Experience the unique charm of Istanbul, a city that gracefully bridges the European and Asian continents. This immersive two-day journey offers a deep dive into the historical layers of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. You will explore the heart of the historic peninsula, witnessing world-renowned landmarks that have shaped the cultural identity of Turkey for centuries.
Your itinerary includes a comprehensive exploration of the Old City, starting with the Ancient Hippodrome, which once served as the social hub of Constantinople. Marvel at the intricate blue Iznik tiles of the Sultanahmet Mosque and admire the architectural grandeur of the Hagia Sophia from the exterior. The tour continues to the Topkapi Palace Museum, where you can discover the opulent lifestyle of Ottoman sultans, view sacred relics, and enjoy panoramic vistas from the fourth courtyard.
The second morning begins in the Grand Bazaar, a vast covered market of 61 streets and more than 4,000 shops where jewellers, carpet dealers and craftsmen still trade side by side. From there you board a traditional boat for a cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that divides Europe from Asia. Wooden waterfront mansions, the marble facades of Dolmabahce and Ciragan palaces, the park of Yildiz Palace, the lively quarter of Ortakoy, the 15th-century Rumeli Fortress and Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian shore pass by your deck. Transfers between Ayvalik and Balikesir Koca Seyit Airport, Istanbul airport transfers and a professional guide keep the short escape simple from start to finish.
| Tour type | Private Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Days 1 Night |
| Price | From β¬620 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 4 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours Β· TΓRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full program, day by day β click a day to see every stop.
Your journey begins with a morning transfer from your hotel in Ayvalik to Balikesir Koca Seyit Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to the historic Old City. Your guided walking tour commences at the Ancient Hippodrome, home to the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. You will then visit the iconic Blue Mosque, celebrated for its exquisite interior tilework and six minarets. After viewing the Hagia Sophia from the outside, you will explore the Topkapi Palace Museum, including its weapon collections and sacred relics. After a break for lunch, the day concludes with a shopping walk through the bazaar quarter, known for ceramics, copperware and meerschaum pipes, before you check in to your hotel in Istanbul for the night.
Following breakfast, you will visit the historic Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. Afterward, you will embark on a traditional boat cruise along the Bosphorus. From the water, you will admire the Dolmabahce Palace, Yildiz Palace, Ciragan Palace, the waterfront quarter of Ortakoy and the impressive Rumeli Fortress. You will also view the Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side. This cruise offers a unique vantage point of the city's architectural heritage. After some free time for lunch, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your return flight to Balikesir Koca Seyit Airport, followed by a final transfer back to your hotel in Ayvalik.
Istanbul Old City β Bosphorus & Grand Bazaar
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles β the same fleet we use on your tour.
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
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π₯ 50 Seats
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π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 46 Seats
π₯ 37+2 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats
π₯ 35 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 12+1 Seats
π₯ 6+1 Seats
Extra day tours you can add along your route β Istanbul Old City, Bosphorus & Grand Bazaar.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized β from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!