rooms, 46 halls, stunning crystal chandeliers, and an immense ceremonial hall. The palace is also historically significant as the place where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, passed away in 1938.

Following the guided tour and historical insights at the palace, we continue to the Çamlıca Hill located on Istanbul’s Asian side.

After crossing the Bosphorus Bridge, we reach Çamlıca Hill, where we enjoy lunch accompanied by breathtaking panoramic views of the Bosphorus. After lunch, we head to Kadıköy, one of the busiest and most vibrant districts on the Asian side. Following a short briefing from our guide, guests will have free time to explore the area and enjoy some shopping.

At 16:00, we depart from Kadıköy and return to our hotel to rest and prepare for the evening.

Between 19:00–19:30, we meet again in the hotel lobby and depart with our guide and driver for the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. The dinner cruise starts at 20:30 and ends at 24:00. During the cruise, guests will enjoy a delightful dinner along the Bosphorus, accompanied by entertainment such as belly dancing, traditional Turkish folk dances, and other cultural performances to ensure a fun and unforgettable night.

DAY 6 > Departure Day

After having breakfast at the hotel, our guests complete their check-out procedures. Depending on the flight schedule, they depart from the hotel accompanied by our professional guide and driver, heading toward either Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

The transfer duration may vary between 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the day’s traffic conditions. Upon arrival at the airport, our guide will be available to assist guests with check-in and baggage procedures.

We would like to thank all our guests for joining us on this enjoyable and culturally rich tour, and we look forward to welcoming them again on future journeys.