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!
2 Days Istanbul Highlights: Old City & Bosphorus Cruise from Aydin Private Tour
Highlights of the Historic Istanbul Experience
Embark on an immersive two-day journey from Aydin to the heart of Istanbul, a unique metropolis bridging the European and Asian continents. This fully guided tour delves into the layers of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. You will begin your exploration in the historic Sultanahmet district, visiting the ancient Hippodrome, which once served as the vibrant center for chariot racing. Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets and intricate interior adorned with blue Iznik tiles, and admire the majestic exterior of the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of 6th-century engineering.
The tour continues with a visit to the Topkapi Palace Museum, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Here, you will discover the impressive weapon and armor collection, various pavilions, and the sacred relics of the Prophets, all while enjoying panoramic views of the city from the fourth courtyard. Your immersion into local culture includes a shopping stop in the bazaar quarter, a sensory delight where you can explore traditional Turkish arts, ceramics, and local crafts. This curated itinerary ensures you experience the most significant landmarks of the Old City with the convenience of professional guidance and seamless logistics.
On your second day, the experience shifts to the legendary Bosphorus Strait, the waterway dividing Europe and Asia. A traditional boat excursion offers a unique vantage point to view iconic structures such as Dolmabahce Palace, the imperial Yildiz Palace, and the striking Ciragan Palace. You will also sail past the historic Rumeli Fortress, a masterpiece of military architecture, and the Asian-side summer residence of Beylerbeyi Palace. Before boarding the boat you will already have wandered the historic Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest covered markets, and after a lunch break the return flight takes you back to Aydin.
Quick facts
| Tour type | Private · multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Days 1 Night |
| Price | From €620 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 5 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours · TÜRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your full program, day by day — click a day to see every stop.
Day 1 Arrival - Bosphorus and Grand Bazaar ▾
After an early pick-up from your hotel in Aydin and a flight from Aydin Cildir Airport, you will be transferred to the historic heart of Istanbul. Your guided walking tour begins at the ancient Hippodrome, where you will see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its blue Iznik tiles, followed by a photo opportunity outside the historic Hagia Sophia. You will then explore the Topkapi Palace Museum to view its expansive collections and sacred relics. After a lunch break, a shopping stop in the bazaar quarter lets you browse traditional crafts and goods before settling into your hotel for the night.
Day 2 Bosphorus and Grand Bazaar - Bosphorus 🍽 Breakfast ▾
Following breakfast, you will head to the Grand Bazaar, a sprawling complex featuring 61 covered streets and thousands of shops. Afterward, board a boat for a scenic Bosphorus cruise. As you sail between Europe and Asia, you will admire the waterfront views of Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Yildiz Palace, and the historic Rumeli Fortress. You will also see Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian shore. After the cruise and a break for lunch, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Aydin Cildir Airport, concluding your journey with a transfer back to your hotel.
What's Included
✓ Included
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Istanbul
- Licensed professional guide in your language
- 1 breakfast
- Entrance fees for the sites mentioned in the itinerary
- Transfers between your hotel in Aydin and Aydin Cildir Airport
- Transfers from Istanbul airport to the Old City and back to the airport
- Guided Old City and shopping tour, guided Bosphorus cruise
- Transportation via air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
✕ Not Included
- International or domestic flight tickets
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Harem section entrance fee at Topkapi Palace
- Lunch, alcoholic and cold drinks
- Personal expenses and laundry
- City tax
- Turkey entry visa
Your Route Across Turkey
Istanbul Old City → Bosphorus and Grand Bazaar
Our Tour Vehicles
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
👥 54 Seats
👥 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
👥 55 Seats
👥 54 Seats
👥 50 Seats
👥 50 Seats
👥 50 Seats
👥 46 Seats
👥 37+2 Seats
👥 37 Seats
👥 35 Seats
👥 16+1 Seats
👥 16+1 Seats
👥 12+1 Seats
👥 6+1 Seats
Add Daily Excursions
Extra day tours you can add along your route — Istanbul Old City, Bosphorus and Grand Bazaar.
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Book This Tour
Fill in your details and we confirm your private departure within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the 2 Days Istanbul Highlights: Old City & Bosphorus Cruise from Aydin Private Tour?▾
How many days is this tour and which cities does it cover?▾
Is this a private tour?▾
Which hotel categories are available?▾
In which languages is the guide available?▾
How do I book and what is the cancellation policy?▾
What Our Travellers Say
Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
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 — 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!











